Places of Interest in Morocco

A pleasant culture shock awaits you as you arrivesunshine and a huge supply of hotel beds,
in Morocco. It is as culturally rich as it isreputedly a quarter of the total in Morocco.
geographically diverse and cannot fail to impress.Rabat
Visiting some of its towns and villages andMorocco's capital city is characteristically modern
experiencing the generosity of its people will leavewith wide, conservative boulevards, gardens and
you hooked, as I was, by the Arabic experience.large blocks of flats. The king lives here in a
Fezbeautiful palace surrounded by trees and flowers.
Fez is the bustling cultural and spiritual centre ofDespite having a rich history dating back to 7th
Morocco.century, Rabat is a far cry from the hectic
The main attraction is the Medieval Medina in thebackstreets of Fez and Marrakech. However the
colourful old city, which has been continuouslyold part of the city has a Medina and a Kasbah.
inhabited since the 10th century. It is busy withRabat is located on the Atlantic coastal plain,
traditionally dressed Moroccans, and rich with theopposite its twin city of Sale, and it is near some
noise of buying and selling, veiled women goingbeautiful sandy beaches.
about their work and bell-ringing water sellers.Rabat's Dar Es Salaam Golf Course is
A guided tour is the easiest way to tackle theworld-renowned.
buzzing hive that is traditional Fez, but if you areKasbah des Oudaïas: A Kasbah is a "village
brave, you can negotiate the tiny alleyways, toowithin a city" and is a good place to take in the
narrow for cars whilst risking getting lost and thensights of the city. It is guarded by the impressive
haggling with a local to be guided back out!arched gate built in 1195. The Palace and
The Tanneries: A visit to the souks will lead to aAndalucian gardens and the terrace gives beautiful
visit to Fez's famous tanneries, where one of theviews from the Kasbah mosque, over the river
oldest arts in the world is practiced to produceand sea. The Palace Museum and gardens date
the soft leather do characteristic of Morocco.back to the 17th century. The museum houses
You'll need a strong stomach for the smells givenMoroccan art such as Berber jewellery, costumes
off during curing, while you look down on theand carpets.
fascinating tanners' yard and its impressive vatsCitadel of Chellah: Located in the new town of
of different coloured dyes and piles of skins. OpenRabat, the ruins of Chellah, once a Roman port,
9-6, admission free.provide interesting sightseeing. Just inside the gate
View Point: The best vantage point over theare Roman ruins dating from 200 BC, which
ancient walled city is from the ruined Merenidincludes a forum, a temple and a craftsmens'
Tombs on a hilltop to the east of the city. Fromquarter.
here you can see the skyline with its profusion ofHassan Mosque: You will see the towering 50
satellite dishes, and a general mass of palaces,metre minaret of the Hassan Mosque from many
green-roofed holy places, the tanneries, as well asparts of the city. Each façade of the minaret
the adjacent Karaouine Mosque.is intricately patterned with different motifs on
Moulay Idriss ll: In the depths of the old city sitseach face.
the shrine that houses the remains of the founderMausoleum of Mohammed V: The mausoleum
of the city of Fez, Moulay Idriss II. It is one ofwas inaugurated in 1967. Located opposite the
the holiest buildings in the city. Non-Muslims mayHassan Mosque, it is one of the great monuments
not enter, but you can glimpse inside to see theof modern Morocco. The deceased king lies in a
saint's tomb, which is receives constant devotionalwhite onyx tomb, surrounded by royal guards,
visits from groups of women who burn candleswhile and hundreds of Moroccans pay homage
and incense.each day.
MarrakechThe Medina: This medina was created by Muslim
Walking through the alleyways and souks ofAndalucian refugees from Badajoz, Spain. It was
Marrakech, particularly in the Medina of the oldessentially the first "seed" of the city until the
city, it is easy to believe you have beenarrival of the French in 1912 who began creating
transported back in time to the "Arabian Nights".the new town.
