Medina of Casablanca

Medina of Casablanca is a historic neighborhood characterized by a maze of narrow alleyways connecting residential areas, shops, and communal spaces. The layout includes courtyards with fountains, market stalls, and workshop areas that form the functional heart of the district.

The district developed around a Portuguese fortress called Casa Branca established in the 15th century. Over time, it transformed into a densely populated residential and commercial hub as the city expanded around it.

The neighborhood remains a working district where residents go about their daily routines, shopping at family-run stalls and conducting business in centuries-old spaces. The mix of everyday commerce and domestic life creates an authentic setting where traditions continue naturally through small transactions and face-to-face interactions.

It is best to explore the Medina in the morning or early afternoon when the alleys are less crowded and shops are fully operating. Wear comfortable shoes as the uneven paths and numerous stairs require walking on foot, and keep your belongings close as crowds can be dense.

Hidden within the neighborhood are traditional Quranic schools housed in old buildings that still teach children today, while private courtyards behind unmarked doors preserve ornate architecture from centuries past. These concealed spaces reveal a different dimension of the district that remains invisible to most visitors.