Rabat, Morocco - Dec 1, 2018

1 s/d 2
Riad El Bir
18, Rue El Bir, Rabat Medina, Rabat Medina, Rabat,
Morocco, 10000
Casablanca - Nov 29
29 s/d 1 dec
Prince de Paris
24 bis boulevard de Paris, Fonciere, Casablanca, Morocco
20000
Marrakesh - Nov 27
27 s/d 29,
Riad Massiba
38 Douar Graoua street, Medina, Marrakech, Morocco
40000
Arfoud - Nov 26
26 s/d 27
Fez - Nov 24
24 s/d 26,
Dar Chrif Idrissi
32 Akbat Zerka Kettanin Medina, Fes El Bali, Fes,
Morocco, 30000
Meknes - Nov 24
not stay
Tangier - Nov 23
23 s/d 24,
Hotel Continental
Rue Dar Baroud N° 36, Ancienne Medina, Tangier,
Morocco, 90000
Rabat, Morocco - Nov 21, 2018
21 s/d 22,
Riad Azahra
Alamat: 11 Rue Skaia Bel Mekki، Rabat 10000, Morocco
Telepon: +212 5372-02028
 Rabat
21 s/d 22 November 2018
Riad Azahra
Alamat: 11 Rue Skaia Bel Mekki , Rabat 10000, Morocco
Telepon: +212 5372-02028

1 s/d 2 Desember 2018

Riad El Bir
18, Rue El Bir, Rabat Medina, Rabat Medina, Rabat, Morocco, 10000

As Morocco's capital, Rabat is home to the country's most important museum,

the Royal Palace, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, as well as several
historical attractions. Situated right on the Atlantic Ocean, with the Bou Regreg
River running to the west separating it from its sister-city of Salé, Rabat is a
pretty place. It has a much calmer atmosphere than nearby Casablanca. And for
many tourists, a visit to Rabat can be a pleasant surprise and a welcome break
from the hustle of other Moroccan cities. History-lovers are sure to enjoy
wandering the Chellah excavation area and exploring the lovely Oudaias
Kasbah.

1 Oudaias Kasbah

Rabat's Kasbah district is one of the city's top sightseeing draws. Inside the 11th-
century fortress walls, a tranquil and tiny neighborhood of twisting white-and-blue
lanes were built in Andalusian-style. This is the perfect place for aimless,
meandering strolls, and its winding alleys are a joy to photograph. Don't miss
visiting Rue el Jamma within the district, where you'll find the Kasbah Mosque.
Built in 1150, this is the oldest mosque in Rabat. Keen photographers should
also note that the district has fine views over to Salé and the Atlantic Ocean.
Location: Off Boulevard Tariq al Marsa

2 Hassan Tower

Built by the Almohads, the unfinished Hassan Tower was the work of ruler
Yacoub al-Mansour and would have been the minaret for his grand vision of a
mosque on this site. Upon his death in 1150, construction was abandoned, and
this 45-meter-high tower is all that remains of his original plan. Beautiful and
intricate motifs and designs cover the tower's facade, pointing to the
sumptuousness of what al-Mansour had in mind. The Hassan Tower is next door
to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.

Location: Off Rue Abdel Moumen

3 Mausoleum of Mohamed V
The glittering Mausoleum of King Mohammed V lies in state on the very place
where, upon his return from exile in Madagascar, he gathered thousands of
Moroccans together to thank God for giving independence to their country. The
opulent tomb chamber is resplendently decorated, with zellige tilework covering
the walls around the grand marble tomb. It's a showcase of Moroccan traditional
design. Non-Muslims cannot enter the adjoining mosque but are able to view the
mausoleum's tomb chamber from above, as long as they are dressed respectfully
(shoulders and knees covered).

Location: Off Rue Abdel Moumen

4 Chellah Necropolis
The remnants of the 14th-century Merenid citadel-town of Chellah are an
atmospheric place. The walled ruins are positioned on an older Roman town
called Sala, which archaeologists uncovered evidence of in the 1930s. Today,
parts of both these settlements can be seen. Chellah thrived as a Merenid citadel
in the early 14th century. The crumbled ruins of mosques and mausoleums they
built here are now covered with rambling brambles, providing nesting sites for
storks. The excavated Roman part of the site includes a forum, bath, and temple.
For a good overview of the entire Chellah ruins, an overlooking terrace provides
excellent views across the site.

Location: Off Boulevard ad Doustour

5 Oudaias Museum and the Andalusian Gardens

Within the Oudaias Kasbah are the lovely Andalusian Gardens, which were laid
out in the early 20th century. The Oudaias Museum, set within the gardens, is
housed in the opulent 17th-century lodge built by Moulay Ismail as his first Rabat
residence. At the far end of the lodge, a room displays an ancient Moroccan
interior. Cushions in brocade, silk, and gold cover the divans around the room. A
little further on is an exhibit of ancient illuminated Qur'ans, jewelry, pottery, and
musical instruments.

Location: Off Rue Bazzo

 6 Medina

Rabat's rambling medina area has a distinctly Andalusian style to its buildings as
most of the architecture here dates from the 17th century, when Muslims
from Spain's Andalusia region arrived. This makes it very different to the medinas
of Fes and Marrakesh. The two best shopping streets are Souk es
Sebbat and Rue Souka, and a number of interesting buildings within the district
make a wander here worthwhile. In particular look out for the Koubba
Mosque as well as the Merenid Fountain and Grand Mosque both on Rue
Souka. The Mellah (Jewish Quarter) is in the southeast corner of the medina and
has an interesting flea market.

7 Mohammed VI Museum of Contemporary Arts

For anyone interested in Morocco's modern art movement, this new museum is
one of Rabat's top things to do. The collection, housed in an impressively
renovated building dating back to the French colonial days is small but holds
artworks from nearly all of the country's top names in the art world. A visit here
makes a lovely contrast to viewing the traditional artisan work for which Morocco
is rightly famous and shows the contemporary side to the country's long artistic
expressions.

Address: Avenue Moulay Hassan

8 Rabat Archaeology Museum

Built in 1932 and enlarged a few years later to display excavated finds, this
museum is home to Morocco's best archaeological collection. The prehistoric
section brings together human remains from the middle Palaeolithic period to the
Neolithic, illustrating the continuity and size of the population at this time. Pre-
Roman civilizations are well represented. The Roman and Hellenistic exhibits are
renowned, and the collection of bronzes are incredibly impressive. Even if you're
not a museum person, this is the one museum on your Morocco travels that you
shouldn't miss.

Address: Rue al-Brihi Parent

 9 New City

Rabat's Ville Nouvelle (New City) is home to the Archaeological Museum and
also the surprisingly interesting Postal Museum (on Avenue Mohammed V),
which brings together a superb collection of Moroccan stamps, telephones, and
telegraph machines. The streets of the Ville Nouvelle host a wealth of French
colonial architecture and are a pleasant place for a stroll. Right on the district's
edge, Avenue Hassan IIfollows the 17th-century Undulations Wall separating
the modern city from the medina.

