Pillar for Securing Prisoners
The kasbah at Chefchaoen is probably the most recognizable structure in the entire city. It is a fortress that was built in the sixteenth century to fend off invasions by the Portuguese and the Spanish. While the fortress itself wasn’t very large it was still quite imposing with its high walls. The most prominent feature of the kasbah is the lookout tower. The visit to the tower couldn’t come any sooner since I was already soaked from the rain. It took a few minutes for my eyes to adjust to the darkness.
Inside the Prison at the Kasbah in Chefchaoen
The bottom of the tower is apparently a dungeon where they kept prisoners. There is a length of chain which runs around the inside of the prison. Prisoners would then be attached to the chain to keep them from getting away. For the really nasty ones, they have a pillar for them where they can be bound hand and foot. Looking at the way it is, it looks like a very miserable place. There was little light here apart from the artificial light from the lamps here. There was no information on who were the occupants of the prison were. This is another reason why I found the entrance fee to the kasbah quite steep. They could have at least provided information on the exhibit which they are showing tourists.
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