Morocco Sightseeing Places

Visa requirements

Passport: is generally required for trips to Morocco, the passport must be valid for 6 months upon entry.
Citizens of the following countries are exempted, as they can only enter as part of a group
package tour with a valid ID card: Federal Republic of Germany, Austria, other EU countries and Switzerland.

If you arrive by car, you have to leave again by car, otherwise there will be high customs penalties (also for accident vehicles). Appropriate insurance is recommended.

Visa: Generally required, except nationals of the following countries for a tourist stay of up to 3 months:
Federal Republic of Germany, Austria, other EU countries (except Hungary, only up to 30 days without a visa) and Switzerland

Entry visas are valid for a maximum of 3 months. Extensions must be requested from the police within 21 days of entry. The consular representations can provide further information.

Transit: Transit travelers who fly on to the next connection on the same day and do not leave the transit room do not need a transit visa.

Application: Responsible consular representation.

Residence permit: Application to the local police station. Further information from the Ministère du Travail, Rabat.

Processing time: Different, depending on the nationality of the applicant. The Moroccan embassies and consulates do not allow middlemen and visa services to issue visas, contact must be made directly.

Restrictions on entry: Persons with neglected appearance can be refused entry to Morocco, eg “hippies”.

Documents for travelers who need a visa for Morocco: – an original, completed visa application – 4 passport photos – photocopy of the passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months on the day of entry – fee (in cash or postal order). – Booking confirmation for return or onward journey. – Proof of employment, enrollment as a student or sufficient funds (current bank statement). Business Visa: in addition, a letter from the German company about the purpose and duration of the trip with a
confirmation of payment. When applying by post, a stamped envelope (registered mail) must be enclosed.

Sufficient funds: Foreigners must have sufficient funds.

Extension of stay: An extension of the stay is possible if the immigration police is presented with a complete application with proof of financial means, possibly employment contract in Morocco and reasons why a longer stay is required. In addition, all foreigners wishing to extend their stay must register with the police within 21 days of their arrival. If the 3-month period is exceeded, the demonstration in front of the public prosecutor and a subsequent deportation must be expected.

Entry with children:
Germans: German child ID card up to 16 years with photo or own passport if possible.
Austrians: own passport for children.
Swiss: own passport for children.
The same visa requirements apply to the children as to their parents.

Children 17 years and older who travel alone must have their own passport.

Entry with pets:
A health certificate from the country of origin is required for dogs and cats. Birds can be brought to Morocco without a health certificate.

Money

National currency: 1 Moroccan dirham (Dh) divided into 100 centimes.

Currency abbreviation: MAD – ABBREVIATIONFINDER.ORG

Banknotes with a nominal value of 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 Dh are in circulation. Coins are available in nominal amounts of 10, 5 and 1 Dh as well as (recently used less) 50, 20 and 10 centimes.

Currency exchange: Theoretically, Moroccan dirhams can only be purchased in Morocco. You can exchange money in official exchange offices, banks and at the reception in larger hotels. The money exchange is free of charge. You will receive a receipt that must be kept until you leave Morocco to enable you to exchange dirhams that are not required (see foreign exchange regulations).

Moroccan Dirham Exchange rate:

Currency converter at OANDA

Credit Cards: the common international credit cards are accepted in the tourist centers of many hotels, shops and restaurants, sometimes you can even pay with ec cards. However, fees of up to 5% are often charged.

Traveler’s checks: Banks and larger hotels accept travelers’ checks from large companies such as American Express or Thomas Cook, they should best be issued in euros. Often up to 10 dirhams commission are requested per check. When redeeming the passport and often the receipt for the travelers checks must be presented.

ATMs: guichets automatiques are widespread in Morocco. Both ec cards and all major credit cards such as Visa or MasterCard are accepted. However, incorrect bookings were made in the past using German ec and credit cards.

Foreign exchange regulations: The import and export of Moroccan dirhams is not permitted. Before you leave Morocco, the remaining dirhams must be exchanged. The import of foreign currencies must be declared. When exporting foreign currency, you must provide proof of an amount of at least 50,000 Dh that you imported the money upon entry.

Bank opening times: Mon – Thu 8.30am – 11.30am and 2.30pm – 4.30pm, Fri 8.30am – 11.30am and 3pm – 4pm. In Ramadan, shorter opening times apply: 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Health and Diseases

The health service of the Foreign Ministry recommends as sensible vaccinations: protection against tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A, for long-term stay over three months also hepatitis B. With special exposure (stay in the country, hunting, jogging etc.) vaccination against rabies and typhoid can be useful.

HIV / AIDS is not a particularly big problem in the country, but as in Europe it is a certain danger for everyone who runs the risk of infection.

Nationwide there is a risk of transmission of Lyme disease by ticks, especially in grasses, shrubs and in the undergrowth. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents.

Spot fever also occurs nationwide. The fever is triggered by clothes lice. To protect yourself you should practice regular body and clothing hygiene. Vaccination should only be considered in rare cases.

Health care: Medical care cannot be compared with Europe and is particularly problematic in some areas, particularly in terms of technology, equipment and hygiene. European-trained doctors who speak English or French are often lacking, particularly in the country. There are good medical facilities in all major cities, including emergency pharmacies (sometimes in the town hall) that are open outside normal hours. The hospitals offer medical treatment in emergencies for a small fee or free of charge. In principle, no reimbursement for benefits in kind (medication, medical treatment) is possible. It is recommended that you take out travel health insurance and travel return insurance.

The risk of malaria is low. Malaria occurs only in the less dangerous form Plasmodium vivax in some rural areas of the Chefchaouen province between May and October. Medicines for prophylaxis against malaria are only useful for special travel routes. There are various prescription drugs (e.g. malarone, doxycycline, Lariam) available on the market. The selection and personal adjustment as well as side effects or intolerance to other medications should be discussed with a tropical or travel doctor before taking chemoprophylaxis.
Because of the risk of possible infectionscareful drinking water and food hygiene must be observed. In large cities, tap water is usually chlorinated and relatively safe, but may May cause slight stomach upset. Bottled water is therefore recommended for the first few weeks of your stay. Outside the big cities, drinking water is not always germ-free and should be sterilized. Milk is not pasteurized and should be boiled. Mix dry and canned milk only with aseptic water. It is best to avoid dairy products from uncooked milk. Meat or fish dishes should only be cooked well and served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

In addition to my general disclaimer, please note the following important note:

A guarantee for the correctness and completeness of the medical information as well as a liability for possible damage cannot be assumed. You stay responsible for your healthy.

Travel and transportation agent in the country

Airplane: Royal Air Maroc (AT) is the largest provider of flights within Morocco. Connections exist to Casablanca, Essaouira, Agadir, Dakhla, Laayoune, Fes, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Oujda and Tangier. Several discounts are available, for example for passengers younger than 26 years.

Regional Air Lines in Casablanca is a more airline-oriented airline.

Rail: The Moroccan rail network run by the Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF) is one of the most modern in Africa. It connects the most important cities such as Marrakech, Rabat, Meknes, Fes, Tangier and Casablanca through a reliably operated route network. There are usually several connections a day, the southernmost station is Marrakech.

Train travel is comparatively cheap in Morocco. A one-way trip from Tangier to Marrakech costs around 200 Dh in second class and around 300 Dh in first class. Trains offer a good alternative to the often overcrowded buses, which take considerably longer to cover the same route and are also less comfortable.

There are air-conditioned express trains (rapid), on-site commuter trains (shuttle) and the so-called Trains Ordinaires, which connect all stations of the Moroccan route network. The best thing to do is buy tickets at the train station; additional fees apply when buying on the trains.

With the Inter-Rail Pass you get a discount on the ferry ticket from Europe. EURO DOMINO network cards also apply in Morocco.

Cars: The main roads, especially in the north and northwest of Morocco, are passable in any weather. Inland, south of the Atlas Mountains, travel becomes more difficult, especially when crossing the Atlas during the winter months, caution is advised, the passes can be closed when there is snow. The most important cities are connected by toll motorways, which are still being expanded. The A3 currently runs from Casablanca via Rabat to Tangier. The A2 runs from Rabat to Fes. The A7 leads from Casablanca to the south and is to lead to Marrakech in 2007.

In Morocco there is a dense network of bus connections between all cities and many smaller towns. The largest and best company is CTM, which runs across the country. It is best to book the tickets in advance. CTM travels to Europe in conjunction with Eurolines.

Another large bus company is SATAS, which runs between Casablanca, Agadir and south of Agadir. Moroccan buses, especially those from smaller companies, can get very crowded. It is advisable to be on the bus early in order to get a seat. Since many buses are not air-conditioned, it is advisable to have warm clothing on hand, especially in higher Atlas regions. Fares are low, especially in regional traffic. It is customary to tip the conductor for loading luggage.

