Visiting the Kasbah of Chefchaouen
Established in the mid-15th century by Moulay Ali Ben Rachid, the founder of the Banu Rachid principality, the Kasbah of Chefchaouen is a fortress (the literal translation of the Arabic word kasbah) around which the medina, or old city, eventually grew. The structure follows a roughly rectangular layout measuring 72 by 52 meters, flanked by bastions and square towers. A large tower was added later on the western side of the building. The main tower is notable for its specific architecture and utility, spanning three floors on a nearly square 7.71 by 7.40 meter footprint. The ground floor, which opens onto an interior garden, features a large room anchored by a single pillar. The middle floor is split into two rectangular chambers, while the top level consists of a wide covered terrace. You enter through original doorways that have undergone careful restoration.
A piece of history in Morocco
Located on the Place de Outa El-Hamman (Outa El-Hamman Square), just steps from the Great Mosque, the Kasbah is one of the primary landmarks in the city of Chefchaouen. Beyond the weight of the architecture itself, the site houses an ethnological museum that is a worthwhile stop. Opened in 1985, this museum occupies the left wing of the Kasbah and highlights essential elements of Moroccan heritage. The collection includes traditional musical instruments, pottery, wood carvings, and embroidery, alongside a selection of weapons once used to defend the fortress. Three galleries and a central patio filled with these artifacts offer a clear look into the history of the region for travelers exploring Morocco.
Chefchaouen, that is a Moroccan city I hadn't planned on visiting at first.
In the end, it was only once I was in Morocco that I decided to make the trip, based on the advice of some Moroccan friends. I absolutely do not regret it. The old town, with its steep streets, small shopkeepers, and different shades of blue, is a real discovery. You love getting lost in it, the people are warm and help you without any hidden financial motives, in short, an authentic experience.