Sqala Bastion

The Sqala Bastion is a sixteenth-century seafront fortification on Boulevard des Almohades at the edge of the Old Medina in Casablanca, Morocco. Built by the Portuguese in the late 1700s style of coastal defence, with thick stone walls and cannon emplacements, it guarded the harbour against attack and later served as an arsenal. After restoration it now contains a garden courtyard and a well-known restaurant set in the old powder store, where tables sit under trees and vaulted stone arches. Visitors enter the garden free of charge and can walk along the ramparts, inspect the old cannons facing the port and look out over the harbour and the open sea. The garden has orange trees, flowers and fountains, and the cool interior makes it a popular place for tea, breakfast or lunch. A visit lasts about 45 minutes, longer if combined with a meal. Opening is daily from about 08:30 to 22:00, and afternoon is a pleasant time to come, when the light on the walls is warm and the courtyard is lively. Mornings are quieter, and evenings bring diners. Good photo angles are the cannons against the sea, the thick stone arches and the courtyard seen from the rampart. The bastion is about 10 minutes on foot from Casa Port tram station and adjoins the Old Medina, so it pairs naturally with a walk through the lanes and with a visit to Rick's Cafe. Visitors should check menu prices before ordering, consider booking for lunch on weekends, and note that the garden can be closed for private events.