Old Medina of Casablanca

Found in the north of the city between the port and the majestic seafront Hassan II Mosque, the Old Medina of Casablanca contains the last vestige of pre-20th century Casablanca. Up until the French took over in 1907, the coastal city was defined by this small area, encircled by defense walls and presided over by the Portuguese-built Borj Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah fort. Today, the modern city has grown out in all directions but the historic quarter remains, still surrounded by the remnants of its city walls and 18th century fort.

Today, the maze of narrow alleyways that trace the Old Medina are home to a sprawling souk,  selling everything from linens, brass-work and leather goods to traditional handicrafts, jewelry, food and spices. In stark contrast to the elegant squares and grandiose architecture of the modern town, strolling around the Old Medina is like stepping back in time, where you can rummage for goods among the ramshackle stalls and haggle for bargains while sipping sweet mint tea with the friendly merchants.