Agadir, as is usual when it comes to coastal cities, has been one of the ports desired by conquerors throughout the ages. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Vandals, Romans, Portuguese, and the Dutch all passed through, forging a history made up of diverse cultures, with their customs and traditions. One way of delving into the history of the destinations we visit is to get to know their architecture, whether civil, religious, or military. And with regard to this city, an essential place to see its symbolism is the Kasbah of Agadir. We recommend you set aside time to visit this site and to admire the beautiful panoramic views you can enjoy from here at your leisure.
If you organise your holidays in Agadir well, you’ll have time to enjoy its culture, visiting mosques, museums, and theatres. Take the occasional stroll through the urban fabric of the new Medina, walk through the world that goes on in the souk and enjoy the beach atmosphere. It has been said that this is the least Moroccan city in the country because its surfing vibe is a little misleading. However, you only have to talk to its inhabitants, taste its traditional cuisine, or visit its craft shops to discover a much more open Morocco. When you stroll along the Corniche at sunset, you’ll find that the mix of nationalities and languages you hear is the real Agadir, a coastal and tourist town that has adapted to the times.
- History of the Kasbah of Agadir
- What you can see in the Kasbah
- Agadir’s Old Town
- Where to eat near the Kasbah
- Where to sleep in Agadir
History of the Kasbah of Agadir
A few kilometres from the centre of Agadir, on the top of a hill, stands the city’s old Kasbah. This name, kasbah, means fortification, and that’s what it was, a construction of sturdy ramparts built to serve as protection for the army and the people. It’s located in a prime position to look out over the surrounding area, at an altitude of more than 200 metres above sea level. This building was ordered to be erected by Mohamed Ech-Cheik in 1540 to house his army and to wait for the right moment to move against the Portuguese settlers who were protecting themselves in a fortress in Agadir. They were expelled in 1541 and the kasbah lost its purpose. When the turbulent times returned with the arrival of the Dutch, Moulay Abdallah used it again in 1752 to station over 2,000 soldiers there.
What you can see in the Kasbah
Not much was left of the Kasbah of Agadir after the terrible earthquake of 1960, except for parts of the wall, with its towers and the fortress gate that has an inscription that reads “Fear God and honour the king” in Dutch, in memory of an old factory they had here in 1746. Today, the sound of horses is no more, there’s no more gunfire…just the silence of a place that at dusk seems to come to life for the locals and travellers who come to this place to watch the sunset and the lights of the port and the promenade start to come on.
If you want to walk to watch the sunset, it can take about half an hour from the Marina and then you’ll have to walk down in low light or wait at the bus stop. Another option is to take a camel, but the easiest way is to take a taxi and agree on a return fare.
Agadir’s Old Town
If you want to round off your day with other historical sights, we recommend a visit to the Medina of Agadir, which was practically destroyed by the earthquake. This “new” Medina, built in the southern part of the city, which can serve as the “old town”, is very charming. The architect in charge, Coco Polizzi, tried to give the complex a medieval feel and to include traditional Moroccan motifs. It covers an area of 12,000 square metres and is a pleasant place to stroll around, take photos, buy handicrafts, and sample traditional Moroccan flavours in a restaurant.
Where to eat near the Kasbah
If after visiting the Kasbah, you want to have lunch or dinner somewhere nearby, we recommend you stay in the Marina area or along the Corniche, Agadir’s seafront promenade. In these areas you’ll find great establishments such as Pure Passion Restaurant, which offers seafood and French cuisine in a very friendly atmosphere. Les Blancs in the Marina is also very interesting, a restaurant with a modern and minimalist aesthetic that offers tasty international dishes (including Spanish) and excellent service. Le Nil Bleu is also located on the seafront, offering exquisite service and both Moroccan and international dishes.
Where to sleep in Agadir
In this interesting Moroccan city, you’ll find good accommodation such as the Allegro Agadir Hotel, a four-star hotel located very close to the beach. From any of its 321 rooms, you can smell the sea breeze and enjoy the usual happy holiday atmosphere. Designed as a beach resort, it offers travellers very attractive facilities so that they can also relax inside the hotel.
The Allegro Agadir has a large outdoor swimming pool with a snack bar, an excellent buffet restaurant, and a Mini Club for children to have fun with other children (including a pool and garden just for them). In addition, the city centre is only ten minutes away, so that you can swap the beach for a more urban stroll at any time. It’s an ideal hotel for couples, families, and business travellers alike, as it has a multifunctional room that’s ideal for events.
