A legal protection order dating from 1958 applies to Settat’s urban layout and the private properties within Kasbah Lemzamza. Together with a 17th-century kasbah, an 18th-century mosque and the designation of Zaouia Taghia as protected cultural heritage, this offers a glimpse into several historical periods. Settat Province combines these cultural landmarks with a regional character shaped by agriculture and landscape.
Architecture and Cultural Heritage in Settat
Settat is home to a kasbah commissioned by Sultan Moulay IsmaĂŻl in the 17th century. The Sidi Laghlimi Mosque dates from the 18th century and is decorated with traditional zellige and characteristic decorative elements. The two buildings point to different historical reference points: the kasbah recalls an earlier period of construction, while the mosque adds a perspective on its religious and architectural significance.
It is also worth distinguishing between the different forms of heritage protection. The 1958 order applies to Settat’s urban layout and private properties within Kasbah Lemzamza. Zaouia Taghia, by contrast, was designated as protected cultural heritage in 2006. For those interested in history, different forms of cultural heritage can therefore be seen side by side: a protection order covering precisely specified areas and the designation of the zaouia.
The Sidi Laghlimi Mosque is also associated with religious, cultural and academic activities. These include conferences and meetings organised by a council of religious scholars. The mosque can therefore be understood not only through its age and design, but also through its religious and cultural role. Its architecture, protection status and institutional use each offer a different perspective on Settat’s history.
Agriculture and Landscape in the Province
The city’s history extends beyond its buildings. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Settat developed into an important trading hub for agricultural produce. The city also became a stopover for travellers. The movement of goods and travellers thus offers another perspective on the history of the place, alongside its architecture and cultural heritage.
The province offers more to explore beyond the city. Settat Province is known for cereal cultivation and, in particular, for breeding Sardi sheep. These agricultural activities are set against a landscape characterised by water sources and dams. The province’s forest area covers approximately 12,577 hectares. This approximate figure adds a sense of scale to the picture of the region’s landscape.
Leisure, Events and Getting There
The province’s leisure facilities include golf courses and gardens. Royal Golf Universitaire Settat has nine holes and was originally established for students of the University of Science and Technology of Settat. The course’s size and its origins for students tell different stories: the former describes the facility, while the latter points to its original purpose. This leisure option complements the province’s historical and agricultural attractions.
Cultural and heritage events are held in Settat. If you would like to plan your visit around an event, check the latest event dates before travelling. The wider region is also relevant if you are travelling by train: trains run to Settat and back from Casablanca Voyageurs station. Check the timetable before your trip for specific departures.
Discover more destinations: Dar El Haj Omar, Ben Slimane.
For the regional travel overview: Chaouia-Ouardigha.
