Imperial cities of Morocco

Marrakech, Fes, Rabat, Casablanca and Meknes, the five imperial cities of Morocco offer visitors their labyrinthine medinas of colors, smells, tastes, sounds and textures, each with its own peculiarities.

 

 

Marrakech

Located in the center of the country, at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. It has the largest traditional markets in the country, and one of the busiest squares in Africa, Jamaa el Fna. Like other imperial cities of Morocco, it is divided into two parts: the center with the great Medina and the new city. The most famous of Marrakech Jamaa el Fna, located near the famous Koutoubia Mosque, inside the old city. Throughout the city revolves around it and unites thousands of people a day. Other points of interest include the Koutoubia Mosque, built in 1157, is one of the largest Islamic mosques; or Al-Badi Palace, built in 1603 by Ahmed Mansour, the most illustrious of the Saadian sovereigns. At the time this palace was one of the largest and most luxurious in Africa.

 

 

Fes

This imperial city, founded in the seventeenth century by Moulay Idriss, is a jewel of the Arab-Spanish civilization and is considered to cultural, artistic and religious institutions. The city is divided into three areas: Fes el Bali, old, home to mosques, madrasas and ancient palaces; Fes el Jedid manufacturing, the new with the Royal Palace and the neighborhood (Mellah) and the new city, where the French settled during the “protectorate”. Medina, is one of the largest medieval sites that exist today and its streets are a maze, full of merchants and artisans. Walking through it is like stepping back in time and you will be assaulted by noises, colors and smells of a crowd that fills everything …

 

 

Rabat

The capital, located on the Atlantic coast. Despite being the capital, Rabat is a quiet city with a special charm. It is the perfect city for walking and relaxing. It emphasizes the great mosque or in the Andalusian garden, which is in the Oudaya Museum offers several typical Moroccan Berber aboriginal objects, such as jewelry, pottery or spectacular carpets…

 

 

 

 

Casablanca

It is the economic capital and largest city. It is located 80 kilometers south of the capital, on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. A rather noisy city, but undoubtedly the most modern city in the country, which has many attractions. Among which the famous Hassan II Mosque, the second largest in the world after Mecca, with a minaret of 210 meters (currently the highest in the world); the old Medina, surrounded by walls built in the eighteenth century, with bustling streets and stalls, where you can find a variety of items; Mohamed V or square, surrounded by beautiful buildings that form a great architectural ensemble.

 

 

 

Meknes

Located in the north country in the middle of a green valley at the foot of the Middle Atlas Mountains. It is one of the most important imperial cities, declared by UNESCO as a world heritage site and its wonderful urban center has a capital of Maghreb 17th century its souks are one of the most picturesque of the country, where everyday objects can become exceptional. Among its attractions we can highlight the Khyber Madrasa, the highest point of the city, with a beautiful minaret with colorful mosaics; Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, one of the mosques that can access non-Muslims; or Bab Mansour, built in 1732, and is now considered one of the most majestic works and the largest gateway to Morocco and all of North Africa.