More than 40 million Moroccan dirham has been allocated to restore the historic ramparts of Taroudant, which sustained damage in the Al Haouz earthquake. The project aims to preserve a key cultural landmark and boost tourism in the southwestern Moroccan city.
The first phase of the restoration will focus on a 4.580-meter section of the walls, running from Bab Silsila to Bab Targhount Rahal El Meskini toward Bab Oulad Bounouna. This initial perform, costing approximately 23 million dirham, is expected to take 10 months to complete.
A second phase will address an additional 4.054-meter stretch extending to Bab Zarkan, with a budget of 16 million dirham. The overall effort underscores the importance of preserving Morocco’s historical sites following the recent earthquake.
The restoration is being overseen by the High Atlas Development Agency and the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, with support from the Taroudant province and the city’s municipality. Work will prioritize both structural integrity and aesthetic authenticity, utilizing traditional materials and restoration techniques to maintain the ramparts’ original architectural style.
Taroudant, often described as a smaller version of Marrakech, is a significant tourist destination known for its historic medina and imposing city walls, as noted by the Moroccan National Tourist Office. The city’s history stretches back centuries, with some speculating it may be the site of the ancient town of Vala, according to Wikipedia.