To the south of the Ville Nouvelle is Rabat's Royal Palace, constructed in 1864
and fenced off from its surroundings with a grand wall. The complex is not open
to the public as the current king still uses the palace as his residence. You can
get good photographs of the palace exterior from the nearby Sunna Mosque.

Location: Central Rabat

10 Abul Hassan Medersa

Directly across the Bou Regreg River, facing Rabat, the town of Salé is home to
several interesting medersas (madrassa - Islamic school of learning) and
mausoleums. In particular, the Abul Hassan Medersa is worth a visit. It dates
from the Merenid era in the 14th century and has an interior covered with
beautifully restored examples of traditional religious decoration, including zellige
tile-work and carved wood panels. If you climb up to the roof, you can enjoy
excellent views across the water to Rabat.

Address: Rue Ras ash-Shajara

11 Salé Medina
The medina area in Salé is a quaint and picturesque place to spend a few hours
in the afternoon. As well as the Abul Hassan Medersa, the district is also home
to Salés' Grand Mosque, the Mausoleum of Sidi Ben Ashir with its photogenic
whitewashed tomb, and the Fondouk (khan) al-Askour. There are also some
wonderfully atmospheric souks, where you can join in with the locals and try out
your haggling skills. The shopping souks here are very much a local affair and
haven't been overly trussed-up for the tourists, which makes them an interesting
counterpoint to the souk streets of Marrakesh and Fes.

Location: Main entry from either Bab el-Jedid or Bab Lamrissa

12 Kenitra

Established as a military fort by Morocco's first French Resident General in

1912, Kenitra is a modern town on the road to Tangier. Although the town
doesn't have much to offer visitors, it's a great base for trips to
nearby Mahdia with its long beach, a haven for windsurfers. Other nearby
sightseeing attractions include the interesting kasbah neighborhood and the
Roman garrison site of Thamusida. The ruins of Thamusidainclude a temple,
bath, housing, and a large garrison camp area.

Location: 46 kilometers north of Rabat

History
Rabat was founded as an Arab army outpost in the 12th century and given the
generic name for military encampment, Ribat, which is still in use today. For
centuries, Rabat and Salé were rival principalities, but eventually Rabat began to
dominate the area. Salé's power was ultimately eclipsed altogether by its larger
neighbor.

In the early 17th century, Rabat became a center of anti-European piracy, with its
stronghold at the Kasbah des Oudaias. Rabat was first made a modern capital in
1912 by Morocco's French overlords and remained the nation's capital after
independence in 1956. The city is the

Tangier
23 s/d 24 November 2018
Hotel Continental
Rue Dar Baroud N° 36, Ancienne Medina, Tangier, Morocco, 90000
Once a glittering and debauched destination for the 1960s literary and artistic set,
Tangier holds an evocative tinge of this racy past, even though it may no longer
be the haunt of famed authors and painters. The medina area is the major point
of interest and place to roam and try to catch some of this atmosphere. The
winding lanes here are the city's prime tourist attraction. Outside of Tangier, the
coastline is dotted with picture-perfect seaside villages that make you want to
break out your watercolor palette. Tangier is a great base for exploring this part
of Morocco.

1 Medina

Tangier's medina (old city) tumbles down the cliff towards the ocean in a labyrinth
of narrow alleyways. The central vortex of medina life is the square known as
the Petit Socco, where old men sit for hours drinking tea and playing
backgammon. During its fast-paced past, the medina was a playground for
author Paul Bowles and America's legendary beatnik literary figures such as Jack
Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William Burroughs. Wandering around this area is
a must for Tangier visitors.

Just west of the Petit Socco on Rue Siaghine is The Church of the Immaculate
Conception, built by the Spanish in 1880. East of the square is the Grand
Mosque. In the southeast corner of the old city is the Old American Legation,
once the US consulate building and the oldest American diplomatic post. The
museum inside traces the history of the relationship between the US and
Morocco - as Morocco was one of the first countries to recognize American
independence, the US established its legation in Tangier in 1821. The interesting
exhibits inside include George Washington's famous letter to Moulay Abdullah.

Location: Main entry off Grand Socco

2 Kasbah
The Kasbah, where the sultan once lived, dominates the medina's northern
section. The gate opens onto a large courtyard, which leads to the Dar el-
Makhzen Palace and the modern-day Kasbah Museum. The palace was built in
the 17th century and enlarged by each reigning sultan. The carved wooden
ceilings and marble courtyard showcase the intricacies of Moroccan craft-work.
Also in the Kasbah is the infamous Cafe Detroit,which became a haunt for the
visiting and expat writers, artists, and hangers-on in the 1960s.

Location: Main entry off Rue Tabor

3 Kasbah Museum

History lovers should definitely put the Kasbah Museum on their Tangier things to
do list. The museum brings together an amazing number of exhibits tracing
Morocco's tumultuous and complicated history. The Antiquities Collection brings
together finds from the country's prime ancient Roman sites such
as Lixus and Volubilis and includes a life-size model of a Carthaginian tomb.
There are also displays explaining Tangier's history and a large section devoted
to Moroccan arts. The Fes Room is particularly interesting, containing silks and
illustrated manuscripts as well as centuries-old ceramics decorated from golden
yellow to the famous Fes-blue.

Address: Rue Riad Sultan, Kasbah

4 Ville Nouvelle

Tangier's ville nouvelle (new city) is a must for fans of late 19th- and early 20th-
century architecture as it features many fine buildings from this time period. Here,
you'll find the Terrasse des Paresseux (Terrace of the Idle), where you can look
out at the spectacular ocean view that has captivated so many European artists.
With the harbor before you, look across the water for the hazy silhouettes
of Gibraltar and southern Spain in the distance.

The Grand Socco (the main square) marks the end of the new city and entry to
the medina. This is where Tangier locals come to stroll, play, and sit in the
surrounding cafes for hours. Just to the square's north is the Mendoubia
Gardens, a shady spot full of fig and dragon trees.

5 Beach
Tangier's beach side district is intrinsically linked to the city's heady 1960s, when
the beautiful and louche literary residents made this one of the world's most
famous strips of sand. Its heyday is now long gone, but the beach area is still a
good place for a stroll with plenty of locals promenading and playing football
along its length. Swimming here is unfortunately not a good idea as the water
isn't very clean, but if you just want to get some sea air, stretch your legs, and
take in a bit of local life, it's worth a visit.

Location: Off Avenue Mohammed VI

6 Cap Spartel

Geography fans won't want to miss this Tangier side trip. Cap Spartel
marks Africa's northwest tip. The promontory projects into the water, marking the
boundary of the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. For atmosphere, the
best time to come here is at sunset, when you can see dusk settle over the
Atlantic. The lighthouse here, at the tip of the promontory, is especially
photogenic, and there's a great cafe next door where you can grab a coffee or a
juice and take in the sea views.

Location: 11 kilometers west of Tangier

7 St. Andrew's Church

Built in 1905, this Anglican church is one of Tangier's more relaxing spots and is
a great place to visit if the hustle of the city is grinding you down. The still
functioning church has a tranquil and rather stark interior, while the small
cemetery outside contains interesting tombstones from the early 20th century. If
you're in Tangier on a Sunday, you can catch a morning service here, or at other
times simply knock on the door, and the caretaker will open the church up for
you.

