Sqala of Kasbah, Artillery platform in Essaouira, Morocco.
The Sqala of Kasbah is a two-level fortification built directly along the Atlantic coast with thick stone walls and preserved bronze cannons. The upper level opens to ocean views, while the ground floor houses artisanal shops and storage areas.
It was built in 1765 under Sultan Mohammed Ben Abdellah as a defensive structure for the port city. The structure reflects the period when Moroccan trading centers strengthened their military infrastructure.
The structure blends European fortification methods with Moroccan building practices, showing how a trading port protected itself. Artisanal workshops now occupy the ground level, reflecting how local communities adapted the space to their economic needs.
Access to the upper level is via stone stairs, and the pathways are generally level but narrow in places. Visit in the morning or late afternoon for better lighting and fewer crowds along the walls.
The cannons were manufactured in Spanish foundries in Seville and Barcelona between 1743 and 1782. These weapons reveal how deeply European trade interests were intertwined with this port city.
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