Sqala Bastion and La Sqala Restaurant, Casablanca

Sqala Bastion is one of the most tangible reminders of Casablanca’s precolonial defenses, dating to the late 18th century, when Sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah ordered a new line of coastal fortifications to protect the rebuilt city. The structure formed part of the Atlantic-facing wall, designed to control access from the sea at a time when piracy and European naval pressure were constant concerns. Thick stone ramparts, angular gun platforms, and embrasures for artillery reflect a practical military architecture.

Within the restored walls of the bastion operates La Sqala Restaurant, housed discreetly inside the former military compound. The restaurant preserves the original structure while introducing a calm, garden-centered atmosphere. Courtyards filled with citrus trees, tiled paths, and shaded seating soften the severity of the stone walls. From the walls, the view opens across the ocean, offering a rare vantage point where Casablanca’s modern port skyline gives way to open water.

La Sqala is best known for traditional Moroccan cuisine, with menus that highlight classic dishes such as tagines, couscous, and pastilla, alongside a popular Moroccan breakfast served in the mornings. For visitors, Sqala Bastion and La Sqala together offer a layered experience: military history, coastal views, and contemporary Moroccan hospitality.