Taxis can be found in all major cities in Morocco. Locals also usually take a taxi. A distinction is made between small taxis (petite taxi) for journeys within the city and large taxis (grande taxi, mostly older Mercedes for 6 passengers) for longer journeys between cities. The tariffs are a bit higher than the bus prices but still quite cheap. On long journeys, you have to expect many stops to load or unload passengers.

The major rental car companies have offices in most major cities, including Agadir, Casablanca, Marrakech and Tangier. These cities offer the best prices due to competition from car rental companies. The deposit of a security sum is often required.

If you rent from smaller companies, you should carefully examine the car beforehand and check whether there is a spare wheel and jack on board. You should also note whether the contract allows the use of unpaved roads, especially if you want to drive to more remote regions.

Documents: National driving license. An international driver’s license is theoretically required when renting a vehicle, but usually a national driver’s license is sufficient. Liability insurance and International Green Insurance Card (must be valid for Morocco) are required. Insurance can also be taken out on site. Usually you have to be at least 21 years old when you rent a car and have to be able to demonstrate one year of driving experience (date of issue of the driver’s license).

Safety note : The Rif Mountains should not be traveled alone because of frequent nuisance by drug dealers in Morocco. The roads between Chefchaouen via Ketama to Al-Hoceima and the route from Ketama to Fez should be avoided.

City traffic: In Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech and other large cities there are extensive and inexpensive bus networks. In Casablanca, the Al Bidaoui S-Bahn runs from Ain Sebaa to Mohammed V airport. In the cities there are numerous petits taxis with taximeters (which do not always work) that only operate within the city limits.

Morocco – history

Morocco has been in existence since the second millennium BC. BC inhabited by the Berbers. In 46 AD the area of ​​what is now Morocco is annexed by Rome as part of the province of Mauritania. In the 5th century, the vandals overran this part of the shrinking Roman empire. The Arabs also conquered Moroccan territory around 685 and brought Islam to the region. Together with the Arabs, the Berbers launched an invasion of Spain in 711. Later, however, the Berbers revolted against the Arabs, since these assigned only a subordinate status to the Berbers. In 1 086, Berbers took control of large areas of Moorish Spainuntil they were expelled in the course of the Christian Reconquista in the 13th century.

Morocco was rarely united, as a rule different regions were ruled by small tribes. Conflicts between Berbers and Arabs occurred constantly. However, the invasions of Portugal and Spain in Morocco led to a united defense of the country. In 1660, Morocco came under the control of the Alawid dynasty. The Alawids claim to be descended from the Prophet Mohammed and still rule Morocco to this day. They liberated most of the coastal cities occupied by Portugal and Spain, only Ceuta, Sidi Ifni and Melilla remained in Spanish ownership.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Morocco was a retreat for pirates who threatened the Mediterranean trade. From about 1840, European powers showed interest in colonizing Morocco, and there were frequent disputes with France and Spain. In 1904, France and Spain reached a secret agreement that divided Morocco into French and Spanish zones of influence. France took control of most of Morocco, Spain got the smaller southwestern portion that became known as the Spanish Sahara. At the turn of the century, Morocco was at the center of European rivals. Germany tried to gain a foothold in the mineral-rich country, in 1905 there was almost a European war over Morocco. In the Algeciras conference (1906)it was determined that the Sultan of Morocco should have more control over his lands, and France’s privileges were curtailed. The conference also pointed to the front lines of the near future up to the First World War: Germany and Austria-Hungary on the one hand, and France, Great Britain and the United States on the other.

In 1912, the Sultan of Morocco, Moulay Abd al-Hafid, accepted the status of a French protectorate. The Moroccan nationalism gained more and more influence during the Second World War. After Sultan Mohammed V was deposed by the French in 1953 and replaced by his uncle, the nationalist movement successfully protested this move. In 1955 the sultan’s return was forced. In 1956, France and Spain recognized Morocco’s independence and sovereignty. After his death on February 26, 1961, Mohammed V was followed by his son, King Hassan II. In the 1990s, King Hassan proclaimed a “Hassan democracy” with important democratic freedoms while maintaining the ultimate power for the monarchy. In August 1999 King Hassan II died after 38 years on the throne and was named Mohammed VI by his son, Prince Sidi Mohammed . followed. Mohammed VI announced that it would open up the political system more, allow greater freedom of expression and support economic reforms. He also campaigned for more rights for women, a position that is being kitsched by Islamic fundamentalists. The established political elite and the military are suspicious of some of these reform proposals. Around 20% of the population of Morocco live in poverty, so strengthening the Moroccan economy is a major goal of the king.

Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara(formerly Spanish Sahara) is repeatedly criticized by the international community. In the 1970s, tens of thousands of Moroccans marched across the border into the Spanish Sahara (Green March) to support their government. The Moroccan government believes that the northern parts of the area are historically part of Morocco. Spain had controlled the area since 1912 but retreated in 1976, leaving a power vacuum that was filled by Morocco in the north and Mauritania in the south. When Mauritania also withdrew in August 1979, Morocco also took over the southern part of Western Sahara. A rebel group, the Polisario Front, has been fighting Morocco for the independence of Western Sahara since 1976 on behalf of the local Saharawis. In September 1991, the Polisario and Morocco agreed a ceasefire negotiated by the UN. A referendum on the independence of Western Sahara should also be held. However, Morocco has repeatedly postponed this referendum in the past ten years. In 2002 King Mohammed VI declared. again that he would “not waive any duty on Western Sahara”.

On May 16, 2003, terrorists who were likely to send in connection with al-Qaeda killed 33 people in several simultaneous attacks . Four bombs exploded in Jewish, Spanish, Belgian buildings in Casablanca. In 2004 there were bombings in Madrid, Spain, which involved several Moroccans.

A wave of suicide bombings hit Casablanca in March and April 2007. However, the authorities were unsure whether these attacks were related.

Morocco economy

Morocco has a high unemployment rate (locally up to 20%). Around 40% of Moroccan workers are employed in agriculture. In the north-eastern part of the country, barley, wheat and other cereals can be grown during the rainy season without additional irrigation. On the Atlantic coast, where olives, citrus fruits, grapes and wine are grown on extensive plains, water is mainly extracted from artesian wells. Morocco also produces a significant amount of illegal hashish, much of which is consumed in Western Europe. Other important agricultural branches are cattle breeding and the production of wood and cork. Part of the population by the sea lives from fishing. Agadir, Essaouira, El Jadida, and Larache are among the major fishing ports.

Casablanca is by far the largest port and an important industrial center in Morocco. Major industries include textile and leather goods manufacturing, food processing, and oil refining. There are large mineral deposits in the northern foothills of the Atlas: phosphates are the most important, but iron ore, silver, zinc, copper, lead, manganese, barytins, gold and coal (the only large coal deposits in North Africa) have also been found. Marrakech, Meknes, and Fes are the main trade centers in Morocco. There are only a few oases in the deserts of southern Morocco, for example Tafilalt. tourism is an important industry in Morocco, as is the sending of money by Moroccans in France.

Morocco’s coastal areas and the resource-rich hinterland are connected by a growing road and rail network, the ports are being expanded. The main export goods are clothing, fish, inorganic chemicals, transistors, minerals, fertilizers (including phosphates), petroleum products, fruits and vegetables. The main imports are crude oil, textiles, telecommunications equipment, wheat, gas, electricity and plastics. France, Spain and Italy are the leading trading partners Morocco.

Agadir in Morocco

Agadir is located in the south of Morocco and is a popular destination for tourists from Europe and from all other parts of the world.
The city, which was founded in 1505 by Portuguese seafarers, has adapted to tourism through an international airport, Al Massira Airport, which has direct connections to many airports in Germany.

Attractions for the tourists are also the hotel complexes from which you can enjoy a wonderful beach vacation.
Since the temperatures are around 30 ° Celsius all year round, there is nothing standing in the way of extensive sunbathing. But in Agadir you can not only enjoy the sun, the city offers much more.
So nature lovers will surely visit the city’s bird park and marvel at the many exotic birds. In addition to these feathered fellows, there are also some representatives of mammals in the bird park, such as llamas and kangaroos.

If you do not have enough of the flora and fauna of Morocco, a visit to the Souss-Massa Natural Park, which is located at the harbor, is also recommended. In this nature park you can see not only the typical vegetation of Morocco, but also some rare species that you can hardly see otherwise. An example of this is a bald ibis species.

In Agadir there are not only animal attractions, but also numerous cultural sights, which will certainly inspire cultural editions. This includes, for example, the Medina Polizzi.
This medina is built like a pedestrian zone and ideally suited to immerse yourself in the culture of the city. Beautiful buildings made of natural stone, artisans, souvenir shops and cafes offer everything that tourists want. If you want to delve deeper into the culture, you are advised to visit one or more of the museums in Agadir.

Most of the museums concentrate on Berber exhibits and their handicrafts. The trade in Agadir can be seen every weekend at Souk El Had. There are about 2000 dealers who offer their goods for sale. If you want to see the city from above, the best thing to do is go to the Kasbah, the symbol of Agadir par excellence. The climb is not difficult to master and you will be rewarded for your efforts with a wonderful panoramic view.