Address: Rue d'Angleterre

8 Asilah

The little town of Asilah, on the northwest tip of Morocco's Atlantic coast, has a
history that stretches back to the Roman era. More recently, it has been under
the control of both Spain and Portugal. But the town's imposing ramparts, with
surviving bastions and towers, now offer a setting for delightful seaside walks.
The Portuguese fortifications enclose an old town of pretty white-and-blue-
washed houses with a distinctive Mediterranean feel. The town is also famous for
fried seafood dishes. Restaurants line the shore, making a great place to put
your feet up while you sample some fish.

Location: 40 kilometers from Tangier

9 Larache

The seaside town of Larache is the closest settlement to

the Lixus archaeological site, where Greek legend tells that Hercules gathered
the golden apples. The site was a trading center for first the Phoenicians, then
the Carthaginians, and finally the Romans, but its history is thought to be much
older than these conquerors. The ruins include a temple, theater, acropolis, and
baths, and although the site is overgrown, it's highly atmospheric. Back in town
itself, Larache's Archaeological Museum is housed in the Chateau de la
Cigogne. The museum contains a collection of finds unearthed from Lixus,
including an interesting display of perfume bottles and jewelry.

Location: 88 kilometers south of Tangier

10 Ceuta
Spain's little piece of Morocco, this oddity of a town is a major transport hub with
ferries across the sea to Algeciras. The old fortifications (built by the
Portuguese) around the San Felipe Moat are the town's main sight, but
the Ceuta Museum is also worth a look for its well-displayed collection of Punic
and Roman finds. Those with an interest in religious art and architecture should
also visit Ceuta's main square - home to the interesting Cathedral Museum and
the 15th-century Church of Our Lady of Africa.

Location: 79 kilometers east of Tangier

11 Melilla
Melilla's fortified medina is the main focus of most of the town's sightseeing.
Along with Ceuta, Melilla is a Spanish enclave on Moroccan soil; the last
remaining bits of land that Spain refused to give back to Morocco after
independence. The museum here is worth a look for its interesting
archaeological section. There is a 17th-century cathedral here as well. At
nearby Three Fork's Cape, gaze out over the perfectly turquoise waters. From
the lighthouse, you can see many small beaches and great blocks of anthracite
rise out of the waters.

History
According to Greek mythology Tangier, or Tingi, was founded by the giant
Antaeus. Tingi is mentioned by Carthaginian travelers as early as 500 BC, and
Phoenician sailors visited even earlier. After the destruction of Carthage, Tingi
was affiliated with the Berber kingdom of Mauretania. It then became an
autonomous state under Roman protection, eventually becoming a Roman
colony in the 3rd century AD during the reign of Diocletian, and ending as the
capital of Mauretania Tingitana. In the fifth century, Vandals conquered and
occupied Tingi and from here swept across North Africa.

A century later, Tingi became part of the Byzantine Empire and gradually fell into
obscurity until the city's capture by Moussa bin Nasser during the first years of
the eighth century. The city's inhabitants were converted to Islam, but many
Berber tribes joined the schismatic Kharijite rebellion and seized the port city in
AD 739. When Moulay Idriss I established his kingdom at Volubilis in AD 788,
Tangier became a focal point in the struggle between the Idrisid dynasty and the
Umayyads. This struggle continued until the Fatimid dynasty
from Tunisia assumed power in AD 958.

Tangier came under the successive sway of the Almoravides and Almohades,
after which the city fell under the influence of the Tunisian Hafsid dynasty before
passing into the hands of the Merenids. By the 14th century, Tangier became a
major Mediterranean port frequented by European trading vessels bringing cloth,
spices, metals, and hunting birds in exchange for leather, wool, carpets, cereals,
and sugar. After an unsuccessful attempt to seize Tangier in 1437, the
Portuguese finally conquered and occupied the city in 1471, converting the great
mosque into a cathedral. For nearly three centuries, the town was passed back
and forth between the Spanish, Portuguese, and finally the English, when it was
given to Charles II as part of the dowry from Catherine of Braganza.

The English granted Tangier a charter, which made the city equal to English
towns. In 1679, Moulay Ismail made an unsuccessful attempt to seize the town
but maintained a crippling blockade, which ultimately led to a British retreat.
Under Moulay Ismail, the city was reconstructed to some extent but gradually
declined until, by 1810, the population was no more than 5,000. Tangier began to
revive from the mid-19th century, when European colonial governments fought
for influence over Morocco.
 Meknes
24 Nov 2018

Most people stop over in Meknes simply to make a trip to Volubilis, Morocco's
most famous Roman site. But those who decide to linger on in the city will be
rewarded. Sightseeing in Meknes has a charm all of its own, with a
bustling medina of locals and a more easygoing approach
than Marrakesh or Fes. The grandiose gateway of Bab el-Mansour is another
chief attraction. As well as touring the Volubilis ruins, one of the other popular
things to do here is a day trip to the hilltop pilgrimage town of Moulay Idriss.

1 Volubilis

The ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis are the main tourist attraction for Meknes.
This is Morocco's most famous Roman remnant and for good reason. Sitting atop
a hill, with the countryside rolling out below, the surviving columns and temple
fragments of Volubilis are an impressive, and powerfully atmospheric, site.
Although much that has been unearthed here is now on display in Rabat's
Archaeology Museum, many of the gorgeous and intricate floor mosaics in
Volubilis' grand Roman villas have been left in-situ, giving you a taste of the
grandeur of wealthy Roman life.

The city's heyday was AD 24-285 when it served as capital for the Roman
province, and most of the ruins date from this period of prosperity. Of particular
interest are the House of Orpheus, the House of the Athlete, and the House
of the Labors of Hercules, with their particularly well-preserved mosaics.

Location: 29 kilometers from Meknes

 2 Moulay Idriss

Established in AD 788, the holy city of Moulay Idriss is named after the country's
most venerated saint and the Prophet Muhammed's great-great grandson, who
founded the first Moroccan state. The city is built upon the rocky spurs of the
Khyber and Tazga hills, with the buildings tumbling down the slopes dramatically.
For the faithful, this is an important pilgrimage center, and an annual religious
festival in August attracts thousands who pitch their tents around the town.

Although non-Muslims cannot enter the shrines of the town, you can wander up
through the medina (old town) to the hillside paths above and get amazing
rooftop views of the entire settlement. Moulay Idriss can easily be visited either
on the way to or from Volubilis.

Location: 27 kilometers from Meknes

3 Bab al-Mansour
Bab al-Mansour is the main gate between Meknes' Medina and Imperial
City districts. It's an immense and highly photogenic structure that many experts
proclaim as one of North Africa's finest examples of surviving gateways. Finished
in 1732, it was built by Sultan Moulay Ismail (though completed after his reign).
The intricate architectural detail on the gateway includes lavish use of zellige
tiling and carving work. Today, the gate isn't actually open, instead you enter and
exit through a neighboring, much smaller side gate. This allows you to fully
admire the gate's artistry unheeded by traffic.

