Kasbah

A kasbah is a fortified Berber citadel, distinct from a medina by its defensive function and its rammed-earth (pisé) construction. You'll find them along the historic caravan routes of southern Morocco (Aït-Ben-Haddou, UNESCO listed, plus the Draa Valley, Skoura, Tinghir) and in some coastal cities (Kasbah of the Udayas in Rabat, Kasbah of Tangier). The Arabic word means tower or fortress. For travelers, several kasbahs have been turned into intimate boutique hotels: Kasbah Tamadot (Richard Branson's place in the Atlas), Kasbah Bab Ourika, Kasbah Beldi. Earth-wall construction keeps rooms naturally cool in summer but can feel chilly on winter nights at altitude.