Home Destinations Africa and Middle East Morocco Fez and Meknes Sights Habs Kara (Prison of the Christian Slaves)

Habs Kara (Prison of the Christian Slaves) Review

Read our Fez and Meknes sights reviews. Or post your own.

Habs Kara (Prison of the Christian Slaves)

  • Address: Bab Filala, Meknes

Fodor's Review:

After you pass through Place Lalla Aouda and Bab Filala, on the right, the pyramid-shape dome on the right side of the next square is the Koubt al Khayatine (Tailors' Pavilion), named for the seamsters who once worked here. Also known as the Koubt Essoufara (Ambassadors' Pavilion), this was where Moulay Ismail received ambassadors from abroad. The stairs to the right of the pavilion entrance lead down to the grain silos originally built as a prison by the Portuguese architect Cara, himself a prisoner who earned his freedom by constructing these immense subterranean slave quarters. The caretaker and guide will show you how the 60,000 slaves (of which 40,000 were reportedly Christian prisoners of war) were shackled to the wall and forced to sleep in a standing position. Ambassadors visiting Meknes to plead for the release of their captive countrymen were received in the pavilion above, never suspecting that the prisoners were directly under their feet.

  • Cost: 20 DH
  • Open: Daily 9-1 and 3-6:30
Find more sights in Fez and Meknes »

Member Reviews and Ratings

Be the first to review this property

Get Advice From Other Travelers

Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip



Get the Fodor's Newsletter

For more travel ideas, tips, and deals, sign up for the Fodor's newsletter here. Read the current issue. Browse previous issues.




Copyright © 2009 Fodor's Travel, a division of Random House, Inc.