Souss-Massa, a crossroad of civilizations and cultures, has inherited a particular architectural style inspired by contrasting geography made of mud and stone. Its towns and surrounding countryside are home to diverse architectural treasures and cultures: ramparts, Kasbahs, Ksour, communal granaries, medinas… Aside from their magnificent aesthetic significance, these buildings contain centuries-old secrets that have long served the growth of population.
These structures, which are a tangible testament to the builders’ skill, are mostly still standing today and are must-see attractions during your stay in Souss-Massa.
The Igoudar, plural of Agadir, is a strong part of the architectural and social history of Souss-Massa. They can be found throughout the vast territory of the Region, particularly in the Anti-Atlas foothills, the High Atlas foothills, and the pre-Saharan oases. While their functions are nearly the same, their architectural designs are considerably different, above all, they adapt to the environment. Indeed, the oases’ collective granaries are made of terracotta, palm tree trunks serving as ceilings and stairs. The Anti-Atlas structures are made of rock and tree trunks, with recessed flat stones serving as steps to climb the floors.
For instance, Agadir Inoumar located on a rocky summit, Agadir Ait Kine including its fortress airs, Agadir Tismoudine the attic oasis, Agadir n’Ifri Imadidene dug into a cliff, the twin Igoudars of Imechguiguilne and Ikounka, Agadir n’Owzrou or the attic Ksar…
Even though the Kasbahs of Souss-Massa are less known than those of Igoudar, they are equally spectacular. These fortresses, known locally as Tighremt, are relatively recent, having been built by the locals only in the nineteenth century. Previously, the tribes preferred the Ksour or continued to practice transhumance. The best-known Kasbahs are Tizourgane in Ait Baha and Jebar south of Tata. Meanwhile, for the Ksours, we can recognize Foum Zguid, Aguerd, or douar Anerghrif outside of Taroudant.
Not to forget the renowned and spectacular ramparts of Taroudant and Tiznit, which preserve the two cities’ ancient Medinas.
The Tataoui ceiling is a symbol of sophistication and prestige, with an elegant wattle constructed of tree branches covered with rammed earth. The combination of these natural materials results in spectacular ornaments that light up the houses and kasbahs of Tata and Foum Zguid.