Asilah

Asilah is 185 km north of Rabat on the Atlantic coast. The area was first settled by the Carthaginians and later the Romans took over. During the 11th century it was the last place the Idrissids could hide out at. The Portuguese conquered it in 1471 and subsequently used it as a base for their crusade against the Muslims. A century later the Muslims recaptured Asilah, after killing more than 20,000 Portuguese during the Battle of the Three Kings. At the beginning of the 17th century the Spanish took over, but the Muslims once again recaptured Asilah in 1691. The city was used as a base for pirate attacks of European merchant vessels and as a result, the Spanish and Austrian navies bombarded the city in the 19th century. Nowadays it is a beach resort and efforts are being made to restore buildings that lie within the city walls.

One of the most interesting places to visit in Asilah, is the Palais de Raissouli. Raissouli wanted to become pasha at the beginning of the 20th century, but he didn't succeed. After some kidnappings and dubious intrigues with European powers, he was allowed to retire to his palace in 1914. The palace was built in 1909 on a rock overlooking the ocean. Raissouli used to force convicted murderers to jump to their death onto the rocks 30 meters below. Raissouli himself died in 1925.

The 15th century Portuguese ramparts are also worth a visit, as well as the mausuleum.

There are many hotels, camping grounds and restaurants in Asilah. The city can be reached by rail or road. Asilah is on the main Tangier to Rabat-Meknès line.