It is this enchanting mood that brings thousandsArcheology Museum: Here you can find a
of sightseers to the most visited of Moroccancollection of Roman bronze figures, dating from
cities.the first and second centuries and recovered
The Medina is characterized by much noise, hustlefrom Volubilis. Also other artifacts from
and bustle with tradesmen and craftsmen goingPhoenician, Carthagian and Roman settlements
about their daily tasks of cloth dying, copperthroughout Morocco are to be viewed here. Open
beating or leather working, as well as herbalists,9.00-11.30 and 2.30-5.30, closed Tuesdays.
perfumers and slipper makers.Around Rabat
Snow-covered peaks of the High Atlas MountainsVolubilis: Located between Rabat and Fez, it was
form a beautiful backdrop for the city, althoughbuilt on top of a previous Carthaginian city and
they are often hidden by the heat haze.dates back to around the 3rd century BC, being a
Djemaa el-Fna: In the heart of the Medina. It is ancentre of Roman administration in Africa. Volubilis
irregular 'square' and a hub of action wherewas inhabited until the 18th century, when it was
tourists flock to soak up the busy atmosphere.carelessly demolished to provide building materials
Tourism, though, has not spoilt, but rather addedfor the palaces of Moulay Ismail in Meknes. This
to the complete picture.meant a great deal of Morocco's Roman
Marrakesh has a modern side with its luxuryarchitectural heritage was lost. However, today
hotels, banks and streets bursting with motorthe ruins include some well-preserved columns, a
scooters, while it blends effortlessly with the pastbasilica, a triumphal arch and about 30 high
of the old city.beautiful mosaics.
Marrakech was founded in 1062 by Youssef binCasablanca: This is a huge, busy European style
Tachfine of the Almoravide dynasty, and his sonport city and has attracted much immigration
perfected the city by bringing in architects andfrom the Moroccan countryside. People are
Andalucian craftsmen from Córdoba to buildmodern with little sign of traditional dress or
palaces, baths, mosques and a subterraneanmodesty. The old town is small but similar to all
water system. The city walls were raised fromthe other bazaars found in Morocco. The
the red mud from the plains.impressive Hassan ll Mosque is the 3rd largest
Horse drawn carriages: Known as calèches,religious monument in the World, with fantastic
are one of the best ways to view the city whenviews over the Atlantic Ocean.
you are not on foot exploring in the Medina.Temara: Lies on the coast, some 13Km from
Koutoubia Mosque: This is the city's main landmarkRabat. It is a favourite weekend spot for city
and the 69 metre high minaret towers over thedwellers. Temara has a sandy beach, along with
labyrinth of streets and markets in the Medina.many hotels, nightclubs, restaurants, a zoo and
The red stone mosque was first built in 1147 butother leisure facilities to entertain visitors.
it was knocked down and rebuilt in 1199 becauseTangier
it was had not been built correctly aligned withTangier was once a playground for the rich and
Mecca. The mosque is large enough for thousandsfamous seeking a fashionable café culture
to pray in.as well as a tax haven. When Spain relinquished
Djemaa el-Fna: This large town square translatedTangier back to Morocco in 1960, its duty-free
as "Square fo the Dead". The square offers astatus went with it, along with the fashionable
colourful scene and is a magnet performingcrowd. The decayed grandeur of today still has
artists, snake charmers, musicians, storytellersmuch to offer and slowly Tangier is regaining its
and healers, all vying for attention. Passingsplendor as an attractive tourist destination.
tradesmen offer anything from boiled snails,Grand Socco: Socco means Souk in Spanish and it
vegetable soup and kebabs to fresh orange juice.is named so due to its Spanish heritage. A Souk is
There are many cafés here from which toa market to us and is an interesting place to
watch the busy scene, and from where you maywatch passing Rif people in colourful costumes
then visit the souks to find some shade from theselling vegetables and fresh mint. It begins at a
searing Moroccan sun.busting square and the medina is entered from
Dar Si Saïd Museum: The Museum is housedthe square, through a large arched entrance.
in a palace on the Riad Ezzitoun El Jadid andAmerican Lagation Museum: is located in the
shows the arts, crafts and culture of the Berbermiddle of the medina. It is an American cultural
people, including displays of some Moorish cedarcentre, museum and conference venue, as well as
wood furniture, elaborate door and windowa library. The museum is housed in the American
frames and artefacts from every day life in theEmbassy, built in 1777 when Morocco became the
Sahara desert. Open 8.30-11.45 and 2.30-5.45first power to recognize the USA as an
except Tuesdays. Admission Dh20independent country!
