Moments in a longer story.

These dates describe the place you can learn about here. They are not a company timeline for Apollonaut.

1. 1471

   The kasbah is built

   Emir Ali Ben Rached builds the fortress from which Chefchaouen grows.

2. Early 16th century

   The main tower

   The tall west tower probably takes its present form.

3. 16th century

   A square before the kasbah

   Place Outa el-Hammam is probably laid out by Moulay Muhammad, a son of Ali Ben Rached.

4. 17th century

   The Great Mosque enlarged

   The mosque beside the kasbah, with its octagonal minaret, is extended.

5. Late 17th century

   A house in the north-east corner

   A house is built inside the kasbah during the reign of Moulay Ismail; it now holds the museum.

6. 1920

   Spanish occupation

   Spanish troops occupy Chefchaouen in October 1920, during the protectorate.

7. 1924–1926

   The Rif Republic

   After a Spanish withdrawal, the town is part of the Rif Republic until Spanish forces retake it in 1926.

8. 1930s

   A new way in

   The opening through which visitors enter the kasbah today is made in its walls.

A timeline is a beginning. The longer history introduces the people and places; the sources below provide further context.

• Read the History page→
• Explore heritage→