Address: Place el-Hedim

4 Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail

This sumptuously decorated mausoleum is home to the tomb of Sultan Moulay

Ismail, who made Meknes his imperial capital in the 17th century. The interiors
here are truly breathtaking and showcase the glorious exuberance of Moroccan
religious decoration. The actual mosque is not open to non-Muslims, but you can
enter the outer parts of the complex and enter the tomb hall itself, with its
exuberantly decorated interior. Take your shoes off on entering, wear modest
clothing, and don't forget to tip the guardian.

Location: Imperial City district

5 Meknes Medina
Meknes Medina (Old Town) is a vibrant, bustling place full of local shopping
souks and twisty lanes. For avid shoppers this is prime hunting ground,
with Souk Nejarine offering plenty of textile stalls and Souk Sebbat home to
many traditional Moroccan craft shops as well as clothing and Morocco's famous
slippers. You should be able to get better prices here for handicrafts than in
Marrakesh.

The 12th-century Grand Mosque, with its distinctive green-tiled roof, sits right in
the medina's core, making navigation easy. The medina is still encased by its
crumbling walls, which in some sections are still fully standing. They were built
during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail, when he made Meknes his capital.

Location: Main entry off Place el-Hedim

6 Imperial City

The Imperial City district has plenty of interesting old ruins to explore, most
dating from the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail, when Meknes enjoyed its heyday
as capital of Morocco. The Koubat Al Khayatine is the city's old ambassador
building and today, part of the building is open to the public, with a small
photography exhibit on Meknes. Next door to the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum is
the ruined 17th-century palace of Moulay Ismail known as Dar el-Kebir. A rather
long and dusty walk from here brings you to the mammoth Heri es-
Souani buildings, which once served as the Imperial City's storage granaries and
stables and have been partially restored.

Location: Main entry off Place el-Hedim

 7 Museum of Moroccan Art (Dar Jamai)

The Dar Jamai was built in 1882 as the residence of the illustrious Jamai family
and was converted into the Museum of Moroccan Art in 1920. The museum
retains the rich traditional decor of painted wood and sculpted plaster that were
popular interior flourishes for the 19th-century Moroccan higher-classes. There is
also an exquisite Andalusian-style garden outside. The museum is devoted to
arts and crafts of the region, and there are wonderful examples of wrought
ironwork and wood carving. One of the rooms is set out as a typical example of a
Moroccan reception room from the late 19th century, which will give you some
idea how the rich of Meknes lived during this period.

Location: Place el-Hedim

8 Bou Inania Medersa

This beautiful medersa (Madrassa - Islamic school of learning), hidden within the
loops of Meknes' souk streets, was founded in the 14th century and has been
beautifully preserved with much of its rich zellige tile decoration still in place. The
tiny, austere cells that surround the central courtyard were once home to the
students who studied theology here. You can climb up to the green tiled rooftop
for excellent views across the entire Meknes Medina district and the Ville
Nouvelle (new town) beyond.

Address: Souk Sebbat, Medina

History
This imperial city (the Moroccan Versailles) was built as the Moroccan capital on
a fertile plain north of the Middle Atlas, near Fez, by Sultan Moulay Ismail, one of
the first rulers of the Alawite dynasty that governed Morocco.

Moulay Ismail came to power in 1672 at age 26 and reigned for 55 years. When
a French princess refused his hand in marriage, the young Sultan swore that he
would build a palace town that would rival Versailles in splendor. He pressed
50,000 workers into service, building a series of palaces, mile after mile of walls,
battlements and ramparts, and a vast marketplace. The imperial city was
completed by Moulay Ismail's son Moulay Abdallah (1727-1757) and his
grandson Sidi Mohamed ben Abdallah (1757-1790). When, in the early 19th
century, Meknes ceased to be an imperial capital, it became neglected. It was
not until the reign of Moulay Hassan at the end of the century that Meknes was
restored and revived.
 Fes
24 s/d 26 November 2018
Dar Chrif Idrissi
32 Akbat Zerka Kettanin Medina, Fes El Bali, Fes, Morocco, 30000

Fes vies with Marrakesh for the title of Morocco's most exotic city. This is the
country's spiritual capital, and despite the encroachment of modernity, it has
maintained its authentic appeal down through the ages, holding onto its stately
bearing as an Imperial City. Its minaret and dome-punctured skyline and
timeless, crumbling Islamic architecture are top things to see for tourists. Culture
vultures will have a field day craning their necks along the narrow alleyways at all
the monument attractions. With historic buildings on every corner, this is a
Moroccan metropolis that shouldn't be missed.

1 Medersa Bou Inania

The Medersa Bou Inania was built between 1350 and 1357 by the Merenid
sultan Bou Inan. One of the few religious buildings in the city that non-Muslims
may enter, the Medersa (madrassa - Islamic school of learning) is a sumptuous
architectural gem and one of Morocco's most gorgeous buildings. Up until the
1960s, this was still a functioning theological school, and the restoration efforts
since that time have restored it to its original beauty. The carved woodwork and
stucco decoration is magnificent and is a tribute to Morocco's master artisans.

Address: Rue Talaa Kebira, Fes el-Bali

 2 Medersa el-Attarine

Another example of fine Merenid architecture, the Medersa el-Attarine was built
in 1325 by Abu Said. The courtyard here is a wonderful display of the intricate
decoration from this period, with elaborate zellige tile-work and cedar wood
carvings. The upper floor is made up of a warren of cells, which were once home
to students studying theology at the Qaraouiyine Mosque (once one of the
world's first universities). If you climb up onto the rooftop, you can get great views
of the green-tiled roof of the Qaraouiyine Mosque itself.

Location: Fes el Bali

3 Fes el Bali
Fes el Bali is the medina area and the city's oldest neighborhood. It's thought to
be the largest intact surviving medina in the world. The main gate into the area
is Bab Boujloud. As you approach this grand old gate, you get wonderful views
of the neighborhood's famed landmark: the minaret of the Medersa Bou Inania,
which sits just after the Bab Boujloud gate. Within its walls, the rambling streets
spiral out into two distinctly different districts divided by a meandering river. The
left bank is home to the most historic monuments and the majority of
the shopping souks, while the right bank may be scruffier but is full of local life
and photogenic alleyways. The right bank also has some interesting buildings to
search out including the Al-Andalus Mosque, built in 1321 and noted for its
prominent green and white minaret, which actually dates back to the 10th
century. Nearby, you'll find a variety of interesting other monuments including an
old fondouk(khan or caravanserai) and the crumbling Medersa Sahrij. The
entire Old City is a walker's delight, with plenty of opportunities to explore and
soak up the atmosphere of Fes life. Be aware that the area is hilly, and the lanes
are laid with cobblestones, so wear sturdy shoes.

