Over the course of the centuries an extraordinary architecture has developed in the pre-Saharan areas in the south of Morocco. It concerns fortified dwellings that accommodated extensive families and which have the substance of real castles, sometimes even strongholds. The basic construction material of these refined buildings is raw earth. They are particularly notable for their ornate facades and towers, which give them an impressive appearance. These kasbahs are scattered all over the valleys of the Dadès, Drâa and Ziz rivers and even up to the foothills of the High Atlas. The Dadès Valley harbors the richest variety.
Kasbahs have large inner courtyards, five to six storeys, high towers and luxurious reception rooms. These huge structures had a military function. They served as the house of local rulers and their family. They are often located on strategic locations and also offered shelter to servants, soldiers and, in times of conflict, prisoners.