Koutoubia Mosque is an iconic architectural landmark and central area of the old city of Marrakech, also the highest point of the city. Built in the 11th century, it was designed by the architect Yakub al-Mansur, who also built the Hassan Tower in Rabat, to celebrate the victory over the Spanish. The mosque's minaret reaches a height of 67 meters, with a magnificent and exquisite appearance, making it one of the most beautiful buildings in North Africa. Unlike other mosques, the minaret of Koutoubia Mosque is mixed with nearly ten thousand bags of precious spices in the mud mixture of the adhesive stones, giving it a rich fragrance, hence called the "Fragrant Tower." In addition, the unique feature of Koutoubia Mosque is that its muezzin must be blind, to prevent anyone from peeping into the nearby palace courtyard where the concubines reside. Although the mosque is not open to the public, the small garden surrounding it is freely accessible, with a French garden style and fragrant flowers. Visitors can take a moment to rest and enjoy this charming place.
Ayt Benhadu
The fortified village of Ait-Ben-Haddou refers to a group of earthen buildings enclosed by high walls, which is a typical pre-Saharan settlement. Many houses are built inside the defensive walls, while arrow towers surround the area to provide additional defense. Ait-Ben-Haddou in the province of Ouarzazate is a classic example of southern Moroccan architecture, which became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.
University of Al-Karaouine
Fez was built in the 9th century and is home to the oldest university. The University of Al Quaraouiyine is actually comprised of a mosque and a Quranic school, built by the wealthy merchant's daughter Fatima Al-Fihri. Under her leadership, it developed from a small pilgrimage site into a religious education institution and a place for political discussions, becoming an important religious school in the Arab world. However, the university prohibits non-Muslims from entering, and they can only visit from the outside.
Meknes Medina
Meknes is a military city built by the Murabitun people in the 11th century, which became the capital of the country during the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismaïl of the Alaouite dynasty (1672-1727). The Sultan transformed Meknes into a grand city in the Spanish-Moorish style, surrounded by high walls and giant gates. Even today, the harmonious blend of Islamic and European styles from the 17th century Maghreb period can still be seen. It was designated as a World Heritage site in 1996.
The ancient city was built in the 3rd century BC and was once the capital of the ancient North African country of Mauretania. It was an important outpost of the Roman Empire and had many elegant and exquisite buildings. The archaeological site is a rich agricultural area where many important relics and artifacts have been unearthed. Valubilis later became the capital of the Idrisid dynasty for a period of time, and its founder, Idris I, was buried nearby in Moulay Idris. - World Heritage Committee, 1997.
Medina Azahara - Conjunto Arqueolgico Madinat al-Zahra
"Dyablaan city was a particularly significant city during the Islamic period which began in the eighth century, as it was a major thoroughfare connecting Morocco and al-Andalus. After being reconquered by Spain, the city was rebuilt by refugees from al-Andalus who had been expelled by the Spanish. The city's architecture and artistic style are distinctive and heavily influenced by al-Andalus. Although one of the smallest Arab settlements in Morocco, Dyablaan city is undoubtedly one of the most complete and least affected by later external influences." - World Heritage Committee Review in 1997.
The Royal Guards, wearing traditional Fes red hats, guard the mausoleum of Mohammed V. It forms an interesting contrast with the nearby Hassan Tower. The mausoleum consists of a modern building and an ancient minaret.
In 1962, King Hassan II built this mausoleum to honor his father, Mohammed V, who passed away the year before. The mausoleum was completed in 1971, and King Hassan II was also buried here after his death.
Mohammed V is the father of modern Morocco and ruled the country twice. The first time was from 1927 to 1953 when Morocco was still not independent, and Mohammed V was referred to as the "Sultan." Due to his support for independence, he was exiled by the French colonial government to Madagascar for three years. In 1961, he returned to Morocco but passed away later that year. Morocco declared independence and changed the title from Sultan to King.
The mausoleum of King Mohammed V is considered as one of the representations of modern architecture of the Alawite dynasty. Its signature features include white walls and green tiles on the exterior, while the interior is elaborately decorated by Moroccan craftsmen, featuring elements such as white marble, mosaic, and intricately carved cedarwood. Additionally, the coffins of King Mohammed V and his two sons, King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah, are housed in the lower level of the mausoleum.
Portuguese fortress
The Mazagan military fortress near Casablanca was a Portuguese colony built along the Atlantic coast in the early 16th century, and was taken by the Moroccans in 1769. The Portuguese city was one of the early colonies established by Portuguese explorers in West Africa on their way to India, and serves as an example of the interaction and integration of European and Moroccan cultures.
The city of Sowira is a typical North African port city developed in the late 18th century. The city was built with the blueprint of European defense castles of the same period, combined with local North African characteristics. The size of the defense fortifications is not very large, but the coastal walls of the entire old city can be seen. It is highly recommended to purchase tickets and visit.
