Our Guide To Tangier

Kasbah

The Kasbah, from the Arabic “al-qasbah”, means fortress or stronghold. This imposing structure was built by the Portuguese during the 17th century, when they controlled the city of Tangier. The walls are not painted and remain in their original tones of muted greys and browns. The escarpments falling away from the exterior are impressive and would definitely have posed a huge challenge to any marauders considering an invasion. Once popular with famous people, writers and celebrities, the Kasbah enjoys a timeless quality, lauded in songs and praised in memories. Nowadays, the tiny streets, alleyways and stairs are a precursor to the more cramped and higgledy-piggledy Medina down the hill. From the main square, La Place du Kasbah, there are imposing views across the Strait Of Gibraltar and to Spain. Right here you may find snake charmers entertaining the big-bus tourists. Where they turn right, we turn left, to reveal the true appeal of the Kasbah as our local guide weaves us expertly through the labyrinth.

Kasbah Museum

Housed in the former Sultan’s Palace Dar-El-Makhzem is the Kasbah Museum open daily except Tuesdays from 9am until 4pm for a modest entrance fee of 10 DH. Most of the collection concentrates on the antiquity period of Morocco’s history, namely its Roman past including an impressive mosaic floor recovered from the Roman city of Volubilis. There are treasures of the Sultans, including jewellery and furniture. The building alone warrants the visit as patios and stairwells, lavishly decorated with ceramic Arabesque tile and stucco, guide you around the collection. Perhaps the highlights of the museum are the sumptuous Sultan’s gardens kept lush and green by the presence of a well and the huge wrought iron safe in the treasury. What many people don’t know is that it took 3 people to open it – a novel piece of security.  Information plaques are only in Arabic and French but most of the museum is self-explanatory.

Medina

The Medina or the Old City, is the walled labyrinth that is Tangier’s beating heart. There are several gateways to gain access to the series of seemingly never-ending alleyways and tiny streets. Much of the Medina is pedestrian only, as cars cannot gain access. You may have to stand aside for the odd motorbike but for the large part, it’s a thrilling, peaceful and fascinating experience simply to stroll and wander aimlessly through this charming neighbourhood. There are vendors around every corner and a myriad of stores to fulfil even the hardened shopper’s desires. Establishments selling everything from Argan Oil to rugs and silk clothing abound within these 14th-century walls. We find it to be incredibly photogenic; the colours, the residents’ faces telling a thousand tales, the mix of architecture and the play of light and shadows along the tiny streets. It makes for a memorable experience and leaves no one indifferent. Authentic to its core, an hour or two familiarising yourself (or getting lost) in the Medina is a must for any visitor to Tangiers.

American Legation

The USA was among the first nations to recognise Morocco’s independence in 1956, forming a stronger bond to their already firm diplomatic ties. The American Legation as it is known, run by the Tangier American Legation Museum Society, is a sprawling facility spanning two sides of a street in one of the oldest sections of the Medina. Originally, a diplomatic building for the Unites States, it has served many purposes through its fascinating past. It was even used as a military base during WWII. Having suffered severe disrepair, a major rehabilitation project began in 1975. The deplorable state of the building caused widespread public support and donations came in from far and wide to fund the marvellous renovation. Housing a collection of furniture, art, documents and objets d’art (many of which have been donated by members of the Diplomatic Core) the building is also used as a library, a teaching facility and a cultural centre. It is a shining example of tenacity and hard work that has saved this building from disrepair. As the oldest American public property outside of the United States, we are always delighted to take guests here and show them a little part of American history in Morocco. There is also a fascinating collection of documents and writings from the famous musician Paul Bowles on the ground floor of the Pavillion. It’s a place where we always like to linger so our clients can capture its unique appeal.

Address: 8 Rue d’Amerique, Tanger, 90000; 00 212 5 39 93 53 17