Location: Fes el Bali

4 Souks District and Tanneries

For shoppers, Fes el Bali is a paradise of local craft-work with colorful Moroccan
slippers, leather-work, metalwork, rainbow-glass lamps, and tiles all displayed at
stalls throughout the district. The streets just west of the Qaraouiyine
Mosque have the greatest concentration of shopping opportunities. This is also
where you can visit the famous Chouara tanneries of Fes, one of the top things
to do in this area. Here, you can watch the traditional dying of animal skins - the
first step in making Morocco's many leather products. Leather shops surrounding
the tanneries provide bird's-eye views over the area from their rooftops and are
the best place to take photos.

Location: Fes el Bali

 5 Mellah

The atmospheric old Mellah (Jewish Quarter) is in Fes el Jedid, just north of
the Royal Palace. Throughout this compact district, the lanes are lined with fine
(though highly dilapidated) examples of early 20th-century houses, which were
once home to the vibrant Jewish community of Fes. The small, restored Aben-
Danan Synagogue can also be visited here. On the edge of the Mellah is the
rambling Jewish cemetery, one of the city's most tranquil spots, and a Jewish
Museum housing a collection of objects highlighting Moroccan Jewish life and
culture.

Location: Fes el Jedid

6 Borj Nord and the Merenid Tombs

For the best views over Fes el Bali, walk up the steep hill just outside the city
ramparts, to the Borj Nord area. Here, you'll find a 16th-century fortress, home to
an impressive arms museum. The collection of weapons includes some
extremely rare pieces that represent armory from across the world. Amid the
cache is the five-meter-long cannon (with a weight of 12 tons) that was used
during the Battle of the Three Kings.

After viewing the arms museum, keep heading up the hill to the summit where a
scattering of golden-stoned Merenid tombs sits. Although the tombs are in a
heavily ruined state today, you're here for the views, which take in the entire
walled medina area and out to the green hills beyond.

Address: Rue des Mérinides

7 Qaraouiyine Mosque

Built in AD 857 by Tunisian immigrants from the holy city of Kairouan,

the Qaraouiyine Mosque was one of the medieval period's most distinguished
universities. Today, in its function as a working mosque, it is one of Morocco's
largest centers of worship, with a prayer hall that can hold 20,000. The library is
one of the oldest surviving in the world and contains more than 30,000 books.
Among the collection is a 9th-century Qur'an. The Fes el-Bali complex cannot be
entered by non-Muslims, but you can get excellent views of the mosque from
nearby restaurant rooftops.

Location: Fes el Bali

 8 Fes el Jedid

The Merenids built this "New City" in the 13th century when they realized that
Fes el Bali would be too small to contain their palaces. The rather grand Royal
Palacetakes center stage here (not open to the public) and behind it, mosques
and medersas fill the host of lanes. There's a tranquil air to this small section of
the city, which sits between bustling Fes el Bali and the European-style Ville
Nouvelle, and it makes a welcoming, peaceful lull between these two faster-
paced worlds.

Location: Fes el Jedid

9 Batha Museum
The Batha Museum is inside a Hispano-Moorish summer palace built in the late
19th century. The museum collection traipses through a selection of traditional
Moroccan craftsmanship, with wood carved doors, wrought-iron work,
embroidery, carpets, and jewelry all on display. The centerpiece exhibit of the
museum is the ceramics room, where the famous Fes blue ceramics, colored
with cobalt, are featured. More interesting than the displays themselves is the
building's own original decoration and the lovely internal courtyard garden, which
is full of shady trees and tall palms and is a true oasis within the city.

Address: Place Batha, Fes el Bali

10 Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Crafts

Right amid Place Nejjarine, surrounded by metalworker workshops, you'll find the
Nejjarine Museum in an old fondouk, which has been transformed into a museum
displaying Moroccan wooden arts and crafts. Here, in the salons where traders
once slept on their trips to town are displays of engraved granary doors, dowry
chests, and mashrabiya (lattice screen) window frames. The central courtyard of
the fondouk, with its sturdy pillars and balconies decorated in carved wood and
stucco detailing, is worthy of the entrance price alone and has been painstakingly
restored to its original glory.

Address: Place Nejjarine, Fes el-Bali

 11 Tazzeka National Park and Taza

Taza was founded by the Berbers in the fifth century and was once a fortress that
guarded the route leading to fertile lands in the west. In the old town, situated
above the modern, there are cereal markets, souks for mats, jewelry, and
carpets, as well as the remains of the old kasbah. Within Taza's Great
Mosque is one of Morocco's most beautiful bronze chandeliers, which bears 514
oil lamps.

Just out of town are the Friouato Caverns, a haven for spelunkers. These
caverns reach down to a depth of 180 meters, with stalactites and stalagmites
covering a fairyland of mineral sculpture. Taza is also the best base for
adventures into Tazzeka National Park and its vast forests of cork oaks and
cedars. The climb to the summit of Djebel Tazzeka (1,980 meters) is well
rewarded by stunning views across this wooded countryside and out to the snow-
bound peaks of the Middle Atlas.

Location: 113 kilometers northeast of Fes

12 Sefrou
This walled town is a photographer's dream and exudes an untouched and
unhurried air. Once a major point on the caravan trading routes, Sefrou was a
prosperous and cosmopolitan center. But by the 20th century, its heyday had
long passed and it reverted to sleepy and slightly down-at-heel scruffiness. The
lack of investment here, though, has meant that Sefrou has managed to retain
much of its historic charm, and there are a bundle of gorgeous old buildings in its
center.

Location: 29 kilometers southeast of Fes

13 Moulay Yacoub

Moulay Yacoub jbdodane / photo modified

This spa town came into being thanks to the warm curative waters in the
surrounding countryside that are believed to relieve the suffering of rheumatism,
skin problems, and nose and throat problems. The hamams(Turkish baths) in
the town center are a truly local experience where you can get rubbed and
scrubbed and then doused in curative spa waters. Don't expect the experience to
be the spa-type treatment you get in a hamam in Turkey. It's the real local deal
here. For the less brave, there's a luxury spa in town, too, where you can soak.

Location: 22 kilometers northwest of Fes

14 Fes Festival of World Sacred Music

For 10 days each year, Fes becomes the center for an extraordinary festival that
brings together musicians from across the country and the world. The Festival of
World Sacred Music is the biggest festival of its kind, and the series of concerts
(some ticketed and others free) covers everything from Sufi dancers from Turkey
to sitar players from India. Some of the biggest events are held in the large plaza
fronting Bab Boujloud and are free entry, while other musical performances take
place at venues throughout the city.

Official site: www.fesfestival.com

 History
The most mystical of Morocco's imperial cities, Fez was founded in AD 808 by
the Moroccan ruler saint Moulay Idris II and under his rule, became the capital
and spiritual center of Morocco. The city is situated in a narrow valley against the
backdrop of the Middle Atlas and positioned on the old crossroads of caravan
routes connecting the Saharan empires like Timbuktu and Takrur with the
Atlantic and the Mediterranean shipping lanes. Due to this, Fez has remained a
commercial center for much of its history. Today, it is still considered Morocco's
premier religious city by virtue of its Islamic traditions.
 Marrakesh
27 s/d 29,
Riad Massiba
38 Douar Graoua street, Medina, Marrakech, Morocco 40000

Marrakesh is a city that sums up all of Morocco's exotic North African charm. The
city's name provided the root for the name of the country itself, spelling out this
town's importance through the ages. Within the hustle of the medina, you'll find
the city's main points of interest in a dizzying meld of ancient and new. Just
soaking up the atmosphere here tops the things to do list, with snake charmers
and smooth shop touts both competing for your attention amid a noisy, colorful
bustle that encapsulates Morocco's vibrant soul.

