Kasbah Cherarda

The Kasbah Cherarda (also spelled Cherarda / Shrarda) is located in the city of Fès (Fez), Morocco. More specifically:

It sits on the northern outskirts of Fès-el-Jdid, which is the “newer” historic section of the city. 

The compound itself is quite large: roughly 400 × 550 meters in size. 

Historically it was built by the Moulay al‑Rashid (Alawite sultan) in the 17th century as a garrison fort to house “guich” (military tribal) troops. 

Kasbah Cherarda
Kasbah Cherarda

Can it be visited?

Yes — you can go see the Kasbah Cherarda from the outside. However, there are some caveats:

Much of the kasbah is not preserved as a tourist monument in the sense of being an open‐museum. Inside the walls there are modern buildings, such as a hospital, a branch of the University of al‑Qarawiyyin, and school buildings. 

Because it is in an active, inhabited and institutional area, access to all inner parts may be restricted. It’s more like observing a historic fortification from outside and around rather than exploring it fully like a dedicated visitor site.

Its architectural and historical value (fort walls, towers, layout) still make it interesting for visitors who enjoy heritage architecture, a less-tourist “off the beaten path” type of visit.

When visiting Fez, if you’re exploring around Fès-el-Jdid and the old medina, stop by to view the walls of Kasbah Cherarda. Walk along the exterior, take photos of the gate/entrance area, appreciate the scale and setting. If you’re especially interested in historic military architecture or lesser-known heritage spots, it’s worth a short detour.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top