Skoura is also known for its kasbahs made of raw brick, some of which are well preserved. Only Amridil's Kasbah stands out for its scale and elegance.
The Kasbah of Amridil is still impressive due to the perseverance of the owning family. They are still taking good care of this Amazigh architectural treasure. The Amridil Kasbah was originally a small religious place that taught the concepts of Islam and Koran. It was founded at the end of the 17th century by Mohammed Nassiri El Haskouri, a scholar and descendant of Sidi Mohamed Ben Nacer, the founder of the Zaouia Naciria in Tamgroute. Through the student pavilion and the prayer room, the religious site was perfectly incorporated into the design of the Kasbah.
The beauty of the place reflects that of the kasbah. You will learn more about certain rules of the daily life in the Kasbah 300 years ago, either on your own or with the help of a guide. Each level of the building has a function. Once inside the courtyard, the Kasbah’s design is clear. The first floor is dedicated to the animals, the second to the staff, the kitchen, and the attic, and the third to the Caid and his guests. The earthen walls measure 1.20 meters thick at the bottom and 30 centimeters high on top.
The exterior design is impressive, and the interior is dedicated to a museum containing traditional dresses, gold coins, and manuscripts on display. You will also find old wells, bread ovens, and an olive oil press. There’s a lot to discover.
On the roof of Amridil Kasbah, an ancient sundial that used to indicate the time of prayers from sunrise to sunset can still be found. At the end of the day, the stunning view of the entire Skoura palm grove must be seen.
Just so you know: the five windows in the prayer room represent the five pillars of Islam: The Shahada (profession of faith), Salat (five-times-daily prayer), Zakât (alms to the poor), Siyam (Ramadan fasting), and Hajj (the pilgrimage to Mecca).