Kasbah des Oudayas, located in the heart of Rabat, is a historic fortress that dates back to the 12th century, showcasing the city's rich history and its strategic importance. Built by the Almohad dynasty, the kasbah originally served as a military stronghold, guarding the entrance to the Bou Regreg River and offering protection to the surrounding area. Over the centuries, the kasbah has undergone various modifications, reflecting the architectural styles and influences of different ruling periods, including the Almohads, Merinids, and Alaouites.
The Kasbah is known for its picturesque blue-and-white buildings, narrow winding streets, and charming alleys, which create a tranquil and visually striking atmosphere. Within the kasbah’s walls, visitors can explore the old medina, where traditional Moroccan crafts, cafés, and shops line the streets. The kasbah also houses the Oudayas Museum, which showcases collections of Moroccan art, artifacts, and historical exhibits.
One of the most stunning features of the Kasbah des Oudayas is its location, perched on a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Bou Regreg River. The panoramic views from the kasbah’s gates are breathtaking, offering a unique perspective of Rabat’s coastal beauty. The kasbah remains a symbol of Morocco's rich cultural heritage, blending history, art, and stunning architecture in one of the country’s most...
Read moreThe Kasbah des Oudayas in Rabat is a place where time slows to a whisper. Tucked at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River, this 12th-century fortress feels like a secret the Atlantic Ocean has been keeping. Its walls, painted in shades of white and blue so crisp they mimic the sky, curve around narrow alleys paved with stones worn smooth by centuries of footsteps. Walking through Bab Oudaya, the main gate, is like stepping into a postcard—if postcards could carry the scent of orange blossoms from the Andalusian Gardens or the salty breeze rolling off the water.
The kasbah isn’t a museum; it’s alive. Locals lean in doorways, children dart between walls draped in bougainvillea, and stray cats nap in sunlit patches. Climb to the terrace of Café Maure, where mint tea arrives sticky-sweet alongside almond pastries, and the view stretches across the river to Salé’s sand-colored skyline. Below, the river churns where fishermen haul in their catch, and surfers bob in the distance, waiting for waves.
The quietest corners hide the most stories. The Museum of Moroccan Arts—a restored 17th-century house—displays faded carpets and daggers, but the real magic is outside. Wander until the sounds of the city fade, and you’ll find yourself at Plateforme du Sémaphore, where the horizon blurs between sea and sky. This isn’t just a historic site—it’s a feeling, one that lingers long after...
Read moreAbout fifteen minutes (on foot) from the center of the city of Rabat, at the left mouth of the Bouregreg stands a real fortress dating from the 12th century: the Qasbah des Oudayas. With its monumental Almohad door, the kasbah remains a striking site offering visitors unprecedented beauty. It includes an Andalusian-style garden, a museum, riyads and ancient mosques. . The Andalusian influence is omnipresent: the walls uniformly covered with lime, the dominant blue color, the well-maintained and paved streets, the massive doors in multiple colors, the wrought iron...
The Qasbah des Oudayas, classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO, has become a haven of peace and inspiration for many artists from Morocco and around the world. Visitors are seduced as much by the beauty of the site as by its soothing tranquility. The great attraction of the kasbah is undoubtedly its famous Café Maure which can be accessed by taking the meandering streets. An unmissable place where visitors can sip succulent mint tea while tasting delicious almond cakes. Offering, at the mouth of the Bouregreg, a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean and the town of Salé, the square remains a recommended place to relax and contemplate the coming and going of the boats between...
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