Agdz

Agdz is a city in southeastern Morocco. The city is located in the Atlas Mountains, at the foot of the Djebel Kissane directly on the Draa River.

The Moroccan city is approximately 65 kilometers from Ouarzazate and 92 kilometers from Zagora. Agdz is located on the old caravan route between Marrakech and Timbuktu. The Moroccan city has long played an important role in the Moroccan economy. But from 1970 and 1980, the city lost its importance because the residents left the city to look for work in other cities.

Ait-Ben-Haddou

Ait-Ben-Haddou is a Moroccan village, more precisely a ksar (fortified village) right at the foot of the High Atlas. The village is located in south-east Morocco, about thirty kilometers from the city of Ouarzazate. Ait-Ben-Haddou is divided into several nested kasbahs, traditionally built adobe castles.
How long the place Ait-Ben-Haddou will be preserved is questionable, since the mud buildings of the settlement need a lot of maintenance. So far, the population of the city has been able to cope. For centuries, decay and build-up have been balanced. However, the water level has been falling for years, the youth is leaving the village, the weather and the strain caused by the increasing number of visitors is questioning whether the settlement is permanent.
Ait-Ben-Haddou is almost forced to move from the village to an open-air museum. The village achieved its popularity through its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Ait-Ben-Haddou was also famous for the film industry. So far, some blockbuster Hollywood productions have been filmed here, including Sodom and Gomorrah, Lawrence of Arabia, the Bible, The Man Who Wanted to Be King or the Touch of Death.
Ait-Bend-Haddou is a romantic place that is definitely worth a visit because of the atmosphere there.

Arzou

Arzou is a city in Morocco. It is located in the Middle Atlas Mountains, about an hour’s drive from Meknes and Fes. There is a rock in the center of the Moroccan city. The city got its name from this rock.
Arzou has no other sights in itself apart from a kasbah built in the seventeenth century, of which only ruins are still preserved.

Attractions in the area
There are still some attractions that are not in the Moroccan city. All are at least fifty kilometers from Arzou. One of the highlights is that Mausoleum Moulay Isma’ll. This is a magnificent mausoleum that is housed in a magnificent yellow building. The mausoleum may also be visited by non-Muslims. But only if they take off their shoes.

Another highlight is the Bab Mansour. The Bab Mansour is a gate, which is the most famous building in the city ​​of Meknes. The gate has three arches, which are decorated with beautiful ceramics. The marble columns of the gate come from the Volubilis. The magnificent building was erected between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

Good to know about Arzou
Due to the high altitude of 1,250 meters and the location of Arzou in the middle of cedar forests, the city has developed into a well-known holiday and health resort. Furthermore, the Moroccan city is an important trading place for nomads. Anyone who wants to buy some souvenirs as a tourist can do so in the Center Artisanal. There you can buy the products of the Normads, such as carpets and carvings made of cedar wood.

Azrou is an important transportation hub for public buses from the wider area.

Asilah

Asilah is a small town in Morocco. The city is also known to locals as Arzila and Arcila.
Asilah is located on the Atlantic coast in the province of Tangier-Asilah and is approximately forty kilometers from Tangier. 19,000 people currently live in the Moroccan city.

Sights of Asilah
The old town of Asilah is very well preserved and is bordered by city ​​walls that date back to the time of the Portuguese occupiers. Therefore, you can find a unique Portuguese church in the Moroccan city Marvel at the Er-Raissoul palace built in the Moorish architectural style from 1909, which today houses a cultural institute inside.
Exactly behind the city wall towards the Atlantic are two wonderful bathing beaches. One is often visited by tourists, while the other is preferred by local visitors. The closest sight to the Moroccan city is an old cemetery by the sea, the graves of which look like normal small houses. In the cemetery one can also admire the tombs of the Moroccan Sufis. These are not only visited by tourists, but also by locals.

The story of Asilah
During ancient times, the Phoenician and later Roman city of Zilias and Colonia Iulia was located near the Moroccan city.
In the fifteenth century, the Portuguese conquered the area around Asilah. The Portuguese use the city’s port to facilitate conquests in southern Morocco. But their efforts were unsuccessful.
The Spaniards came after the Portuguese occupiers, who also had to pull out of things they had not done.
In 1691 the coastal region of Asilah was conquered by the Moroccan Moulay Ismail. This could keep the city permanently for Morocco. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the tribal leader choseAhmed Ben Mohammed el-Raisuli the city as the headquarters. Ahmed Ben Mohammed el-Raisuli was proclaimed the Asilah Pasha in 1906. The powerful man was an absolute tyrant. He harassed the area, robbed caravans and kidnapped two Americans and a British journalist. In 1924 the man was arrested by resistance fighters from Abd el-Crimea.
In 1978, the first international cultural festival was held in Asilah. Since then, the festival has taken place every August and attracts numerous guests from home and abroad.

Since 1989, the so-called Tchicaya-U-Tam’si Prize has been awarded in the Moroccan city every two years awarded. This is an award for African poetry that was named after the Congolese writer Tchicaya-U-Tam’si. Since then, Asilah has been regarded by some authors as the capital of Arabic and African writing.

Beni-Mellal

Beni Mellal is a provincial capital at the foot of the Middle Atlas in Morocco. The city is approximately one hundred and sixty kilometers from Casablanca and has 387,000 residents. The Moroccan city used to be called Day and was the capital of the Tadla-Azilal district.

The history of the city of Beni-Mellal
Towards the end of the seventeenth century, King Moulai Ismail built Beni-Mellal as a base to protect his country from the warlike Berber tribes. For many centuries, Beni-Mellal remained an insignificant market place. Only after the completion of the Bin el-Quidane dam, was also possible in Beni-Mellal gardening and agriculture. Since then, the city has developed into an important hub for agricultural products.

The history of the name of the Moroccan city
Scientists have so far not been able to fully clarify the origin of the name of the Moroccan city. Beni comes from the Arabic language and means “sons”. Mellal is believed to be a man from the area. The word Mellal also comes from the Berber language. There it means “white”.

Sightseeing
You should definitely have seen the Ain Asserdoun spring, located just outside the city. The source can be easily reached on foot by walking through the gardens that lead to Borj Ras El-Ain, which is a kilometer away. From there you have an impressive view over the Tadla plain.

Boumalne and Dades Gorge

The modern city of Boumalne has 5,000 residents and is located in a picturesque landscape in the valley of the Oued Dades, the altitude is 1,586 meters. Around the town are some of the oldest kasbahs, most of which are no longer inhabited. The largest market in the area takes place on Wednesday.

The Dades Gorge is just a few kilometers from Boumalne. At the entrance to the gorge are the two Ksour Ait Youl and Ait Arbi. Ait Arbi consists of a few kasbahs with richly decorated slender corner towers and simple mud houses.

In the gorge, visitors experience a magnificent mountain landscape. The color contrast in the Dades Gorge is really unique. Poplar, figs, almonds, nuts, barley and pomegranates are mainly grown in the gorge.

Casablanca (Morocco)

A popular tourist destination in Morocco is the city of Casablanca, which, if you heard the name for the first time, would probably not be associated with Morocco.
Casablanca, which means “white house”, is the largest city in the country. It is located south of Rabat, the capital of Morocco, directly on the Atlantic coast and is the economic center of the country of Morocco.

If you expect old Moroccan cultural assets in Casablanca, you will probably be disappointed. The metropolis is a modern city that only owns a few old buildings.
These can best be classified in the French colonial era. But also and especially since Casablanca is a rather modern city, there is a lot to discover there. Whether cinema, disco or restaurant, Casablanca offers everything young travelers expect from a holiday metropolis.
These will surely also feel comfortable in the Center 2000. Because there you can shop to your heart’s content. The best way to get to the Center 2000 is via Bd Houphouet, where you can find many souvenir shops, so that friends who have stayed at home can easily choose something.

A little culture can of course also be found in Casablanca. The Sacre-Coeur Cathedral and Mohammed V Square, for example, offer beautiful photo opportunities. This place is the most beautiful in the whole of Casablanca, and the fountain to be found there is particularly worth mentioning. Around the square there is a very nice park with a pool and walking paths.

Some interesting buildings, such as the town hall with its clock tower, can also be found here. There are also other attractions in Casablanca. If you want to experience the Moroccan way of life, the best thing to do is to visit the old and new medina.
A medina is comparable to a German pedestrian zone. Architecture fans will surely appreciate this mixture of traditional Arabic and modern architecture. The bustle of the metropolis can be seen live in the new medina and on the central market. In addition to these attractions, which have been found in Casablanca for a long time, the city has also announced a completely new attraction. It is the Hassan II Mosque, the second largest mosque in the world.

Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is a city in Morocco. The city is also known by the locals under the names Chaouen or Xauen. Chefchaouen is the capital of the province of the same name.

History
Moulay Ali Ben Moussa Ben Rached El Alami came from Al-Andalus to protect the country from the Portuguese attacks. However, Chefchaouen was only founded in 1471, when the first people outside the military settled in Chefchaouen. The first residents of the city came from the Berbers. Twenty years later there was another influx of residents to Chefchaouen. This mostly consisted of Muslims and Jews, who were by the Alhambra edict from Al-Andalus had been expelled. The culture of the two religious groups still shapes the architecture of the old town of Chefchaouen. Similar to Andalusian villages, there are also small streets with whitewashed houses in Chefchaouen. Shades of blue can also often be found in the old town, as these are intended to help against the evil eye.
Chefchaouen was a holy city for centuries. Foreigners were forbidden to enter the city under the death penalty. As a result, medieval architecture has been preserved to this day.
Only among the Spaniards Chefchaouens was made accessible again to foreigners. On November 27, 1912, a Spanish protectorate was established in the city. The city became the main base of the Spanish protection army. The last flag of the Spanish protectorate was raised in Chefchaouen after Morocco became independent. Abd el-Krim, who was instrumental in the French-Moroccan-anti-colonial negotiations in the First World War, was arrested in the Moroccan city.

Attractions
The Great Mosque of Chefchaouen(El Masjid El Aadam) was built by city founder Moulay Ali Ben Moussa Ben Rached El Alami in 1471. Not only was worship held there, but the mosque was also a school of religion and humanitarian science. Other attractions of the Moroccan city are the sources of Ras al-Ma, the Plaza Uta Al-Hammam, the citadel and the Andalusian mosque with a minaret (octagonal floor plan).
Also worth seeing is the Alcazaba from Chefchaouen. The garden in the Kasba is absolutely impressive. Here you can relax from strenuous exploration tours of the beautiful city.

El Jadida

El Jadida is a Moroccan port city on the Atlantic. The city is the administrative seat of the province of the same name. Around 144,400 people live in El Jadida.

El Jadidas history
The cornerstone of today’s El Jadidas was a small base of the Portuguese, which was built here in 1502. Four years later, the small base for the Mazagao port fortress was expanded. In 1580 the Spaniards conquered the city ​​and renamed it Mazagan. For several centuries, the city was an important stop for the merchant ships that used the routes to and from India. 1769 found several attacks by Berbers and troops of Moroccan sultans held at Mazagan. Initially, the attacks could be blocked, but not permanently.
Many residents left the city and emigrated to Brazil. El Jadida fell into disrepair. It was not until the nineteenth century that El Jadida, today’s city, was founded.

Sights of the Moroccan city
The former fortifications of the Portuguese in El Jadida are impressive. The facilities have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. Also worth seeing is the Portugaise cistern, an earlier weapon store that was later used as a water reservoir in the city.
The city is particularly popular with tourists because of its magnificentKnown beaches. The most beautiful are the beaches of El Jadida, Haouzia and Sidi Bouzid. In the high season, the city is overrun by bathing tourists. During the first weekend in August, one of Morocco’s largest festivals with equestrian festival takes place in nearby Moulay Abdellah. Thousands of people camp in tents on the beach for weeks.

El-Kelaa M’Gouna

El-Kelaa M’Gouna, also known under the names El-Kelaa or El Kelaa Mgouna, is a small town in Morocco. The city has approximately 10500 residents. El-Kelaa M’Gouna has a reputation as a rose city in Morocco.

Geographical features
El-Kelaa M’Gouna is located in the province of Ouarzazate directly on the Assif M’Goun river. The Assif M’Goun is a river that rises in the High Atlas Mountains. The river later flows into the Dates River. El-Kella M’Gouna is located on the Kasbahs Road at an altitude of 1,470 meters.

City sights
Just outside of El-Kelaa M’Gouna is theKasbah of the former Pasha Thami El Glaoui of Marrakech. The Valley of the Roses is also worth seeing. This is a large rose growing area, which houses a wonderful rose park.
Other highlights of the Moroccan city are the Derb Jdid and El Had neighborhoods, which are close to the Dades Gorge.

There are also plenty of interesting events to explore in El-Kelaa M’Gouna. From mid to late May, the annual Mousem fete Roses is celebrated after the rose harvest. The festival lasts three days and attracts many visitors and rose gardeners from all over the world. The highlight of the rose festival is the choice of the rose queen. Dance and music events are also part of the Mousem fete Roses program. Visitors to El-Kelaa M’Gouna should definitely not miss the weekly market held on Wednesdays.
The nature lovers among tourists will also be delighted by the Moroccan city. The High Atlas, Dadestal and the landscape between El-Kella and Ouarzazate provide the most beautiful landscapes.

Er-Rachidia

Er-Rachidia is a small town in the fertile oasis of Oued Zziz, the so-called gateway to the Tafilalet. The place in Morocco has an altitude of 1,060 meters and is one of the most important traffic junctions between the Middle and the High Atlas.

The modern city has developed from a base of the French garrison. The population has so far increased to 70,000 people. The city was an important market place in earlier times. Every Tuesday, Sunday and Thursday, traders from all over the region come to offer their goods in the market in Er-Rachidia.

The Moroccan town has no real sights to offer. But you can take wonderful walks in Er-Rachidia to explore the fertile oasis landscape. Er-Rachidia is one of the five oldest Ksour (fortified Berber settlements) in Morocco.

Erfoud

Erfoud is a city on the edge of the Sahara in the east of Morocco. Erfoud has about 27038 residents and is situated in the Erg Chebbi district.
The Moroccan city was very much used as a backdrop city by various films. Among them are box office hits, such as Marschier or Stirb, Die Mummy or Prince of Persia: The Sand of Time.

The cornerstone for the creation of Erfoud was laid in 1917 when the French set up a military base here to keep the strong and freedom-loving Berbers under control.
Even today, Erfouds has an important strategic location, if only because of the proximity to the border with Algeria. Therefore, there is still a strong garrison in the city.

The city’s leather goods are known as Filali leather. They are a much sought-after souvenir from tourists. But not only holidaymakers on site are enthusiastic about the local product. The leather goods are known worldwide.

Attractions
The Katoua Formation is located near the city. This is rich in fossils, especially trilobites. Trilobite Flexicalymene Ouzregui are often found here in rock. These are sold to international stone dealers and tourists.
Erfoud is the ideal starting point for trips into the desert. The most interesting areas are the Ziz Valley, the dunes of Merzouga and Erg-Cebbi, a dune area with the highest sand dunes in Morocco. They reach a height of up to a hundred meters.
Another attraction near Erfouds is Rissani. Rissani is an ancient trading town that the desert sand soon recaptured. The mausoleum of the founder of the Alaouite dynasty is located in Rissani. Rissani is of great importance for Moroccan history, since the city is considered the cradle of the Alaouites.

The ruins of the famous trading town are also worth a visit Sijilmassa. The former capital of the Tafilalet district controlled trade between the Mediterranean and Timbuktu. As a result, there was wealth in the city. Products from the Mediterranean area were traded against slaves, gold, ostrich feathers or ivory in the city’s market. The lost city had its heyday between the eleventh and fifteenth centuries. Today you can still see the splendor of the past by the remains. During the seventeenth century Sijilmassa lost its importance and was swallowed up by the desert.

Essaouira

Essaouira is a port city on the tiny island of Mogador directly on the Moroccan Atlantic coast. Before the country gained independence, Essaouira was also known as Mogador. The old name probably goes back to the Portuguese.

History
Mogador or Essaouira was founded under the Phoenicians. Later the Puniers and the Romans ruled the city. Under the rule of the Romans, the western coast of Morocco was known as Mauritania Tingitana. The then capital was Volubilis. In 429 AD, the Moroccan city became the vandal conquered. In 533 Essaouira was again conquered by the Romans, more precisely the Eastern Roman General Belisar.
Between the seventh and tenth centuries, the region around Essaouira was ruled by various Berber tribes, which ruled here under the Arab Umayyads. The mighty Umayyads even dominated to the south of Spain.
In the eleventh century, Essaouira fell to the empire of Yusuf Ben Tasfin, the founder of Marrakech. In the fifteenth century, the coast of Morocco was conquered by the Portuguese. But Essaouira was the only Moroccan city that was not captured in this century.
In 1506 the construction of the port fortifications was started by the Portuguese. Construction continued in 1628 by Sultan Mulai Abdelmalek. After the expansion, Essaouiras was the largest seaport in Morocco. The French prisoners Theodore Cornut carried out the planning of the fortress buildings and the individual parts of the city.
In the centuries that followed, Essaouira became an important hub in the caravan trade, which increased the city’s wealth. Essaouira lost its importance after Timbuktu was occupied by the French in 1893.

Essaouira today
Essaouira’s main source of income is currently fishing and tourism. Especially tourists from major Moroccan cities like to come here. The highlights of Essaouira are the local handicrafts, e.g. B. the production of ornaments and utensils from wood of the sandarak tree.