Saadian Tombs: Built in the late 16th century, thisKasbah: dates back to the 17th century and it is
beautiful necropolis has 66 lavishly decoratedinteresting to wonder through its little alleyways,
indoor tombs. The central mausoleum has a highpatios and hidden terraces. The Kasbah Mosque
vaulted roof which is exceptionally ornate, includingboasts an unusual octagonal minaret.
carved cedar panels and Italian marble columns.Sultan's Gardens, Rue Riad Sultan, just north of
Open 9.00-11.45 and 2.30-5.50 except Tuesdays.the Kasbah Mosque, are a pleasant place to visit
Admission Dh15and watch the local craftsmen at work while
Around Marrakeshsipping mint tea and enjoying views across the
Oukaimeden: A ski resort in the desert withStraits of Gibraltar to Tarifa on the Spanish coast,
camels instead of ski lifts! Yes, thick snowonly 14.5 Km away.
envelops the Jabal Oukaimeden mountain peakDar el Makhzen: This is a 17th century palace
during the winter months (usually January andcontaining and impressive collection of art from all
February) and it is just a 46-mile (74km) driveregions of Morocco.
from Marrakech. The town can be reached byForbes Museum: This is located in the Marshan Villa
taxi or car and is well equipped for skiers seekingdistrict, about 20 minutes walk from the medina.
restaurants, ski equipment hire, and comfortableThe museum is the former palace of United
hotels within a stunning alpine setting.States multi-millionaire and media magnate,
Ouirgane: A village in the foothills of the AtlasMalcolm Forbes. The house is open to the public
Mountains about 1 ½ hour's drive fromand houses Forbes' collection of 8,000 miniature
Marrakesh. It is a popular place to visit, wheresoldiers!
summers are cooler and winters are less harsh.Chefchaouen
The Berber villages are enchanting whilst set inChefchaouen was first settled by Spanish Muslim
forests with wild flowers, including the famousrefugees in the middle-ages and has retained its
rose gardens, fruit trees and streams cascadingdistinctive Spanish character. It is just an hour's
from the High Atlas.drive from Tangier in the Rif mountains.
Essaouira: This popular resort town dates fromThe medina is beautiful and bustling with
the 18th century, and is easily reached by buscraftsmen working diligently and tradesmen selling
from Marrakech. The town is surrounded by athe usual fare of carpets, leather goods, pottery
fortified wall and faces the sea. The beach is aand copper utensils. The Great Mosque, in the
wide, stunning stretch with pretty whitewashedmiddle of the medina dates to the 17th century
houses, boat-builders' workshops and art galleries.sits on a picturesque square with restaurants and
Visitors come for the laid-back atmosphere andcafes.
the high wind that makes it a very popular centreAsilah
for wind- and kite-surfing.Located south of Tangier, Asilah is a very poplular
Essaouira is also famous for its wood carvingseaside resort, famous for its nearby Paradise
tradition, mainly using local, fragrant Thuya wood.Beach. Paradise Beach is a short taxi or a fun
The harbour is a hive of activity at all times,horse and cart ride from the village and is famous
particularly during the daily fish auction, attractingfor its enormous expanse of unspoilt white, sandy
as many onlookers as buyers and sellers.beach.
Agadir: Is a major seaside resort south ofDespite growing numbers of visitors, Asilah has
Marrakech. It is new and modern with magnificentretained its relaxing atmosphere. Asilah is known
sandy beaches. Its "newness" is largely due to anas the Artists' Village and here you can find many
uncharacteristic earthquake that shook the townlocally painted canvases adorning the souks of its
in 1961, and it has now been re-modelled as a15th century medina. The town is small enough to
popular package holiday destination as well as aexplore on foot or by donkey cart and is
major fishing port. Agadir boasts 300 days ofrenowned for its great seafood restaurants.