A stroll in the city
Leave the beach for a few hours to discover Oujda's marvellous heritage. Culture, crafts, monuments, enjoy this quiet town.
Relaxation and discovery
Go and discover Oujda, 60 km to the south of Saida. An intact and picturesque medina with its souks overflowing with local craft productions and the towering fortifications of its kasbah. It is an entire world that opens its arms to you.
Enthralling history
To enter the old medina, on the eastern side, you must go through the impressive Bab Sidi Abdel Wahab gothic-style gate. It is said that the severed heads of the rebels were exhibited here. Bab El Gharbi, one of the three main gates to the medina on its west side, which takes on red hues at sunset, is of a smaller size but is quite charming. Take in the tumultuous history of this ancestral town.
Spiritual moment
The great mosque was built at the end of the 13th century and is the oldest of the medina's monuments. The three fountains set against its walls contribute to the serenity conducive to faith. To the right of the mosque's main entrance, a street leads to a masterpiece of 14th century architecture, the merinide medersa. This venerable Koranic school is considered to be the jewel of Oujda.
Palace and music
In 1938, a rich trader built a superb palace, Dar Sebti, that can be visited. It now hosts a cultural centre dedicated to Arabo-Andalusian music, referred to here as Gharnatian music. With a little luck, you may see traditional Laalaoui dances and singing...
To remember
Saidia is the ideal departure point to visit Oujda. A walled town with majestic gates, with its souks and local dance and music to discover.
