Boulaouane Kasbah – Fortress Overlooking the Wadi Oum er-Rbia River
Casablanca is a big and busy city where visitors often find that there is little place to rest and relax. Like any big city, there is always something happening and it may be difficult to find ways to simply get away from it all and spend a little time musing over your adventures or re-arranging your travel plans. If you find that this is what happens to you, do what the locals do and take a trip to the stunning Boulaouane Kasbah which is located just south of the city of Casablanca.
A Kasbah is basically the Moroccan equivalent of a castle, and this sturdy building was built as a fortress that overlooked the Wadi Oum er-Rbia river. According to historical records, the Boulaouane Kasbah was built by Moulay Ismail in 1710 as part of his efforts to increase peace and stability in the area. The elevated location of the castle on the bend of this river must have been ideal for this. In fact, one of the best parts of visiting the Boulaouane Kasbah in Morocco is the fact that a long, winding climb to the top of the ten meter high tower will afford you with one of the most breathtaking views of the area imaginable. Today the area is incredibly peaceful and many locals have discovered that the Boulaouane Kasbah is the perfect place to get away from it all.
Of course, the view is not the only interesting aspect of the Boulaouane Kasbah. The Kasbah itself is very interesting to see. Built with thick, protective walls and yet beautiful and skillfully decorative architecture, it is a very interesting attraction. Inside the castle in the central courtyard you will find the ‘Sultan’s Palace’ which is where this monarch would have been housed should he choose to visit the Kasbah. The courtyard’s floors and walls are filled with beautiful mosaic decorations that are definitely worthy of a few photographs. You will also find that the body of one of the local saints, Sidi Mancar, is entombed here. Visitors can find the Boulaouane Kasbah by taking the P7 road from Settat and turning off onto the S105. So come and visit this monumental effort to create peace in the region and enjoy some relaxing quiet at the same time.
