The Kasbah of Tangier, Morocco, is the walled citadel on the hill at the north-west corner of the medina, entered through the Bab el Assa gate and centred on the Place de la Kasbah. Its main building is the Dar el Makhzen, a sultan's palace begun under Moulay Ismail after the English garrison left in 1684 and extended by later Alaouite rulers. It now houses the Museum of Moroccan Arts and Antiquities, known as the Kasbah Museum, which shows regional archaeology from prehistory to the Islamic era, Roman mosaics, carved cedar ceilings, zellige panels and Moroccan musical instruments. A small Andalusian garden at the rear and the palace courtyards give a quiet break from the medina lanes, and the terrace walls look over the harbour and the Strait of Gibraltar towards Spain. A neighbouring contemporary-art space on the same square is covered by a combined ticket in some guides. The museum is closed on Tuesdays.
| Admission | About MAD 30 (~$3.23) combined ticket (some guides list MAD 60 (~$6.45)); confirm at the desk |
|---|---|
| Hours | About 10am-6pm, closed Tuesdays; seasonal changes possible |
| Typical visit | 1-1.5 hours |
| Best time | Weekday morning |
| Getting there | Walk uphill from the Petit Socco in 10 minutes, or take a petit taxi to Bab el Assa for about MAD 10-15 (~$1.08-1.61) |
| Address | Place de la Kasbah, Medina, Tangier 90000 |
Location
Place de la Kasbah, Medina, Tangier 90000
35.7883, -5.8118 View on map
Highlights
- Dar el Makhzen palace with painted cedar ceilings and courtyards
- Roman mosaics and archaeology of northern Morocco
- Andalusian garden behind the palace
- Ramparts and viewpoints over the port and the Strait of Gibraltar
Tips for visiting
- Closed on Tuesdays; confirm the day before visiting.
- Check at the ticket desk whether the combined ticket with the contemporary-art space is on sale.
- Enter through Bab el Assa and keep small cash for the ticket.
- Go in the morning for soft light on the ramparts and fewer tour groups.
- Allow time for the viewing terrace beside the Place de la Kasbah.
When to visit
Weekday mornings in spring or autumn give the softest light and the smallest groups.
Accessibility
The palace has steps, thresholds and uneven stone floors, and the Kasbah is reached by steep cobbled lanes, so access is difficult for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Kasbah Museum cost?
Published guides give MAD 30 (~$3.23) for a combined museum and contemporary-art ticket, while others list MAD 60 (~$6.45); the ticket desk confirms the current price.
What day is the Kasbah Museum closed?
Tuesday; it is generally open from about 10am to 6pm on the other days, with seasonal changes.
How long does a visit take?
About one to one and a half hours for the museum and garden, plus time on the ramparts.