Among the many places of historical interest of Rabat, there is one which absolutely every visitor knows about: The Casbah of Oudaias. Founded in the 12th century as a departure point for armies leaving to conquest Spain, it was, in the 18th century, a nest of pirates who, together with those from nearby Salé, used to capture Christian ships.

The old families of the casbah are proud of their tumultuous past, feeling that their ancestors’ reputation as rebels gives them a notable particularity.

Today, the casbah of Oudaias is a hospitable and remarkably charming village, whose inhabitants give a warm welcome to newcomers.

Welcome to a  « maison de charme » in a very special place:
The Casbah of Oudaias in Rabat, Morocco.

Perched on a rocky spur, surrounded by buff walls which drop right down to the wado Bou Regreg, the casbah follows the curves of the river and opens out on to the infinity of the ocean whose waves and tides tirelessly rhythm the time. At the far end of the promontory and of the only street where cars are allowed to pass, hiding behind a blue door encircled with ceramic tiles, the riad Dar Baraka protects itself from prying eyes behind run-of-the-mill whitewashed walls. On the front wall, there is a yellow bristly cat, a reminder of the old legend that a cat found a hidden treasure. And indeed, as soon as the visitor passes the threshold, he remains breathless, since an extraordinary, unsuspected view is offered to his eyes.

The medina of Salé, the golden sand of the beach, the meanders of Bou Regreg, whose waters rise or withdraw, following the tide, the many coloured small boats, the old city of Rabat and its monuments, the changing skies. All that beauty shows up through the tangle of luxurious vegetation which invades the gardens and terraces.

As soon as he passes the door, the guest falls immediately under the charm of that extraordinary place.