Sightseeing
Since 2001, the city’s medina has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Gnaoua music festival held annually in Essaouira is also worth a visit. It was held for the first time in 1998. In Essaouira there are many archaeological sites that can be visited. Many interesting exhibits have already been found here.

Fes in Morocco

There are four royal cities in Morocco, which were alternately inhabited by the sultans in earlier times and became large cities as a result.
The oldest of these is Fes, which is also known as one of the most interesting cities in Morocco. The only competition in this regard is Marrakech. The city with just over a million residents is considered the spiritual center of the country and is also home to one of the oldest Islamic universities.
UNESCO is also interested in Fes and protects this city as “worth preserving”. Parts of it are being restored to their original state, so that tourists who flock to Fes can admire the city in its old glory.

It is particularly interesting for both tourists and other interested parties that the city can be divided into three parts, more precisely into the “old Fes”, the “new Fes” and the actual new town. If you are looking for beautiful photo motifs, the best way to start exploring the city is with the old town, where you will find most of the sights in a concentrated form.

But it makes sense to explore Fes only with a guide, otherwise you can easily get lost in the labyrinthine alleys. Incidentally, culture can only be enjoyed on foot in the old town, since with a few exceptions you cannot drive in the medina. Architecture lovers should definitely admire the city’s most important building, the Karaouyine Mosque.

The mosque is built in the typical Moorish style. The Medersas Bou Inania and Attarine are equally interesting. When you visit a country, you usually want to immerse yourself in its culture. If you want to see the typical Moroccan life, the best place to go is the Souks Attarine and Kissaria.

There you can also browse for souvenirs perfectly. And the Moroccan craft should not be missed either. Whether the tanners, the potters or the butchers who still slaughter in the medieval way, the eyes will be wide open with amazement. If you are already in an educational metropolis, then you should also train yourself, which is why a visit to the city’s large museum should definitely be included in the holiday planning.

Guelmim

Guelmim, also called Guelmin or Goulimine, is a town in southern Morocco.

Geographical features
Guelmim is the capital of the province of the same name. The city has almost 96,000 residents. Guelmim lies at the foot of the Anti-Atlas. The Moroccan city is often referred to as the gateway to the desert. The city is also considered a regional trading center and garrison town.
Guelmim is divided into three areas. The southwestern part of Guelmim is the Kasbah district of Oued Oum el Achar, which was built in 1715. The right-angled narrow streets are characteristic of the quarter. The northeastern part of Guelmim is the modern new town. The defining feature of this district are the uniform residential buildings and barracks. Nevertheless, there is a modern infrastructure in this part of Guelmim.
The lower town is the third part of Guelmim. The lower city came into being when the Moroccan city was under the colonial rule of the Spaniards. Many old buildings with a reddish tint have been preserved to this day.

History
Since the eleventh century, Guelmim has been an important trading center and the destination of every large caravan that came from Mauritania and Senegal through the Sahara moved up to here. The usual commodities of the time were slaves, gold, salt, animals and materials. The town’s market gained a particularly good reputation through the trade in camels. The largest camel market in Africa was located in Guelmim. Even up to the twentieth century, five hundred dromedaries were traded weekly in Guelmim. However, due to the Western Sahara conflict and the increasing settlements of the nomads, the Guelmim market became less and less important. However, it remained in the form of a normal weekly market. Today, dromedaries, sheep and goats are only traded here on a regional basis.

Sights
The Tomb of Sidi Al Ghazi you should have seen. Sidi Al Ghazi is the city’s patron saint, who lived in Guelmim until the end of the eighteenth century. Another highlight is the camel market that takes place every Sunday. Characteristic of the market are the men of the Reguibat nomadic tribe dressed in a blue draa.
The camel races held from the end of July to the end of July are something special. The religious festivals in honor of Sidi M’Hamed Ben Amars and Sidi Al Gahzis are particularly worth seeing from May to July. Tourists from Guelmims are happy to visit the Asirir oasis near the city. The main highlight of the oasis are the warm water sources.

Ifrane

Ifrane is a Moroccan city near the Fes River in the Atlas Mountains. Ifrane belongs to the Meknes-Tatilalet region and has approximately 14,000 residents.

Ifrane is considered one of the best ski resorts in Morocco.

Kasba Tadla

Kasba Tadla is a kasbah (Arabic name for a citadel, in Morocco such a castle is called within the old town) in Morocco, more precisely in the Tadla-Azilal region. Kasba Tadla is also known by the locals under the names Qasbat Tadlah and Kasbat-Tadla. The Moroccan city has an area of ​​17 square kilometers and a population of 41,783.

History Kasba Tadlas
Kasba Tadla was founded by Banu Ifran Berbers in the eleventh century. In 1068 the kasbah was conquered by the Almoravids. Banu Hilal destroyed the city. Only under Mulai Ismail and his son Kasba Tadla was rebuilt. In 1687, one of the largest Kasbahs in Morocco was built on the site of Kasba Tadla. The kasbah includes two minarets, two mosques and the Sherif arsenal Dar El Makhzen.

The city’s two mosques were destroyed a few centuries later by the protectorate troops of French Morocco stationed in Talda. A naval battalion is still stationed in Kasba Talda today.

Sightseeing
An absolute must is the stone bridge built under Mulai Ismail with ten different arches that spans the Oum Erriba. One of the mosques is worth seeingin the city. The Almohad style is still recognizable from the magnificent sacral building with its diamond-shaped minaret.

Laayoune

The Spaniards only left Laayoune a few years after Morocco’s independence. The Moroccans did not want to let the city go under and built the new city of Laayoune south of the old town on a plateau. The remains of the Spanish old town of Laayoune look poor, while the newly created city is rather spacious and modern.

Today Laayoune has approximately 130,000 residents and is the most important commercial and administrative center in the Western Sahara. Due to the generous expansion, the city should be more closely linked to Morocco.

There is also a lot going on in the field of tourism. The city itself has no real sights to offer, but there are still some fantastic sandy beaches. The most beautiful is the Layyoune Plage.

Larache

Larache is a port city on the Atlantic Ocean in northwestern Morocco. In 2005, approximately 201,000 people lived in the city. Larache is the administrative seat of the province of the same name. There is an impressive conservatory in the city, as well as a fishing port with a canned fish factory. The city’s main sources of income are mainly exports of cork, wool, beans and citrus fruits. In Larache there is an old Spanish fortress, which is particularly popular with tourists.

The history of the Moroccan city
The city of Larache at the mouth of the Oued Loukos river was founded by the Beni Arus tribe founded near the ancient city of Lixus. Between 1610 and 1689, Laache belonged to Spain. At the end of the seventeenth century Spanish colonial rule was ended by the Ouattasid Sultan Mohammed es-Said esch-Sheikh. In the centuries that followed, Larache was used as a base by the Corsairs. A second Spanish occupation attempt was prevented by Moulay Ismail. As the Corsair attacks became unbearable for European trade powers, the city was attacked by the Austrians in 1765 and a hundred years later by the French. From the beginning of the twentieth century until the independence of Morocco in 1956/57, Larache belonged to the protectorate Spanish Morocco.
In the nineteenth century, Larache played an important role as an export port for Meknes and Fes. The city is one of the largest port cities in the region, and Larache is also an important market place.

The Place de la Liberation is the link between the new and the old town of Larache. Near the lively square is the ocher yellow Bab el-Khamis, the so-called Thursday gate. The gate is the entrance to a medina surrounded by city walls. If you walk through the gate you will reach the Socco de la Alcaiceria, the market of the fabric dealers.
At the end of the famous square is the castle district, or as the locals say, Bab el-kashbah. Directly past the fifteenth-century Souika mosque, old houses and fondouks, you will reach the ancient Moulay el-Medhi fortress.

Also worth seeing is the Castillo de las Ciguenas, the so-called Storchenburg, which was then built by the Spaniards. The castle is a prime example of 17th century fortress architecture. A small archeology museum is housed in the castle. Here you can marvel at some exhibits from the Roman Lixus.

In Larache you can take wonderful walks by the sea.

In the south-west of Morocco, at the foot of the High Atlas, lies the old royal city of Marrakech, which still enchants its visitors like a fairy tale from 1001 nights. In the bazaars, the typical souks of the spice traders alternate with colorful fabrics, appetizing baked goods stands and traditional handicrafts. The narrow, labyrinthine alleys give the visitor the feeling of having traveled to another time.

Historically, the origin of Marrakech is in a late part of Islamic history. It was not until around 1000 years after Christ that the former caravan camp was developed by the leaders of the Almoravids into the later royal city. To date, the imposing city wall and the large date palm groves testify to the rule of the first tribal leaders of this Berber people, who had chosen this place as the capital.

