The principal witness to old Agadir
Agadir Oufella Kasbah overlooks the bay from a hill north of the present city. Founded in the sixteenth century and expanded over time, it formed the defensive and urban heart of old Agadir. Its ramparts, visible from much of the bay, have become one of the city’s most recognisable symbols.
The 1960 earthquake destroyed most of the medina behind the walls. Today the site is simultaneously a historic monument, a memorial and a viewpoint from which to understand the lost city, its trade connections and the relationship between the port, the hill and routes through the Souss.
Restoration, memory and interpretation
Recent restoration of the ramparts and visitor route has sought to preserve the site’s memorial dimension. The Kasbah should not be reduced to a panoramic attraction: it carries a painful history and the memory of residents who died in the disaster. Interpretation helps place the surviving structures within their historical context.
The site also hosts selected cultural events. In 2025, the Kasbah provided the setting for “Nostalgia”, an immersive programme combining projection, light and historical storytelling. Such uses demonstrate how a heritage monument can support contemporary transmission while respecting its memory.
Organising the visit
Agadir Oufella can be reached by shuttle, pedestrian route or cable car, depending on operating conditions. Access arrangements and opening times may vary. The visit is especially meaningful when combined with the Memories of Agadir Museum, which preserves images and archives of the former city.
Continue with the Agadir cultural guide, city events, the Agadir Museum of Art and other heritage and cultural places.