For shoppers, this city is famous as a frenzied hub for bargain hunting. For
history loving tourists, the many museums and monuments are some of the
country's sightseeing must-dos. And for those who just want to dive into local
culture, the medina offers Moroccan life in all its hectic glory. Marrakesh is also
the gateway to Morocco's High Atlas region, where you can relish the scenic
mountain beauty after your Marrakesh metropolis adventures.

1 Medina Souks

For many visitors, Marrakesh's labyrinthine medina (old city) district is the town's
star attraction. The narrow alleyways are a kaleidoscope of colors, scents, and
sounds, and bound to be the sightseeing highlight of your trip. As well as simply
wandering (and getting lost) amid the bustling maze, there are
myriad shoppingopportunities, where you can put your haggling hat on and
barter to your heart's content. Shoppers shouldn't miss the Babouche (shoe)
Souk, Chouari (carpenter's) Souk, El-Attarine (perfume and spice)
Souk, and the Cherratine (leather) Souk. Just west of the main souk area, at
the end of Rue Bab Debbagh, you'll find Marrakesh's tanneries, where animal
skins are still dyed the old-fashioned way.

Location: Main entry from Djemaa El Fna

 2 Djemaa El Fna

This large square at the entry to the medina is the center of Marrakesh life.
The Djemaa El Fna (assembly place of the nobodies) is a vibrant hub of bric-a-
brac stalls, musicians, storytellers, fortune-tellers, and snake charmers that never
seems to rest. Here, the entire spectrum of Moroccan life enfolds before you. If
being down among the thrum becomes too much, it's also easy to escape to one
of the many surrounding rooftop cafés and restaurants where you can survey the
crazy scene from above.

Address: Avenue Mohammed V

3 Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque is Marrakesh's most famous landmark with its striking,
70-meter-tall minaret visible for miles in every direction. Local Marrakesh legend
tells that when first built, the muezzin (man who calls the faithful to pray) for this
mosque had to be blind as the minaret was so tall that it overlooked the ruler's
harem. The mosque was built in 1162 and is one of the great achievements of
Almohad architecture. Non-Muslims are not allowed into the mosque itself.

Address: Avenue Mohammed V

4 Medersa Ben Youssef

Built in 1565 by the Saadians, the Medersa (madrassa - Islamic school of

learning) of Ben Youssef is the largest theological college in Morocco. The
warrens of rooms (with student cells that once were home to 900 pupils) are
clustered around small internal courtyards in typical Islamic architecture style, but
the main internal courtyard is the real highlight here. The fine zellige tiling,
stalactite ceilings, cedar-wood detailing, and Kufic inscriptions used as
decoration across the courtyard's interior make this medersa one of Morocco's
most beautiful buildings and a star medina attraction.

Location: off Place Ben Youssef, Medina

5 Saadian Tombs
This 16th-century burial ground is home to 66 members of the Saadian dynasty,
which ruled over Marrakesh between 1524 and 1668. The tombs here include
that of the ruler Al-Mansour, his successors, and their closest family members.
It's a rambling, atmospheric place, with the mausoleums set amid a rather
overgrown garden. In particular, the main mausoleum (where Moulay Yazid is
buried) has a fine surviving mihrab (prayer niche). The Saadian Tombs were
walled up by their Alawite successors and were only rediscovered in the early
20th century.

Address: Rue Kasbah, Medina

6 Bahia Palace

This magnificent peacock of a palace was built in the late 19th century as the
residence of the Grand Vizier Bou Ahmed, who served Sultan Moulay al-Hassan
I. The interior decoration is a dazzling display of zellige tiles, painted ceilings, and
ornate wrought-iron features showcasing the opulent lives of those high up in the
sultan's favor at that time. The massive marble grand courtyard and opulent
salons of the haram area are the two main attractions, while the lush internal
courtyard of the grand riad, with its banana-leaf plants and citrus trees, is a
tranquil respite from the city.

Address: Rue Riad Zitoun el Jedid, Medina

 7 Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Arts and Crafts

This lovely old palace built by Vizier Si Said is home to a wonderful collection of
Berber jewelry in finely worked silver, oil lamps from Taroudant, pottery artifacts,
embroidered leather, and marble. There is also a display of Moroccan carpets
and an amazing collection of traditional Moroccan door and window frames,
which highlight this country's local architecture styles. For anyone interested in
the evolution of North African art and crafts, it's a lovely place to potter about for
a couple of hours.

Near the Dar Si Said, the Maison Tiskiwin has a rather wonderful collection of
costumes, jewelry, arms, musical instruments, textiles, and furniture (focused on
Saharan culture) put together by Dutch art historian Bert Flint. Another branch of
the museum is in Agadir.

Location: Off Rue Riad Zitoun el Jedid, Medina

8 Marrakesh Museum
The Marrakesh Museum has an eclectic collection ranging from contemporary art
to Qur'anic inscriptions, with local ceramic work, textiles, and coins thrown in for
good measure. For most visitors, the real highlight of a visit here is the building in
which the museum is housed. The Dar Me'nebhi was built in the early 20th
century and was once home to a minister in Morocco's government. The
architecture is a harmonious blend of local North African form with Portuguese
elements, and features an extremely impressive central courtyard area complete
with lavish chandelier.

Address: Place Ben Youssef, Medina

9 Almoravid Koubba

Also known as the Koubba Ba'adiyn, the Almoravid Koubba is Marrakesh's oldest
monument - built in the 12th century during Ali Ben Youssuf's reign. Although its
original use is unknown, some experts have suggested that it may have been the
ablution house of a mosque that once sat next door. Its simple exterior design (a
squat, square building topped with a dome) belies an interesting interior, with a
dome ceiling covered in Almoravid motifs. The koubba was one of the few
buildings to survive the damage inflicted by the Almohad conquerors, who
destroyed much of the earlier Almoravid architectural legacy.

Address: Place Ben Youssef, Medina

 10 Majorelle Gardens

These lush tropical gardens full of cacti, palms, and ferns, are the work of painter
Jacques Majorelle. Originally from the town of Nancy in France, Majorelle came
to Marrakesh for health reasons and became well known for his paintings of local
Moroccan life. His most famous work, though, was this garden and the vibrant
blue (the color now known as Majorelle blue) painter's studio he lived in on the
grounds. After Majorelle's death in 1962, French fashion designer Yves Saint
Laurent bought the property and upon his death in 2008, his ashes were
scattered in the gardens. Majorelle's old painting studio is now home to a
fabulous museum dedicated to Berber artistry. A museum dedicated to YSL's life
and famed fashion legacy is currently being built on the grounds as well.