The dominance of the Almoravids was broken by the Merinids in the middle of the 13th century. So it should take until the middle of the 16th century for the Saadites to make Marrakech the capital again. But the city also failed to achieve this status.
There is a lot to see for visitors to Marrakech: the Menara Gardens and the palaces of yesteryear still reflect the magic of the Orient. The Koutoubia mosque from the 12th century is also a “must” for tourists and although it cannot be visited, the minaret of the mosque is considered the most photographed morocco. Also not to be forgotten is the Djemaa el Fna, the place of jugglers and storytellers, place of enjoyment and decapitated. An important part of cultural life took place here in the past and today. This is also where the souks begin, which guide the visitor to the bazaar. Nevertheless, historically influenced Marrakech has not sneaked past modernity.

A vacation in this city offers pure versatility. The numerous accommodation options offer their visitors oriental flair with very special offers. The hotels and riads combine modern comfort in a historic ambience. Wellness seekers get their money’s worth here as well as relaxation vacationers and sports fans. Day trips to the nearby area and further afield (for example to the waterfalls of Ouazud) offer a wide range of experiences. Round trips, active trips, spa and golf holidays – everything is possible in this old city, which knows how to combine history with modernity.

Meknes (Morocco)

A specialty among the royal cities of Marrokkos is Meknes. Only under Sultan Moulay Ismail capital of the country, the magnificent buildings in Meknes were not deliberately destroyed by subsequent rulers as usual.
The fact that Moulay Ismail wanted to do the same as the French Sun King enables visitors to the city to admire the oriental architecture and its style to this day as far as possible.

The selection of historical sights that are available to the eye of the beholder is large and varied in comparison to other Moroccan royal cities. The Bab El Mansour city gate already welcomes visitors to the city with wonderful mosaics.
Once you have passed this, you come to El Hedim, the former court, where you can still visit original market stalls, the so-called souks. From here you can also get to Dar Jamai, the Museum of Moroccan Folk Art, a former Vizier palace.

In order to build this magnificent city, Moulay Ismail was prepared to accept great sacrifices: around 30,000 slaves were involved, the 40 km long city wall, the numerous palaces and gardens and the mausoleum of the sultan that can still be visited today. Founded around the 1st century AD by the Meknassa people, Moulay Ismail Meknes first blossomed around the 17th century.

The fertile plain made agriculture possible and the strategic location at the foot of the middle Atlas Mountains seemed suitable for the Sultan to rule his country from here.
The extent of the flowering period gives an idea of ​​the huge granaries (Heri dal el Ma) as well as the stables of the Sultan, in which around 12,000 animals were available. And where there is enough food, the craftsmen are not long in coming.
Numerous handicrafts from potters to saddlers, jewelry manufacturers, basket weavers and many more are still at home in Meknes. Meknes offers tourists extensive insights into oriental culture.

In addition to relaxation and adventure, the hotels in Meknes offer a variety of culinary specialties from regional cuisine. Traditionality does not conflict with modern comfort at any time, while the guest can experience the typical hospitality.

Moulay Idris

Moulay Idris is a Moroccan city ​​with approximately 11,200 residents. The city is approximately twenty-seven kilometers from Meknes.

The founder of the city was Idris the first in 788. There is a pilgrim atmosphere in the small town all year round. Until 1917 Moulay Idris was taboo.

Sights
One of the highlights of the small Moroccan town is the Sahat Massira al-Khadra. Here, Muslim pilgrims can buy decorative candles for the sanctuary or sweets for their family members.

The final resting place of the historical figure Moulay Idriss I.is also located in the Moroccan city. The tomb is considered a national shrine. The tomb mosque was rebuilt by two Alaouite rulers and thus received its current appearance. In the early eighteenth century, Moulay Ismail changed the appearance of the mosque for the first time. In the nineteenth century, Sultan Moulay Abderrahman had the mosque transformed into a magnificent building using magnificent gems and other valuable materials.

Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate is a provincial capital in the south of Morocco. Around 38,000 people live here. The city lies at an altitude of 1,160 meters above sea level, between the High Atlas and the Antiatlas mountain range. Due to its convenient location, the city is one of the most important tourist centers in Morocco.
Close to Ouarzazates is the El Mansour-Eddahbi reservoir, which is fed by the Dades river.

History of Ouarzazates
Ouarzazates was founded by the French colonial administration founded in 1928. The Moroccan city was a garrison city of the Foreign Legion. On the outskirts of the city is one of the most impressive kasbahs in the country, the Kasbah Taouirt. The Kasbah Taouirt is a large residential castle within rammed earth walls. It is one of the largest in Morocco. Members of the Haouza tribe still live in the castle. The Kasbah is one of the most interesting sights in the city, as it is also home to the Palace of El Haouzi. A third of the palace can be visited.

The last leader of the El Haouzi was of great political importance for the fortunes of the region and the country. Thami El Haouzi supported the French colonialists in the first half of the twentieth century. The prince also played an important role in Morocco’s independence. He was even temporarily Pascha from Marrakech.

There are several film studios in Ouarzazate. Some of the most famous films made in Ouarzazate include some Biblical and monumental films, for example “Gladiator”.

Another well-known kasbah, which is also very important for the film made here, is Ait Benhaddou. Ait Ben Haddou is just thirty kilometers from Ouarzazate.

Ouezzane

Ouezzane, also called Wezzane, Wazzane or Ouazzane, is a city in northern Morocco. Fes is located north of the city.

Ouezzane is one of the most important religious centers in Morocco, if only because of its sheriffs and the Sufi brotherhood based there. The city is a holy place for the Moroccan Jews. The Rif Mountains are nine kilometers from the city. Here is the mountain village of Asjen, which is the final resting place of rabbi Imran Ben Diva (also known as Moul Anrhaz). What is special is that the holy man is worshiped by both Jews and Muslims.

According to legend, the city was founded in the ninth century by one of the descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. The city was officially built by Idrisden Mulay Abdallah in 1727.

A peculiarity of the region is that it is quite unusual for the Arabs and Berbers to have a cluster of people with green eyes. The frequency of this genetic trait ” the green eyes ” can not be explained by the mixture with Spaniards and French. This phenomenon occurred before the colonial period.

Colonial troops could not conquer Ouezzane until 1920. The Rifkabylen’s attempt to conquer the Moroccan city failed five years later. During the year 1937 there was an uprising against the colonial powers in Morocco, in which the politician Muhammad Hassan al-Wazzani, who came from Ouezzane, was also involved.

The real sherifs from Ouezzane doubt that today’s Moroccan royal family actually descends from the Alawids, more precisely the descendants of Mohammed, Alis, Fatimas and Hassans. Ouezzane has always been considered to be inflammatory. This was confirmed by the fact that King Mohammed V died in 1961 after visiting Ouezzane. There was a rumor that he had been poisoned. The successor never visited Ouezzane despite unproven allegations.

Places of interest in Ouezzane
You should have seen the Place de L’Independance. There are many romantic little cafes here. Zaouia, an impressive place of pilgrimage, is particularly worth a visit. The market place too is worth a detour. Here you can not only experience oriental flair, the market is the ideal starting point for exploring the old town. The highlight is Zaouia Moulay Abdallahs. It is a Muslim church with an octagonal minaret decorated with green tiles.

Oujda

Oujda is located in eastern Morocco and is a city of around 600,000 residents. The Moroccan city is approximately twelve kilometers from the Algerian border and 65 kilometers from the Mediterranean. In the north, Oujda borders on the Beni Snassen mountains.

History of Oujda
The Moroccan city was founded in the tenth century and was then the capital of the Zanata tribe. The city was rebuilt during the thirteenth century. In 1844 and 1859 the city was conquered twice by the French.
The city was used by the French as a military base used to keep eastern Morocco under control. The cityscape of Oujda is rather modern compared to other Moroccan cities.

Oujda today
There is hardly any tourism in Oujda, but the city still has a few sights to offer. The highlights include the souk and the urban park. The Mohammed V mosque is also worth a visit.

Oujda has mild temperatures all year round. The average is between fifteen and twenty degrees Celsius. However, during the summer months, the temperature can exceed the forty degrees Celsius mark.

Rabat (Morocco)

Rabat is the capital of Morocco, but still not the largest city in the country. Nevertheless, the metropolis has so much to offer tourists.
Attractions line up with attractions and sights along sights, so there is something for everyone in Rabat. This is due not least to the fact that Rabat is one of the royal cities, i.e. the cities in which the former rulers of Morocco and the sultans alternately resided.

Rabat is located directly on the Atlantic coast and offers all the prerequisites for a wonderful beach vacation, where you can bask in the sun. But nature lovers are not neglected in the Moroccan capital either.

For example, there are many parks, such as the famous Andalusian gardens. Why are there Andalusian gardens in the capital of Morocco? Now that’s easy to explain.
The Moors, who invaded Spain, among other places, brought garden art to Morocco, and after this art was taken over, these gardens were also created. If you want to be a bit quieter to really unwind or read a good book, you should definitely go to the gardens of Chellah with its homely atmosphere.
These gardens were once a cemetery and the peaceful tranquility can still be found there today. Rabat is also suitable for a cultural holiday.

