Taroudant is one of the most ancient cities of Morocco. Situated in central Morocco but 100 kilometers faraway from Agadir, the town was established during the ruling period of the Phoenicians, because it was a crucial commercial hub.
Taroudant also flourished during the Almoravid and Almohad periods as a significant military base. Today, Taroudant hosts several tourists who travel to Morocco for its wonderful desert ambiance and its notable fortified walls.
The city has witnessed a notable decline during the reign of the Marinids for quite a considerable period. However, at the beginning of the 16th century, with the emergence of the Saadis dynasty, it regained its strategic and commercial role. This development should be mainly attributed to Sultan Mohamed El Sheikh; the Sultan of the Marinids at the time as he restored the walls of the city, constructed a Kasbah, a mosque, and many schools. Travel packages to Morocco that include a visit to Taroudant include several visits to these monuments.
Once again, with the decline of the Marinids dynasty during the 17th century, the role of Taroudant partially declined before the Alewives took control of the country. With the death of Mawlai Ismail, the whole area, Sousa, where the city is located went out of the central control of the kingdom. Afterward, with a resolution between this strategic region and the Alawites kings at the beginning of the 18th century, the town was able to have a significant role it played for centuries. Taroudant also became one of the popular touristic destinations where vacationers explore during their tour in Morocco.
Perhaps the most interesting monument of Taroudant is the fortified walls of the city. With a length of more than 7 kilometers, with 130 monitoring towers, 9 fortresses, and five original gates, the walls of the city are one of the most impressive historical sites visited by many tourists who travel to Morocco.
The idea of establishing fortified walls for Taroudant goes back to the period of Almoravid around the 12th century. However, historical records assert that the walls tourists who visit Morocco from around the world explore today date back to the 16th century when Taroudant became an important stronghold for the armies of the Al Saadis dynasty to attack the Spanish and Portuguese troops that occupied several areas of the Moroccan coasts.
During the 16th century, Mohamed El Sheikh El Saadi restored and renovated the walls to have a width that ranges from 1.5 to 4 meters. He also established the Sultan Kasbah that occupied a surface area of more than 50,000 square meters. The lack of rocks in the area forced his men to mix limestone with sand to be used in the construction of many parts of the walls. Today, the walls of Taroudant are still quite impressive and grab the attention of tourists who travel to Morocco.
During the 17th century, Taroudant witnessed a severe attack by the Berbers of the Moroccan desert. However, the fortified walls played a major role in defending the city. The walls are considered a remarkable historical military construction that is featured with power and accuracy. Considered the most significant landmark of Taroudant and the whole region, many tourists who spend a wonderful vacation in Morocco would usually explore parts of the walls.