According to oral traditions, the kasbah was first built in the 17th century by the Imzwarn, a powerful local family.

In 1956, the property came under Moroccan state control, though ownership was returned to the Glaoui family in the early 1960s.

[7] The structure is made largely of rammed earth and mud-brick and is among the most impressive and best-preserved examples of its kind.

[2][3] The bulk of the building has three floors and is marked by large square or rectangular towers at its corners, the exteriors of which are decorated with geometric motifs and niches,[2] which is typical of the architecture found in the traditionally Berber-dominated oasis regions of southern Morocco.

One of the unrestored structures, a former qa'id's residence dating in particular from the time of Qa'id Hammadi (in office 1882– 1939), has particularly rich decoration including carved stucco, wall paintings, and ornate arches which were influenced by the architecture of Morocco's imperial cities.