CASBAH

The kasbah's fortifications date back to the city's earliest days. Built in 1601, the small fort occupies the western side of the rock; to the east stands the large fort, built in several stages between 1736 and 1807. After the simple, classical architecture of the first fort, comprising four towers and a central courtyard, this second complex takes on its full dimensions, including a mosque. Cisterns and prisons were built between the two complexes. The view of the city from the top of the kasbah is breathtaking.