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The Skala of the Kasbah is a 200 meters high military monument that was used as a defensive wall against maritime attacks. It was built in 1765 by the French architect Théodore Cornut, who copied the example of the fortifications designed by his teacher Vauban in France.

These ramparts are also called the Moroccan Saint Malo, as they look like those of Brittany.

This monument is composed of two floors, and has many entrances. The first floor has many rooms that were used as a weapons and munitions depot.

The Skala contains blockhouses used as marquetery workshops where craftsmen known for their talent make high quality products reputed all over the world.

Currently, the Skala of the Kasbah is in such a bad condition that Professor Roland Paskoff, from the University of Lyon, tried to attract attention to this monument by publishing his article “Save the ramparts of Essaouira”.  It’s necessary to repair the misdeeds of time and the lack of maintenance, and preserve the originality of the architecture of the Skala, and thus preserve this part of the historical and architectural inheritance of Morocco.

While visiting the ramparts and Skala of the Kasbah, one gets to admire a fabulous panoramic view of the port and the waves of the Atlantic Ocean breaking down its walls. You get also to admire the collections of bronze Spanish cannons, offered formerly to the sultan Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah, that were made in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Being the most charming place of the city of Essaouira, the Skala of the Kasbah attracts many painters and photographers. It also attracted Orson Welles who shot scenes from his movie “Othello” in the Skala and Essaouira streets. A commemorative plate is devoted to him at the entrance of the city.