Artworks of architecture are lined up so that fans of different types can hardly see enough. One of the biggest attractions in Rabat is the Kasbah des Oudaia, which also includes the Andalusian Gardens.
A very special building within this fortress is the main entrance gate from the 12th century. Another beautiful and richly decorated gate is the gate of the winds. Anyone visiting Rabat will not want to miss the city’s biggest landmark.

The Hassan Tower was supposed to become the minaret of the largest mosque in the world, but unfortunately the sultan who commissioned the construction died and the mosque was never completed. Next to it is another famous building in the city, the mausoleum of Muhammad V, designed by Vo Toan, a world-famous Vietnamese architect.

Rissani and Sijilmassa

Sijilmassa is an ancient trading town covered in desert sand. Here is the mausoleum of the founder of the Alaouite dynasty and a huge market.

In Moroccan history, Rissani is considered the cradle of the Alaouites. From here, the ruling dynasty still conquered all of Morocco in the seventeenth century. Today Rissani has about 10,000 residents and is the second largest city in the Tafilalet after Erfoud. Rissani is also an important market place.
A souk is held in the city on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, selling regional products. The Zaouia Moulay Ali Cherifs is located southeast of the city, which only followers of the Muslim faith may visit. The last time the Zaouia Moulay Ali Cherifs was renovated was in 1997.
Another attraction of the city is located near Rissani, the Ksar Oulad Abd el-Halim. The impressive building was built in 1900. It used to be used as a residence by a city keeper from the Alaouite family. The fortification walls, as well as the gates and wall decorations are still very well preserved.

Sijilmassa

Two kilometers from Rissani, the ruins of the famous trading town of Sijilmassa rise out of the desert sand. The former capital of the Tafilalet used to control trade between Timbuktu and the Mediterranean. This gave the city great wealth. In the trade, products from the Mediterranean were exchanged for gold, slaves, ivory and ostrich feathers on the market. Between the eleventh and fifteenth centuries, Sijilmassa had a real heyday. During this time, more than 100,000 people lived in the Moroccan city. Today there are only ruins to visit the magnificent city. Sijilmassa lost its importance in the seventeenth century and was abandoned. Over the centuries, the city was looted and taken back by the desert sand.

Safi

Safi is a Moroccan city ​​with a population of approximately 344,800. Safi is located directly on the Atlantic coast. The city is the administrative center of the Doukala Abda district. The Moroccan city is the second most important port and industrial location in the country.

History
Safi was founded in the mid-fifteenth century by the Portuguese as a commercial establishment. Because of repeated attacks by the Berbers, the city was abandoned in the first half of the sixteenth century. In the seventeenth century, however, Safi was again an important trading city, which maintained close contacts with Europe.

Attractions
Outside the walls of the old town west of the Place de l’Independance is the Portuguese fortress Dar el-Bahar, which was built in the sixteenth century. From the south tower you still have a fantastic view of the old town of Safi.

The Grand Mosquee, which was built on the site of a Portuguese cathedral from the sixteenth century, is particularly impressive. Today only the choir is preserved from the Christian church.

Also the Borj ed-Dar fortress on the eastern edge of the old town worth a visit. The imposing building dates from Portuguese times. Safi has gained an excellent reputation especially through its Kermaimk markets and the ceramic industry. It is not only used ceramics that are produced here, but also green roof tiles, which are used to cover mosques, mederses and royal palaces in Morocco.

Skoura

Skoura is a small Moroccan village surrounded by palm groves with about 1,500 residents. It is definitely worth taking a detour to Skoura. When walking in Skoura you can see old Ksours and Kasbahs in the oasis. The highlight among them is the Kasbah of Amerhidil. The different high towers of the kasbah are decorated with impressive brick ornaments.

Tafraoute

Tafraoute is a Moroccan oasis town that lies in the western Antiatlas. About five thousand people live in the city.

Sights
The city’s highlights include a variety of rock formations, such as B. the Chapeau d Napoleon and the Valley of the Ameln.
The so-called blue stones by the artist Jean Verame are particularly impressive. This had painted boulders worked on by erosion with blue colors.

Tamegroute

Tamegroute is a beautiful village in a desert oasis. The Moroccan Tamegroute is known for traditional pottery workshops and a Zaouia with a valuable library.

Tamegroute is also an important place of pilgrimage. The Zaouia was founded by the Islamic scholar Abu Abdallah Mohammed Abu Nasr in the seventeenth century and named after the Nassirija brotherhood. The library was filled with valuable books from all over the Arab world by the Islamic scholar. These books are still used by religious students today.
In the library you can see old manuscripts with scientific and religious content. The oldest documents date from 1063 and were written on gazelle parchment with walnut ink.

Another attraction of the city are the tombs of the eight marabouts. The graves attract sick people from all over the country. Many stay in the courtyard of the facility with the hope of being healed for weeks, months or even years. There are accommodations and meals on the grave site.
A month after the most important Islamic holiday, the Aid el-Kebir festival, a large Moussem in honor of the saints takes place in Tamegroute.

The Moroccan city is mostly for theirs ceramic workshops known, which are located on the eastern outskirts of the city and can be visited. Articles of daily use are made here using traditional methods and can be bought on the spot.

Tan-tan

Tan-Tan is a city in the south of Morocco.

Geographical features
Tan-Tan is the capital of the province of the same name and has 60,698 residents. The city is located approximately twenty-seven kilometers from the coast of the Atlantic. The Oued Khil River flows through the center of Tan-Tan and divides the city in two. The locals call the Moroccan city al-Hamra. Through the city, the 1.8 kilometer-long main and commercial street of Tan-Tan, which draws Avenue Mohammed V.

Attractions
The highlight of the city is the mosque Mosquee du Souk, which is located in the central market square of Tan-Tan. The country’s only nuclear reactor is also close to the city.
The final resting place of the patron saint of the city “Mohammed Laghdaf Ma el Ainin” is also worth seeing.

History
During the Spanish colonial period, Tan-Tan was an item of the Spanish military. In 1958 the city was handed over to Morocco.

Tangier in Morocco

Tangier is located in northern Morocco and is not far from the famous Strait of Gibraltar. It is a coastal city that has proven to be suitable for a beach holiday in one of the many hotel complexes.

But Tangier is not only a popular destination for sun worshipers from all over the world, it also offers many attractions for culture lovers. The legend of the founding of the city is interesting, so Antaios, a son of the sea god Poseidon and the earth in god form Gaia, is said to have founded the city.
This legend of ancient Greece also exists with the corresponding Roman deities, i.e. Neptune and Gaea. And it’s not just the city’s foundation that is mysterious. The “Gateway to Africa”, as Tangier is also called, has a very interesting history, which is also reflected in the many tourist attractions.

The biggest attraction is the city’s medina. There you will find everything to really immerse yourself in the culture of the Moroccans.
In the center, the Grand Socco is a very typical place where you can take a look at the reef farmers, for example. It is said that the foundations of a Roman forum lie under the Grand Socco.

The medina is perfect for a shopping spree, because if you stroll through the narrow streets, which are laid out like a maze, there is a different shop to be found on every corner.
Just next to the Grand Socco is the Petit Socco, which doesn’t have as good a reputation as its big neighbor. At the time when Tangier was an international zone, this was the trading center for smugglers, drug traffickers and girl traffickers. Architecture fans will hardly be able to get enough of the city’s sultan’s palace, which is kept in the Moorish style, and the pretty gate of the Grand Mosque is a feast for the eyes of tourists who like to see beautiful buildings.

If you are interested in the arts of the Moroccan people, you should definitely pay a visit to the museum for these arts. There are weapons that are richly decorated with marquetry, old Koran manuscripts, archaeological finds and many other cultural assets.
As a tourist interested in culture and history, you can easily spend a day in this large museum. After all, it takes time to examine all the interesting and sometimes beautiful show pieces.

Tarfaya

Tarfaya is very close to the Atlantic Ocean, in southern Morocco on the border with Western Sahara. Around 4,500 residents live in the small town.

History

In the earlier colonial period, Tarfaya was known as Villa Bens. At the time, Villa Bens belonged to the Spanish protectorate of southern Morocco and temporarily served as an administrative seat. Tarfaya was of national importance in November 1975 when around 350,000 participants of the so-called “Green March” lived in a tent camp that had been temporarily built.

Sightseeing

A monument right on the beach commemorates the pilot and writer Antoine de Saint-Exupery. This man was stationed here in the 20s of the 20th century. Another attraction is the impressively high sand dunes of the Atlantic coast. A ferry service was launched in 2007 by the Naviera Armas shipping company and ran to the Canary Islands of Fuerteventura and Tarfaya. However, the ferry was shipwrecked in April 2008 and the connection has not been operated since.

