The Old Medina (Ancienne Medina)

The Old Medina is the compact, walled historic quarter of Casablanca, positioned close to the port and framed by the city’s commercial Atlantic identity. Although it is smaller and less ornate than the ancient medinas of Morocco’s imperial capitals, it offers a direct and lived-in introduction to local Casablanca. The quarter is associated with Bab Marrakech, a fortified gateway that opens into crowded lanes of leather goods, textiles, household items, and small shops serving residents as much as visitors. Near the port, the restored Sqala bastion recalls the defensive role of the old city and provides a strong visual link between the medina, the ocean, and Casablanca’s maritime trade. Visit sources describe the historic medina as having ramparts 6 to 8 metres high around a 4 km perimeter, once pierced by 8 openings. The atmosphere here is practical rather than theatrical: cafés, residential doorways, market stalls, and workshops sit close together in a dense urban fabric. Visitors should expect a busy but manageable maze where everyday commerce is the main attraction. This district is ideal for travelers who want a short historical walk, a budget-friendly local atmosphere, and easy access to both the port area and central Casablanca. It is also a useful starting point for understanding how the settlement of Anfa developed into the modern metropolis.