6 Top-Rated Cultural Attractions One Must Visit in Morocco
By: Jackson Chasen-Buckley/Arab America Contributing Writer
Are you thinking of traveling to Morocco for your vacation? The coastal nation has a lot to offer with both sightseeing and culture. The country is about the size of California and has 32 million people currently living there. From the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech, there is plenty to explore in this fascinating place. The list below ranks (in no particular order) some of the most captivating Morocco attractions and cultural sights that you can visit on your next trip to Morocco.
Palacio da Bahia
Located in Marrakech, the Bahia Palace is an extravagant estate that stretches over 20 acres. The name literately translates to “brilliance“. And after strolling around the grounds, you will equate it to that if not more. The palace was envisioned by Ahmed ben Moussa, the Grand Vizier of Morocco during the late 19th century. It served as his private residence. The main appeal of the place is its breathtaking Islamic architecture. The vibrant colors along with the sculptures scattered across the grounds and gardens are guaranteed to amaze and intrigue.
Koutoubia Mosque
As with the Palacio da Bahia, the Koutoubia Mosque is also located in Marrakech. The house of worship is actually the largest mosque in the city. The building itself is around 80×60 meters. From the outside, you can gaze upon the beautifully designed stain glass windows. Arches litter the surrounding exterior, capturing the brilliance of Islamic architecture. The minaret tower stands at around 773m in height and has a wonderful view of the city. The mosque has a rich history too. It was constructed in the ruins of what was the territory of the Almoravid. After conquering the land, the Almohads decided to erect their own sanctuary of worship. Thus, the construction of the Koutoubia Mosque began. If you find yourself in Marrakech, it is highly recommended you at least catch a glimpse of this holy place.
Saadian Tombs
If you want to experience a real taste of Morrocan history, then it is highly recommended that you visit the Saadian Tombs. Located in Marrakech, the necropolis houses the deceased that dates back to the 11th century. Situated on the south side of the Kasbah Mosque, these tombs are a must-visit when traveling through Marrakech. In addition, the tombs are located near the center of the city, so you will not have to travel far in order to explore them. The tombs contrast the feeling of dread associated with death by displaying breathtaking architecture. Scattered throughout the entire necropolis are carefully constructed pillars. Likewise, beautiful tile art covers the walls, some of which date back to the 16th century. This is a very beneficial way to immerse yourself in Moroccan history.
Medina of Essaouira
The UNESCO heritage site is a beauty to gaze upon. The coastal town comes with a fortified wall along the shoreline. Interestingly, the wall was not only designed to deter invaders but was also implemented in order to stop the rising ocean water. The village survived economically due to being a major fishing port. One of the most popular attractions is the fishing market. Make your way towards the coast and witness the traders go about their day. This trading and exchange process began at the village’s inception and still continues to this day. It is highly encouraged that travelers dedicate one day to explore the entire heritage site.
Chellah
This World Heritage site is located in the capital city of Rabat. One can witness the gorgeous view of Islamic architecture with the surrounding wall. The microcity was initially established by the Phoenicians. The original design was to be a trading hub. The Romans then managed to take control of the site. They established a necropolis on the grounds. A popular attraction is to walk through the cemeteries and admire the surrounding building designs. In addition, many of the walls and stones are inscribed in Phonecian and Latin. The venue also occasionally hosts music festivals. If you admire Moroccan/Arab architecture, it is most definitely recommend to pan this in your travel itinerary.
El Badi Palace
Within central Marrakech lies the El Badi Palace. The palace began construction in the 16th century by the order of sultan Ahmad al-Mansur. Interestingly, the development bared little cost, as a Portuguese ransom was used in part to finance it. The palace took around 15 years to build and used some fo the most expensive metals at the time. The Palace contains just about what you would expect. As you walk around you can admire the lovely architecture. There are multiple gardens, pools, and even a dungeon. One attraction worth checking out is the Koutoubia Minbar. Thisminbar was erected as far back as 1137. This palace is a must-see when vacationing in Marrakech.