Address: Avenue Yacoub el Mansour

11 Badi Palace
The ruins of Al-Mansour's once grand palace are one of the kasbah area's most
atmospheric sights. The Saadian ruler built the opulent palace, with pavilions set
amid a mammoth garden of reflective pools, during his triumphant reign, but it
was plundered and destroyed soon after. Now the sparse remnants of mosaic-
tiled floors, ruined pavilions, and the high enclosing walls are all that remain.
There are excellent views across the medina from the top of the walls, where
storks have also built their nests.

After viewing the palace, head to the Mellah - the old Jewish quarter of
Marrakesh. It was established in the 16th century and is now populated mainly by
Muslims. The small synagogue here has been nicely restored and can be visited,
as can the vast Jewish cemetery.

Location: Behind Place Ferblantiers

12 Manara Gardens

This huge garden, once a royal retreat, is a bubble of serenity hidden right in the
heart of Marrakesh. It's a favorite spot for locals, who want to escape the hustle
and enjoy some peace and quiet. The majority of the area is taken up with olive
groves, but for visitors, the main attraction and reason to come here is the large
reflective pool with its fine pavilion. Built in the late 19th century, the pool and
pavilion are a favored spot for many local Marrakesh families, who come here to
picnic and stroll. There are excellent photo opportunities here of the pool with the
Atlas Mountain Range reflected in its water, on a clear day.

Address: Avenue Menara

 13 Tizi-n'Test Pass

Even in a country chock full of sublime road-trip scenery, the Tizi-n'Test Pass
stands out. This winding mountain road heads south out of Marrakesh down to
Taroudant in a dizzying array of switchbacks that may give the wobbles to those
who don't like heights. The mountain scenery along the way is simply sumptuous
and allows a taste of Morocco's vast and beautifully raw countryside. A road
branching off the pass, just past Taliouine, is the start of the high pass into the
Draa Valley.

14 Imlil

The charming mountain village of Imlil is the starting point for excursions
into Toubkal National Park. It's a chilled-out kind of place that provides respite if
you've been amid the Marrakesh hustle for a while and are seeking some peace
and quiet. The village is also home to a rather impressively
restored kasbah (fortress), which is a great place to come for a coffee or tea and
take in the rural mountain scenery. The structure is now one of the town's best
hotels and played a starring role in the Martin Scorsese film Kundun.

Location: 57 kilometers south of Marrakesh

15 Toubkal National Park

Toubkal National Park

This national park is the country's most popular, mostly due to being home to
Morocco's (and North Africa's) highest mountain, Djebel Toubkal, as well as a
number of fantastic walking opportunities that range from multi-day trekking
adventures to afternoon hikes. If you don't fancy bagging Toubkal's 4,167-meter
peak then you can opt for the lovely, scenic village-to-village Aremd circuit,
which has all the sumptuous views without the sweaty effort required for
mountain climbing. The time to come is summer, when all the trails are open;
even during spring, snow can mean walking activities are curtailed.

Location: 57 kilometers south of Marrakesh

Tips and Tours: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to

Marrakech
Taking an organized tour is a great way to see all the highlights of Marrakech
and the Atlas Mountains and experience the traditional culture without the hassle
of finding your way around. Along the way, you'll learn all about the area's history
as well as insider tips and stories. These tours also include convenient pickup
and drop-off at select hotels. Below are some fun sightseeing tours and day trips
that guarantee the lowest price:

 See the Sights: On the Marrakech Discovery Tour, you can relax and
enjoy the sights while a local guide takes you on a tour through the
city's labyrinthine backstreets and bustling souks, as well as historical
highlights such as Bahia Palace and the Koutoubia Mosque. This full-
day tour includes lunch at a Medina restaurant, entrance fees, and
pickup and drop-off from select hotels.
  Take a Day Trip: The perfect complement to a hectic city stay is
the Three Valleys Day Trip from Marrakech with Optional Visit to
Takerkoust Lake and Kik Plateau. This full-day tour gives you a great
overview of the Atlas mountains, with a visit to three lush valleys,
traditional Berber villages, Ourika Valley waterfalls, an optional lunch in
a Berber home, and an optional upgrade to include the Takerkoust
Lake and Kik Plateau. This is a small-group tour with more
personalized service and a maximum of seven people. For a different
perspective of Morocco's dramatic landscapes, consider the Atlas
Mountains Hot Air Balloon Ride from Marrakech with Berber Breakfast
and Desert Camel Experience. On this full-day adventure, you travel
into the desert by 4x4 and board a hot air balloon for a bird's-eye view
of the sun rising over the rippling desert and the Atlas Mountains below.
Afterwards, descend to ground level for a delicious Berber breakfast
and a camel ride through the desert dunes. Also included is a flight
certificate as well as pickup and drop-off from select hotels.

History
The Almoravides made Marrakesh the capital of an empire that covered most of
the Maghreb (Northwest Africa) and extended well into Europe. With the
Almoravide conquest of southern Spain, Marrakesh was invested with the
cosmopolitan culture of Andalucia and became a bastion of Islamic civilization
and an intellectual center where the most famous scholars and philosophers of
the age converged. Lavish buildings were constructed and splendid gardens
designed. The ancient ramparts and gates of the city are monuments to its
medieval preeminence.

Almohade armies stormed the gates of Marrakesh on March 23, 1147,

conquering the Almoravide capital. The Almohades under Abdal Mou'min
continued their conquest of North Africa, extending their empire through Algeria
and Tunisia and moving across the Mediterranean to capture Seville, Cordoba,
and Granada. Under Abdal Mou'min, Marrakesh became an even greater Islamic
capital.

Marrakesh went into a period of decline under the Merenids, who captured the
city in 1269. The Merenid capital was already centered in Fes, and Marrakesh fell
into neglect for two and a half centuries. The fortunes of Marrakesh revived
under the Saadian dynasty. The Saadians were tribesmen from the Souss
region, who conquered the whole of southern Morocco in a war against the
Portuguese colonialist in Agadir. When the Saadians gained control of the whole
of Morocco, their leader, Mohammed Al Mahdi, made Marrakesh his capital in
1551 and began to restore the city. Although the new city district of Marrakesh
was constructed in 1913 during the French occupation and reflects this European
influence, the majority of the city (like Fes) is a genuinely Islamic city in both its
genesis and traditions.
 Casablanca
29 November s/d 1 desember 2018
Prince de Paris
24 bis boulevard de Paris, Fonciere, Casablanca, Morocco 20000

Home to Morocco's primary international airport, Casablanca is the main gateway

into the country for many visitors and often their first taste of the country. This city
is an industry and business powerhouse, and compared to the exotic charms
of Marrakesh and Fes, it can't compete. There is a European touch to much of its
architecture, and the city has a modern swagger that is unseen in other parts of
the country.

Although Casablanca's tourist sights and attractions may not be as obvious as

those elsewhere, you will find some gems if you dig a little deeper. The medina
district is a charming area and much smaller (and easier to navigate) than those
elsewhere. And the colossal Hassan II Mosque is top of the list on most
sightseeing checklists.

