A kasbah or Qassabah is a type of medina, Islamic city, or fortress (citadel).

Getty Images/Gallo Images

Kasbah

Agadir


Offering superb views, the hilltop kasbah 7km northwest of the centre is a rare survivor of the 1960 earthquake. Built in 1541 and restored in the 1740s, the area once housed 300 people. All that remains is the outer wall, though traces of the dwellings can still be made out. The inscription over the entry arch in Dutch and Arabic (‘Believe in God and respect the King’) is a reminder of the beginning of trade with the Low Countries.

The walk up to the kasbah is long, hot and uncomfortable: get a taxi (about Dh30) and walk back down.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Agadir attractions

1. Ancienne Talborjt

0.64 MILES

The grassy area below the kasbah covers the remains of old Agadir town and constitutes a mass grave for all those who died in the 1960 earthquake.

2. Marina

1.04 MILES

The city’s most modern attraction is a billion-dirham Dubai-esque pleasure port between the beach and commercial port. As well as mooring for your…

3. Agadir Beach

1.06 MILES

Locals and tourists come together here to enjoy the tawny sand, fresh breeze and lapping waves. There are lots of cafes, restaurants and vendors to help…

4. Mémoire d’Agadir

1.09 MILES

This small museum in the southwest corner of Jardin de Olhão, entered from outside the park, is dedicated to the 1960 earthquake. Displays include…

5. Jardin de Olhão

1.12 MILES

A cool, relaxing garden created in 1992 to mark the twinning of Agadir with the Portuguese town of Olhão. Good for retreating for a cool drink or to plan…

6. Vallée des Oiseaux

1.2 MILES

This leafy city-centre retreat in the dry riverbed running down from Blvd Hassan II to Blvd du 20 Août is a handy – and more scenic – way to walk to the…

7. Théâtre en Plein Air

1.58 MILES

This large open-air theatre-in-the-round is for the design-heads. Hemmed in by large magnolia trees and some bougainvillea doing the best it can, the…

8. Jardin Ibn Zaidoun

1.6 MILES

This pleasant green oasis in the urban melee is home to dozens of trees towering over families picnicking with their portable shishas. The eucalyptus…