The Skala de la Ville is the sea bastion on the western edge of the medina, a long stone platform that once guarded the town against attack from the Atlantic. Today it is a place to walk, look and breathe. Rows of bronze cannons point out across the water, a North Bastion turret gives broad views, and the ramparts overlook the beach stretching south and the blue wooden fishing boats of the port. Walking the open rampart is generally free, although some enclosed sections or tower viewpoints may ask for a small fee, so carry small coins. It is very windy, so bring a layer and a hat with a strap. Most people spend thirty minutes to an hour here, longer at sunset when the west-facing platforms glow and the light turns the stone gold.
The fortifications date from the 18th century, when Sultan Mohammed III redeveloped the port from the 1760s and a French engineer, Theodore Cornut, working in the tradition of Vauban, designed the walls. Several dozen bronze cannons line the rampart, and many carry foundry markings from Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands or France, which tells you how international the trade here once was.
They are described as original guns rather than replicas, some on wooden carriages and others on stone cradles. Look for gulls and cormorants resting on the walls, and on a clear day for the Mogador Islands offshore.
Plan your timing around the light and the crowds. Tour groups tend to arrive in the late morning and around midday, so go early for quiet or come in the last hour before sunset for the best colour. Arrive about twenty minutes ahead if you want a spot on the west-facing platforms. Opening hours are described differently by different sources, with some saying daylight hours and others giving fixed times, so treat the schedule as flexible and check on arrival.
A few cautions apply. The stone is uneven and can be slippery when wet, the parapets are not continuous in places, and the wind can be strong, so keep children close and secure hats, bags and cameras. Reaching the upper platform involves stairs, and no step-free route is documented, which matters for wheelchairs and strollers. If a section is closed, the outer base of the walls on the ocean side can still be walked at street level. Pair the visit with the Skala du Port, a short walk away.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk along open sea ramparts lined with bronze cannons, with stairs up to a turret and wide Atlantic views.
Best time
Early morning for quiet or the hour before sunset for golden light.
How long
Thirty to sixty minutes, longer if you wait for sunset.
Tips
Bring a windproof layer and a hat with a strap, carry small coins for any tower fee and take care on wet stone.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Sunset seekers, photographers and history lovers.
- Families
- Fine with care: the wind is strong, the parapets are not continuous and there are stairs, so keep young children close.
- Couples
- A classic sunset spot with sweeping sea views.
- Pair with
- Pair it with the Skala du Port and a walk down to the fishing harbour.
- Time needed
- Under an hour, plus extra for sunset.
Good questions
Is the Skala de la Ville free?+
Walking the open rampart is generally free. Some enclosed sections or tower viewpoints may charge a small fee, so carry coins.
When is the best time to visit?+
Go early to avoid tour groups, or arrive about twenty minutes before sunset for the west-facing platforms. Midday is brighter and busier.
Are the cannons original?+
Sources describe the bronze cannons as original period guns rather than replicas. Many carry foundry marks from European countries.
Is it suitable for children and strollers?+
Children can enjoy it with close supervision, because the wind is strong and parts of the parapet are open. Stairs mean it is not step-free for strollers or wheelchairs.
How windy is it?+
Very, especially in the afternoon in the warmer months. A zipped jacket, secure hat and a firm grip on your phone are sensible.
