A medina in a citadel

Inside the fortress, visitors can take in the restored ramparts and archaeological excavations, and follow a discovery path winding through the ancient town (or medina) this citadel protected to understand its history, and enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and the modern city of Agadir it overlooks.

It is quite rare for cities to develop next to a hill-top citadel protecting a port. From the 16" to the 18" century, the settlement declined, but with the beginning of the French Protectorate (1912-1956), the Kasbah grew significantly until the 1920s when the new city of Agadir at its feet spread along the coast and hinterland while the Kasbah was gradually abandoned. When the earthquake struck, it is estimated a little less than 600 people still lived in the Kasbah.

The discovery path through the ancient citadel which evolved into a medina and then, suddenly, a burial site, provide visitors with an overview of the rich and complex history of the Kasbah, its relations with the world, and of the old harbour which connected the area to the wider world.