Hello everyone,
I hope you're all well and having a great Christmas ! In this article, I'd like to take you with me to a fascinating historic site: the Kasbah of Oudayas. This site is one of the main entrances to the city of Rabat, offering a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean and the mouth of the Bouregreg river, which separates the city of Rabat from its neighbour, the city of Salé.
In Moroccan culture, a Kasbah is a well-protected fortress used for defensive and military purposes against pirates and foreign invasions. These strategic constructions were generally located on high ground, such as the top of a hill, or close to the coast, to better defend the towns.
Today, one of the best-known Kasbahs in Morocco is : Oudayas in Rabat. This kasbah is more than just a place of historical significance: it has become a major cultural symbol. With its fascinating architecture and unique design, Oudayas tells a story through every stone and every detail.
To get to Oudayas, you have two options: go through the main gate, located on the street facing the outside ....
or take the path leading from the beach on the south side!
The last time I visited this place was in 2018, on an outing with a friend.
A charming and authentic residential area
In the heart of Oudayas lies a small, historic, almost timeless residential area, with beautiful narrow streets. What strikes you immediately is the architectural style of the houses: a mix of simple elegance, with their immaculate white walls and beautifully crafted wooden doors. The special architecture of the mosques, meanwhile, adds a unique touch to the atmosphere with its architectural charm.
As I wandered through these narrow streets, I came across visitors and tourists, all in awe, phones in hand to capture the beauty of this place. From time to time, a local would come out of his house. I can see that the people who live here must be thanking God! Imagine living in such a peaceful place, steeped in history, with a breathtaking view of the ocean. It would be a dream to live here, in this perfect harmony of natural beauty and historical heritage.
Even the cats, I could see in their eyes, seemed to be enjoying their presence here to the full. Their attitude reflected a kind of simple happiness, as if they had found here a little corner of paradise where everything was calm and peaceful.
There's much more to this Kasbah district than its picturesque narrow streets. You'll also find small shops that add to its charm. Some sell fresh fruit juices, such as lemon or pineapple, perfect for refreshing yourself after a walk. Other small shops sell local handicrafts, ideal for bringing home a unique souvenir of this magical place.
A little further on is a museum. Unfortunately, it was closed that day - someone told me that this museum closes every Tuesday (The day of my trip to Rabat). But this gives me an excellent reason to come back here on my next visit to Rabat!
When I had finished my stroll through the charming residential area nestling in the heart of Oudayas, I headed for the western part of the town. This area, with its uninterrupted view of the sea, exudes an atmosphere that is both majestic and steeped in history. In the past, it served as a strategic military post.
Moulay El Yazid warehouse
An Alawite military building dating back to the time of Sultan Moulay El Yazid, founded between 1790 and 1792. Its second function was as the headquarters of the traditional carpet cooperative during the 20th century.
The SÉMAPHORE square
The Place SÉMAPHORE is also known as the Place de LAHRI, referring to the Moulay El Yazid warehouse. It took the name SÉMAPHORE in the first decade of the Protectorate, referring to the site of a semaphore that preceded the construction of the Rabat Lighthouse.
The SKALA of Borj KHANZIRA
The SKALA of Borj KHANZIRA dates back to the time of Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, and was founded in 1757, its plan was drawn up by the renegade known as Ahmed Naglisi (Ahmed the Englishman).
The solidly built ramparts and the waves against the cliffs add a touch of magnificence to the place. As I walked along, I took a moment to stop and admire this exceptional panorama like everyone else here, while enjoying the view of the sea and the deep blue of the ocean. It's a place that invites reflection, a real window on history and nature.
And that was the end of my visit to the Kasbah of Oudayas! I hope you enjoyed this visit and that it inspired you to discover this jewel for yourself one day. Don't hesitate to share your impressions and comments! Take care, and see you soon for more visits!
Photos taken by my own phone (Samsung Galaxy A04s).
