Kasbah Amridil, located about thirty kilometers from Ouarzazate in the village of Skoura, distinguishes itself from other kasbahs by its size and beauty. Held for several centuries, the Amridil Kasbah owes its preservation to the tenacity of the owner’s family, who refused to abandon this Amazigh architectural treasure.
Kasbah Amridil
Mohammed Nassiri Skouri erected Kasbah Amridil in the late 17th century. Since then, it has remained a family property. Until now, Réda Nassiri, one of the founder’s descendants, is in charge of the site and the guest house that adjoins it; the 31-year-old man confides in his pride in this heritage. He says that the family lived in the Kasbah at the very beginning. He also noted that there were servants and guards there. They all lived in the 30 rooms on the site.
“Towards the end of the 1950s, my family members who lived here left and left the Kasbah in good condition. The drought and the death of Mohammed Nassiri Skouri dispersed the family,” says Réda Nassiri. Despite this, at least one person remained to maintain the premises: “Since 2009, I have been in charge of the Kasbah; my family trusted me.”
For 30 years now, Amridil has transformed into a museum. Visitors can see manuscripts, gold coins, traditional costumes, and ancient items. Because a guide is on hand, you can hear stories about this citadel’s history from him.
“Family members continued to take care of the Kasbah. They invested a lot to restore the house’s roofs and bases. Neither the state, nor associations, nor cooperatives, nor UNESCO, nobody has supported it.”
Kasbah’s beauty and uniqueness have attracted foreign film productions, which set up for days or weeks the time of a shoot. Film crews worldwide are drawn to this Kasbah because of its beauty and distinctiveness—iconic films like Lawrence of Arabia, Ali Baba, and the Forty Thieves shots in the citadel.
Why Visit Kasbah Amridil?
One of the most famous and well-kept kasbahs in Morocco is Kasbah Amridil. It shows how the Berber people used to live and build their homes. It is a must-see for anyone interested in Moroccan culture and history because of its historical value, beautiful mudbrick design, and real location in the palm-lined Skoura Oasis. It’s like going back when you walk through its rooms, making it a unique cultural experience you’ll never forget.
Top Attractions in Kasbah Amridil
One of the most interesting kasbahs in southern Morocco is Kasbah Amridil, which is in the Skoura Oasis. The building is famous for being very beautiful, with well-kept adobe walls, artistic towers, and a traditional Berber style. Built-in the 1700s, it is a great example of Morocco’s culture and architectural history. It is so important to the country that it is shown on the 50-dirham bill.
People can look around a small museum inside that has traditional Berber tools, old olive presses, and other things that people in the countryside use every day. On top of the kasbah, there are stunning views of palm trees and the Atlas Mountains in the distance. This makes it a popular spot for culture lovers and photographers visiting the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.
Things to Do in Kasbah Amridil
Visits with a guide
Enjoy guided tours that teach you about the Kasbah’s history and the well-preserved building that it boasts. These tours teach about the Kasbah’s past and place in the area. Our city of Ouarzazate
Explore traditional Berber antiques
The Kasbah contains some traditional tools and items from Berber life. Olive presses and bread ovens from long ago can help us understand how people lived and worked.
Take in the views from above.
Climbing to the roof offers a beautiful view of the nearby Skoura palm groves and the faraway Atlas Mountains. This is a great place to take pictures. Do some shopping on Drâa Tafilalet.
Go to the museum
Inside the Kasbah is a small museum where you can learn more about its history and what it means.
Discover the Local Culture
Talk about the Kasbah with the Nassiri family. They built it and are still taking care of it. Friendly faces and stories make the meeting more personal.
Where to Stay in Kasbah Amridil
Several places to stay in Skoura close to Kasbah Amridil offer a mix of culture and modern comfort. The atmosphere is very Moroccan, with views of palm trees; the staff is friendly, and the food is wonderful. Depending on your budget, the places to stay are comfortable and offer a calm environment after a day of visiting the Kasbah and other nearby sights.
Best Time to Visit Kasbah Amridil
March to May and September to November are the best times to visit Kasbah Amridil. The weather is mild during these times, so it’s a great time to explore the kasbah and the places around it. The scenery is especially beautiful in the spring when the palm trees are in full bloom. The temperatures are just right. For a better experience, go in the spring or fall instead of the summer, when it can get very hot.
How to Get to Kasbah Amridil
About 40 kilometers northeast of Ouarzazate, in the Skoura Oasis, you can find Kasbah Amridil. You can easily get there by car from both Marrakech and Ouarzazate. It takes about 4.5 to 5 hours from Marrakech to go through the High Atlas Mountains. A forty-minute drive will get you to the Kasbah from Ouarzazate. Both cities also have public transportation choices, such as buses and shared taxis. People can also choose guided walks, which include transportation and a guide to make the trip easier.
