The village of Aguerd invites you to live an amazing adventure, combining thrilling history and lovely environment, at the foot of the foothills of the High Atlas, just 12 kilometers from Agadir.
Indeed, hidden by a dense forest of argan trees, the small remote area is home to an exceptional ancient site: the Saadian Tombs and the Timzgida Ougard Mosque. Allow yourself to be intrigued by visiting these historical monuments and discovering the natural wonders of Messguina, the entryway to the Souss.
Aguerd, located in the heart of the Argan biosphere reserve of Messguina, has a small necropolis with a large number of tombs containing the remains of several Sâadian Cherifs as well as combatants killed during the assaults on the Portuguese fort of Santa Cruz de Cabo de Guer, whose fall dates back to 1541. Although not as well-known as those in Marrakech, these Tombs are just as real and appear to be older and more numerous than those in the Ocher City.
The aristocratic tombs, known as “Tissaâdiyines” by the locals, are distinguished from those of the more modest martyrs by ornaments. The historic site also features two strangely oriented south tombs, the legend of which you will learn with your local guide. In addition to the Tombs, there is the mosque of Timzguida Ougard, which dates back to the Almoravid dynasty.
The historic site has not yet unveiled all of its mysteries, but its landscapes provide a taste of Messguina’s former glory.
The region is dominated by mountains, which are cut through by tiny yet accessible valleys. Messguina’s geographical composition has made it a strategic advantage and a military power since the Almoravid era.
The trans-Saharan caravans had to travel through there on their way to Mogador before continuing to Marrakech and the country’s north. The horseshoe-shaped douars served as control towers and customs stations. The arrival of the Saadians, who provided a starting point for resistance strikes against Portuguese-occupied places, particularly Santa Cruz, increased the region’s strategic role (Agadir).
The remnants of the Fort of Aglagal, Sheikh Mohammed Essaâdi’s residence between 1540 and 1554, attest to its military role. From there, he oversaw the operations to liberate Agadir. The castle of Amtedi, on the other hand, provided a panoramic perspective from which to watch not only the entrance to this land but also the bay of Agadir.
The region includes an extensive and simple road network. To get to the historic location, take the road inland from the Tilila area towards the Tighanimine El Baz douar (30.435884, -9.490828). Continue north until Azrarag (30.473974, -9.466420), then turn left to the historic site. The location is known as “Timzguida Ougard” on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/vcR4UQDkEweKwXJb8.
Once there, find a local guide to experience the region’s geological and ecological wonders, and enjoy the panoramic views of the Souss plain and the Agadir coast.