Enclosure of the Medina of Salé

The medina of Sale is surrounded by a stone enclosure with high defensive walls, watchtowers, and multiple gates protecting the entire old quarter. This fortification displays architectural elements from various periods, reflecting the long history of the city.

These walls were built during the medieval Almohad dynasty to protect the city from sea raids and control trade through key entry points. Over centuries, the fortification was repaired and modified to maintain its defensive strength.

Within these walls lives a community that keeps traditional crafts alive in small workshops scattered through narrow streets. You will see artisans working with textiles, leather, and metal using methods passed down through generations.

You can enter the medina through several gates, with Bab Bou Haja as the main entrance leading to the central market area. It helps to have a local guide since the pathways inside the walls are winding and easy to get lost in.

The fortification walls blend with natural coastal defenses, incorporating cliffs and the Bou Regreg river into their defensive system. This combination of human construction and natural geography made the city difficult to attack.