The town of Chefchaouen has spread beyond its walls. Just outside the medina is the kasbah. It bolstered my faith in human progress to consider that his ancient building is no longer a fort, but is instead the backdrop for a children’s play area.
A stream runs down the mountain by the high side of the medina. There are a few small but pretty waterfalls. Excess water is captured in spillways, one of which goes right through the first floor of a house.
Climbing a little more by the stream leads to this vantage point, where you can see the medina from the outside looking in. It’s not much to look at from there; the beauty can only be seen from within.
The newer part of town continues on the other side of the stream. Even though this area doesn’t have the same deep blue byways as the medina, has charms of its own.
The town of Chefchaouen IS a kasbah. It was built as a fortress city (kasbah = fortress) to guard against Portuguese invasions.