Attractions of Morocco

Marrakech

Marrakech is one of the most evocative names in travel and this medieval North African city remains very popular with travellers. Founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids, Marrakech has numerous historical structures of interest and retains a medieval atmosphere reminiscent of the Arabian Nights. The Medina, or old city, is centred around Djemaa el Fna Square, one of the largest public spaces in the world, which comes alive at nights with travelling musicians, acrobats, snake charmers, storytellers, jugglers and hundreds of small restaurants and food stalls. Marrakech's other highlights include the beautiful 19th century Bahia Palace, the 16th century Saadian tombs and the Dar Si Said palace which houses the Museum of Moroccan Arts. The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest in Marrakech, and its spectacular and graceful minaret dominates the skyline and is a symbol of the city. The labyrinth of souks off Djemaa el Fna Square are world famous and the perfect place to haggle for Moroccan souvenirs.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Medina of Marrakesh

The port town of Essaouira lies on Morocco's Atlantic coast. It dates back to the 15th century but was largely rebuilt in the late 18th century with a significant European architectural influence. Essaouira is a relaxed and picturesque town from the narrow streets and white-washed buildings of its medina to the ramparts and fortifications along the sea wall. The former pirate's lair is now a substantial fishing port and it's interesting to observe the daily catch and auction. The coast provides a scenic and fascinating stroll, along the ramparts and beaches to the crumbling castle. Elsewhere, the shops and artisans' workshops in the medina offer opportunities to buy rustic leather belts, gold and silver jewellery or elaborately decorated wooden boxes.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador)

The ksar at Ait-Ben-Haddou in Ouarzazate province is the most famous and best preserved example of this traditional type of pre-Saharan habitat. A ksar comprises a densely packed group of red earthen buildings enclosed by a high defensive wall reinforced by towers. Ait-Ben-Haddou dates to the 15th century and if it looks familiar, it's because it has been used as the location for the Hollywood epics Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth and Gladiator.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou

Rabat

The historic city of Rabat became capital of the French Protectorate in 1912 and Morocco's capital after independence. The earliest settlement was in the Chellah area in the 1st century BC where the remains of the citadel are now found. The city's historic areas have many important attractions, including the Hassan Mosque minaret, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Royal Palace and the walled Kasbah des Oudaias.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Rabat, modern capital and historic city: a shared heritage

Meknes

Founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids as a military settlement, Meknes reached its peak during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail from 1672-1727, who made it his capital city and developed an imperial city within Meknes. Built in Hispano-Moorish style, the medina is surrounded by high walls and monumental gates, within which are palaces, mosques and numerous souks, as well as the tomb of Moulay Ismail.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic City of Meknes

Roman Ruins of Volubilis

Founded in the 3rd century BC, Volubilis became an outpost at the edges of the Roman Empire in the 1st century AD, as capital of its province of Mauritania Tingitana. Housing the best Roman ruins in Morocco, Volubilis is best known for its numerous and detailed floor mosaics. Some of the notable structures remaining are the ruins of the basilica, capitol, the great houses of Orpheus and Ephebus and the triumphal arch of Caracalla which spans the decumanus maximus.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Archaeological Site of Volubilis

Fez

Though it lost its status as political capital of Morocco to Rabat in 1912, Fez remains the spiritual and cultural capital of the country and one of the finest examples of a medieval Islamic city in the world. Home to the world's first university, Fez was one of the great centres of education and learning in the medieval world, especially at its peak under the Marinids in the 13th and 14th centuries. Walking through the medina of the old city of Fez (there are no cars), Fez el Bali, is an almost overwhelming assault on the senses. Its narrow streets are packed with mosques, madrassas, fondouks (or shops), artisan workshops, khans and palaces, little changed since medieval times. Buildings of note include Karouine University, Attarine madrassa and the Royal Palace. Outside the medina are the other parts of Fez - Fez el Jedid is the new city founded by the Marinids, a planned city with broad streets and many gardens, Nouveau Ville has a distinctive European character while the Mellah is the Jewish quarter.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Medina of Fez

Tétouan is located on Morocco's northern coast and was the main link between Morocco and Andalusia in the Islamic period. After the Reconquest, Andalusian refugees settled in the town and its medina reveals these influences in its art and architecture. It is the smallest but most complete medina in Morocco.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Medina of Tétouan (formerly known as Titawin)

Mazagan was built as a fortified coastal colony by the Portuguese in the early 16th century as part of their explorations of West Africa. It was taken over by the Moroccans in 1769 and today is part of the city of El Jadida. The fortification with its ramparts and four surviving bastions is an early example of Renaissance military design. Inside are some surviving Portuguese buildings - the Gothic Church of the Assumption and the cistern, in addition to the 19th century mosque.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida)