The Kasbah of Mehdiyya is a magnificent fortress that is located on a hill on the left bank of the Sebou River. It offers a magnificent view of the harbor, the Atlantic Ocean, and Lake Sidi Boughaba.
The exact date of the Kasbah creation is still unknown. Many historians believe that the first buildings on this territory appeared in the fifth century BC. They suggest that this was part of the Carthaginian trade route. And the future Kasbah served as a hotel where merchants could stay, transporting their expensive goods.
The first official mention of the Kasbah of Mehdiyya was in 1154 when the Moroccan geographer al-Idrisi told in his notes about a small but rather rich city located at the estuary of the Sebou River.
Later, French navigators mentioned this city. They noted the presence of shipyards and a large bazaar where you can buy a variety of goods: from inexpensive fabrics to unique jewelry.
In 1515, the Portuguese captured this territory. They built the first imposing citadel here. Then, a hundred years later, the Spanish conquered it and ruled the captured fortress for 67 years.
In 1681, the city was liberated. The Sultan decided not to destroy a reliable fortress, but, on the contrary, to preserve it as a valuable treasure created by the hands of the enemy, but useful for his people.
Today, the Kasbah of Mehdiyya is one of the main attractions of Kenitra. The magnificent fortress, well preserved to this day, includes not only defensive structures. There are also residential buildings, and even baths-hammams, warehouses and places for holding prayers.
It is also worth coming here to see how beautiful the views are from the top of the hill. It is especially pleasant to meet sunsets here when the sun is reflected in the water surrounding the fortress with a centuries-long history.