1 Hassan II Mosque

On the shoreline, just beyond the northern tip of Casablanca's medina (old city),
the Hassan II mosque dominates the entire city. Finished in 1993, it is the second
largest mosque in the world, covering two hectares in size with the world's tallest
minaret (200 meters high). The prayer hall can accommodate 25,000
worshippers, while the courtyard (which boasts a retractable roof) can fit another
80,000. Astonishingly intricate decoration covers every centimeter of surface.
The location, right on the tip of the rocky bay above the ocean, is thoroughly
dramatic. Non-Muslims can visit the mosque on guided tours, which begin at the
mosque's western entrance several times per day.

Address: Boulevard Sidi Mohammed ben Abdullah

 2 Medina

Although Casablanca's old city district may not have as much exotic atmosphere
as the medinas of Fes and Marrakesh, the maze-like tumble of alleyways still
hides much to discover. Authentic tradesmen sell their wares to shoppers, with
the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker all accounted for. It's a
rambling and ramshackle neighborhood with an authentic residential feel, and a
great place to experience the pulse of Casablanca life. There are also some
interesting holy men koubbas (shrines) in the medina's southern section.

Location: Main entry from Place des Nations Unies

3 Place Mohamed V
Place Mohamed V is the central plaza of Casablanca. It is home to many of the
city's important official buildings, including the main post office, Palace of Justice,
Prefecture, French consulate, and the main Bank of Morocco. The building
facades all sport the neo-Moorish style that French Resident-General Lyautey
planned out for the city as he set about modernizing Casablanca in the early 20th
century. The square has a central fountain and well-tended gardens. During the
evenings, it is a local favorite spot for promenading.

Address: Avenue Hassan II

4 Corniche

Casablanca's Corniche (beachfront district) in the Ain Diab suburb, is the city's
vortex for those who want to see-and-be-seen. Much of the shoreline is now
home to luxury hotels and restaurants. During the day, the many beach clubs
here do a roaring trade with sun worshipers lapping up the rays and splashing in
the club swimming pools. Further along the shoreline is the public beach. On
sunny weekends, this is a great spot for people watching, with plenty of local
families heading to the sand for picnicking and promenading.

Address: Boulevard de la Corniche, Ain Diab

 5 Cathedral du Sacre Coeur

This graceful cathedral was built in the 1930s, and its architecture is a
harmonious blend of both European and Moroccan style. Unfortunately, it has
been left to wither in the past few decades, and is now in need of serious
restoration. But even in its current dilapidated state, the structure is still beautiful.
If you're lucky, the guardian will allow you inside where you can capture a sense
of this building's past glory. Nearby is the Notre Dame de Lourdes, a church lit
by a vast stained glass window covering more than 800 square meters.

Address: Boulevard Rachid

6 Central Market
Casablanca's bustling central market is a must for tourists who want to throw
themselves into the midst of city life. Right in the city center, the market is where
locals come to buy and sell - be it housewives bartering for vegetables, or
grocers yelling out their special deals. It's a great opportunity for photographers
and fun for everyone else. You'll find everything here from plastic bowls to
Morocco's famous slippers. You never know, you might be able to snag a few
bargains for yourself during the visit.

Address: Rue Allal Ben Abdallah

7 Mohammedia

This sleepy seaside city offers some fine beaches, and is a relaxing alternative
to staying in Casablanca. Although home to Morocco's second largest port,
Mohammedia and its tranquil charms haven't been affected by the industry. The
little medina is a delight to wander through, while the New Town area is
attractively laid out, with grand palm-tree-lined boulevards. On the coast, it's all
about the beach. Cafes and restaurants here bustle with activity on summer
weekends when half of Casablanca seems to escape to Mohammedia's sand.

Location: 28 kilometers north of Casablanca

8 Safi
Safi has been an important port since Roman times, but it was the Almohade
rulers who surrounded the city with grand ramparts and made it an intellectual
and spiritual center. The Portuguese occupied the city in 1508 and added to the
architecture by building the stately Dar el Bahar Fortress on the shoreline - now
the town's most recognizable monument. Safi is Morocco's most famous ceramic
center, and once you've visited the fortress, Safi's medina is a great place to
spend an afternoon. Pottery Souk and the National Ceramic Museum are the
old town's star attractions.

Location: 237 kilometers south of Casablanca

9 Oualidia

This charming seaside village has a chilled-out vibe that's perfect if you're worn
out after visiting Morocco's imperial cities. The lovely beach and the Saadian
era Kasbah (fortress district) are reason enough for a trip here, but for many
others Oualidia is all about the oysters. Oualidia's oyster beds are famed
throughout the country. Local restaurant menus list oysters and plenty of other
seafood pulled fresh from the sea that day, making the town a highlight for any
traveling foodie.

Location: 182 kilometers south of Casablanca

10 Azemmour
When tourist boards started promoting Morocco's Atlantic coastline, they
somehow left little Azemmour off the list. But this village has a history stretching
back to Punic times, and a wonderful handful of sites showcase that long tenure.
The adobe ramparts encircling the medina area are an obvious attraction and
they connect to the Kasbah (fortress) that dates from the 16th century.

The beach is also one of the best along the Atlantic coast - and is a well-kept
secret. Indeed, half of Azemmour's charm lies in the fact that nobody else seems
to stop off here.

Location: 88 kilometers south of Casablanca

11 El Jadida

For a small town, El Jadida is packed full of interesting things to do and is

surrounded by beautiful strips of sand, perfect to flop onto when you've dosed up
on history. In the Citadel area, built by the Portuguese, you can scramble up
onto the walls for excellent sea views and then visit the old prison, which also
once functioned as the town's synagogue. Also in the citadel area, check out the
atmospheric cisterns, which date from the 16th century and were used as a
filming location in the famous Orson Welles' movie Othello.

Location: 102 kilometers south of Casablanca

History
The origins of Casablanca can be traced to the medieval town of Anfa, which is
now one of the city's suburbs. Anfa became the capital of a Berber principality in
the aftermath of the Arab invasions of the 7th and 8th centuries. The Berbers
embraced Islam but quickly succumbed to heretical doctrines, setting up their
own prophet and a Qur'an in Berber language.

The principality was known as Berghouata, and its tribal inhabitants joined a
Kharijite rebellion against the Arab governor of Tangier. In the 11th century, the
Almoravids waged holy war against these heretics, who were finally defeated by
the Almohad Sultan Abdul Mou'min. The town came under the influence of the
Merenids during the 13th century, but eventually became independent as the
dynasty weakened. The Portuguese destroyed the town in 1468 in reprisal for
piracy. Portugal sent a fleet of 50 vessels and 10,000 soldiers to occupy the
town, which was sacked and then abandoned. But piracy soon revived, and the
Portuguese returned in 1515 and destroyed the town once again.

In 1575, the town was rebuilt, fortified, and renamed Casa Branca by the
Portuguese in an attempt to establish control over the area. However, the
Portuguese rulers fell under constant attack by surrounding Muslim tribes and
were finally forced to abandon the town following a terrible earthquake in 1755.
Under the reign of Sidi Mohamed ben Abdallah (1757-1790), the town was rebuilt
with a mosque, madrasa, hammam, and a fort and renamed Dar El Beida (The
White House), which the Spanish eventually translated as Casablanca.