Sustainable Development Strategy 2030
Strategic vision for sustainable territorial development by 2030, integrating environmental, social and economic dimensions.
Read more
Discover the heritage richness of the region: archaeological sites, medinas, contemporary architecture, Amazigh traditions and preservation programs.
Located on the Atlantic coast at the heart of a vast natural amphitheater open to the Atlas and Anti-Atlas, Agadir is the main metropolis of Souss-Massa. Its territory lies in a contact zone between coastline, fertile plains and mountain ranges, where exchange networks linking pre-Saharan oases, the High Atlas and maritime routes to Europe and sub-Saharan Africa were woven over centuries.
The region's history is rooted in the long Amazigh timeline, carried by Tachelhit-speaking Imazighen populations organized in tribal confederations and village communities structured around mountains, valleys and collective granaries (igoudar). The rock engravings of the Anti-Atlas, fortified villages, kasbahs and igoudar bear witness to this ancient presence and the ingenuity of Amazigh societies.
In the 20th century, Agadir was almost entirely destroyed by the 1960 earthquake before being rebuilt to modern standards. Its heritage is thus characterized by a unique combination of millennia-old Amazigh historical depth, pre-colonial and colonial urban legacies, and modern achievements from the reconstruction.
The Souss-Massa region is distinguished by a wide diversity of archaeological sites covering a chronological arc from prehistory to medieval and modern Islamic periods.
Fortress overlooking the bay of Agadir, built in the 16th century under the Saadian dynasty. Listed as national heritage, it is undergoing a major restoration program within the Agadir Urban Development Program 2020-2024, combining archaeological excavations, rampart consolidation and visitor circuits.
Mountain archaeological site in the province of Taroudant, associated with the beginnings of the Almohad movement around Ibn Toumert in the 12th century. Listed as national heritage in 2022, it opens the way for conservation and tourism enhancement.
The area around Tafraout and Anti-Atlas valleys contain numerous rock engraving stations depicting animals, weapons, geometric signs and figures, testifying to the ancient occupation of these territories.
Remains of the 16th-century Portuguese trading post on the heights of the bay, an anchor point for trade with the caravan hinterland, integrated into the Kasbah landscape and listed in heritage inventories.
Nicknamed 'Little Marrakech of the Souss', Taroudant is one of Morocco's oldest cities and was the first Saadian capital in the 16th century. The city features an impressive system of nearly intact ramparts enclosing a dense medina animated by souks, mosques and tanneries.
Tiznit's medina develops within a characteristic fortified enclosure. Known for its jewelers' souk and exceptional Amazigh silver craftsmanship, Tiznit serves as a cultural and economic hub for the south of Souss-Massa.
Inezgane (ⵉⵏⵣⴳⴰⵏ) and other historic nuclei within the Urban Agency of Agadir's jurisdiction feature commercial districts, mosques and old neighborhoods that deserve identification, inventory and integration into preservation strategies.
The earthquake of February 29, 1960, measuring 5.7-5.9 magnitude, destroyed 70-80% of the city's buildings in seconds, causing between 12,000 and 15,000 casualties in the neighborhoods of Talborjt, Founti, Ihchach and the Kasbah.
The old medina, mellah and traditional neighborhoods were destroyed or demolished, causing a deep rupture in urban continuity. The decision to rebuild the city further south with strict anti-seismic standards made Agadir's reconstruction an international model of urban resilience.
The earthquake's memory is carried by the Kasbah site, commemorative steles, photographic archives and documentary platforms. These places and resources capture the city's life before 1960 and the stages of its reconstruction.
Agadir's reconstruction from the 1960s was based on a modern urban plan integrating anti-seismic requirements and functional zoning principles. Renowned architects and urban planners designed a city center with clean lines and a structured seaside promenade.
A detailed inventory lists over 80 buildings and monuments of Agadir, constituting a modern architectural heritage in its own right.
Public facilities, hotels and seaside infrastructure from the 1960s-70s constitute a modern architectural heritage inventoried by the Ministry of Culture.
The Valley of Birds, Olhão Garden and the seafront promenade contribute to the city's contemporary identity and tourism development.
Iconic fortified structures of rural Amazigh culture used for communal storage. A serial UNESCO candidacy has been launched for Morocco's igoudar.
Ahwach (ⴰⵃⵡⴰⵛ), collective dance combining song and percussion, and the poetic-musical tradition of the rways hold a central place in transmitting the language, narratives and social values of Souss-Massa.
Tiznit silver jewelry, Tafraout carpets, pottery and woodwork reflect the region's cultural richness. The jewelers' souk of Tiznit is a key element of local tangible and intangible heritage.
The UNESCO-recognized Argan Biosphere Reserve and the Souss-Massa National Park, home to emblematic species like the Northern bald ibis, are major elements of the region's natural heritage.
Numerous moussems and festivals linking religious, cultural and economic practices are important moments of gathering and transmission, strengthening the vitality of intangible heritage and territorial attractiveness.
Part of the Agadir Urban Development Program 2020-2024, this project combines archaeological excavations, rampart restoration, landscaping and the creation of visitor circuits and interpretation tools.
Rehabilitation programs led by the Urban Agency of Taroudant-Tiznit-Tata: restoration of ramparts and gates, enhancement of public spaces and preservation of traditional craft activities.
Restoration of threatened structures, establishment of discovery circuits and preparation of a serial UNESCO candidacy, in partnership with local authorities and associations.
The Urban Agency of Agadir integrates heritage issues into urban planning documents, participates in rehabilitation project steering committees, issues opinions on projects affecting listed monuments and contributes to spreading a culture of heritage preservation among local stakeholders.