Taroudann

Taroudant is the capital of the Moroccan province of the same name and has approximately 73,000 residents.

The history of the city

Taroudant was first mentioned in the 11th century AD. Around 1030 the city was the headquarters of a Chiite Berber prince. Gradually, Taroudant then became the center of the region. In 1306 the city was almost completely destroyed by a Berber dynasty, the Merinids. From 1520 to 1540 Taroudant became the capital of the Saadian. Taroudant’s heyday then came in the 17th century when the city became a caravan and trade center. In 1687 the city was partially destroyed by the Alawite sultan Moulay Ismail.

A rebel named El Hiba was appointed Moroccan counter-sultan in 1912, making him the leader of the Alawi dynasty. He received a lot of popular support and started the fight against the French from Taroudannt. However, he finally lost this war to the protectorate rulers in 1913. The city was occupied by France in 1917 and only vacated again in 1956. The period from 1912 to 1956 left its visible traces in Taroudant. Even today, French is used in addition to Arabic.

Sightseeing

Taroudant is also called the “little sister of Marrakech”It has received this affectionately intended name because it is by far the most beautiful and largest city on the Souss River. Taroudant is surrounded by an old, impressive city wall. The medina, built at the beginning of the 18th century, is open to everyone Worth a visit, surrounded by olive and orange plants, with the mountain range in the background, the city of Taroudant offers a very impressive picture.

The 16th century Taroudannt mosque was also impressive. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by a fire in May 2013. However, the mosque is to be rebuilt and restored.

Taza

In northeastern Morocco, about 100 kilometers east of the city of Fes, the city of Taza lies exactly between the two mountain ranges Rif and Middle Atlas. Taza is home to about 145,000 residents. Taza is the capital of the province of the same name. Many years ago, two cities were built on a plateau over a valley. After the union of these two cities, the city was named Taza.

The older part of the city, the Medina, is surrounded by a fortification, about 585 meters above sea level. The newer district was built in 1920 by the French and is located at 445 meters. Findings suggest that the caves in this area were inhabited as early as the Stone Age. Taza is located directly on a pass, which is a very important connection between the east and west of Morocco. In the past, this connection was particularly important for military purposes.

The history of Taza

Taza was around 700 around the Miknasa Berbers founded. Since the city was strategically important, it was constantly contested. With the spread of Islam, the balance of power often changed due to the different dynasties. In 1074 the area fell to the Berber dynasty of the Almoravids. In 1132 Abd al-Mu’min had a fortress wall built around the city. The various dynasties alternated frequently. European influence in Morocco gradually increased. In 1903 Jilani Zerhouni took over Taza. He sold ore mining rights to a Spanish company and was kidnapped by rival Berbers in 1908. This kidnapping triggered the so-called reef war out. Taza became a French protectorate on May 10, 1914 and remained under French influence until Morocco’s independence.

Sightseeing

The main street of the old town leads to an old grain market and the commercial center. Different stalls advertise their goods and wait for tourists eager to buy. A wide variety of goods and smells take visitors into an unknown and new world. If you follow the road, you will come to a parade ground and the Al Andalus Mosque. The mosque’s elevated position dates back to the 12th century. If you follow Bab el-Qebbour Street, you will come to a covered market place and from there to the Mark mosque. The old bastion from the 16th century surrounds an ancient citadel like a ring. The bastion’s impressive entrance is the Gate of the Winds.

Telouet

Different routes lead to Telouet: Those who start their journey from Quarzazate have two options to get to Telouet. The first option is to drive a car on the N9 towards Marrakech. About 3 kilometers south of the Tizi-n-Tischka pass road, a small, inconspicuous road leads directly to Telouet. The second option is from Ait Ben Haddou to drive through the valley of Asif Ounila. Rammed earth villages await you on this route amid beautiful green valleys and bare, steep mountain slopes. To make the journey easier for tourists, the route was marked with blue arrows. Due to the rather steep slope, the second route can only be recommended with a well-maintained off-road vehicle. This route is not passable directly after snow or rain. The Kasbah of Telouet is approximately 1,800 meters high.

History

In earlier times, the kasbah was one of the most weighty and important mud castles built by the Glaoua family. From Telouet you controlled the 2,260 meter high Tizi-n-Tichka passand thus the most important north and south connections of the region. The Sultan Moulay Hassan the first half in subduing the rebellious Berber tribes and helped as his clan to power. From 1912 to 1955, his son Thami el-Glaoui ruled over a fairly large part of southern Morocco. In 1908 Thami el-Glaoui was crowned the Pascha of Marrakech. During his reign, he supported the French soldiers in the fight against the rebellious Berber tribes. Shortly before Moroccan independence, around 1956, he asked the Sultan Mohammed V for mercy for his fault in the Sultan’s exile. Some time later Thami el-Glaoui died in his ancestral castle.

Tetouan

In Morocco, the city of Tetouan is located 90 meters above sea level on a plateau. The plateau on which the city is located belongs to Djebel Dersa. Approximately 50,000 residents currently live in this city. Tetouan is located near the Mediterranean Sea and is surrounded by Rifbergen in both the south and north. Tetouan is a regional center for tourism, fishing, electrical, cigarette and textile industries. Olives are grown in large fields in the vicinity of the city.

History of Tetouan

in the Roman and Punic empires Tetouan was known as Tamuda Oppidum. It was only after the fall of the Roman Empire, around the 11th century, that the city of Tetouan was first mentioned in writing as a Berber settlement. Meriniden Abu Thabit is designated around 1307 as a base against Ceuta. Since this city was in the immediate vicinity of the sea, it did not take long for it to become the ideal hideaway for various pirates and thus to become a pirate city.

The first citadel was built by the Sultan Abu Yusuf Yagub in the 13th century, and today’s old town was built. The name Tetouan translates from the Berber language “the sources”. The pirate city was destroyed in 1399 by Henry the Third of Castile. Many pirates were captured or killed.

About a hundred years later, Tetouan was rebuilt by Muslims and Jews who had fled the Iberian Peninsula. In 1565 the built harbor of Philip the Second was closed because the built city was used by pirates as a regular shelter. Refugees from Spain resettled the city and turned Tetouan into a commercial center. The city reached its heyday between 1672 and 1727 under the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the city was mostly in Spanish hands and was named the capital of the Spanish territory. 1956 Tetouan regained independence and belonged to the Moroccan Empire again.

Attractions

The Place Hassan II connects the old and new city and is the center of Tetouan. If you want to get to know the vibrant life of Morocco, you should definitely plan a visit here. The most diverse scents, costumes and languages ​​convey a typical oriental flair. A small, interesting mosque is located on the north side of the center and can be visited. Anyone who crosses the “Bab er Rouah” arrives in the old town and can observe a wide variety of craftspeople doing their work. “Bab er Rouah” means “gate of the winds”. Tetouan is definitely worth a visit.

Tineghir

Approximately 31,000 residents live in Tineghir, a city approximately 169 kilometers from Quarzazate. Tineghir is located at about 1,340 meters and is home to the ruins of a 20th century Glaoua Kasbah.

The Dadeschlucht is located in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, exactly between the Djebel Sarhro mountain range and the High Atlas. In the otherwise desert-like region, there are many green spots thanks to the Dades River. Due to the relatively rich vegetation, some villages have formed there. In the past, many Berber castles were built for defense, the resulting ruins are among the sights and are very popular with tourists in Morocco. Although the adobe buildings were replaced by modern houses over time, the flair from bygone days can still be felt.

Small, cozy and homely shops invite tourists to stay and buy in Tineghir. In small workshops, craftsmen can be observed and admired at work. Various transport connections to Tineghir ensure that all routes are open to tourists and you can explore the region to your heart’s content. Tineghir is a city with its own charm and definitely worth a visit.

Tinmal

Tinmal is very remote and lonely about 10 kilometers behind the city of Ijoukak at an altitude of 2,000 meters. The Almohadian conquest of Morocco ended in Tinmal in the 12th century, making this city an important and historic place.

Here is an old mosque in the middle of a beautiful mountain landscape. This mosque is one of the first to be built in this way and was considered a role model and inspiration for the construction of the Koutoubia in Marrakech. This ruin is approximately 1,200 meters high. I bn Toumart was the founder of the then holy city of Tinmal, which later became the starting point for the holy war against the Almoravids.

In 1276, Tinmal was almost completely destroyed and, after a long and laborious process, was rebuilt. UNESCO declared Tinmal a World Heritage Site in 1990. On a tour, tourists have the opportunity to enjoy an indescribably beautiful panoramic view from the roof of the minaret. Nearby you can visit an old fortress . This fortress was a base for the Goundafi. Tinmal is definitely worth a visit and captivates visitors with its charm.

Titznit

A red mud wall surrounds this Moroccan city ​​and makes it so unique. Very beautiful and attractive silver jewelry is made in this city, which interests many tourists. This silver jewelry is also the reason why Titznit is known beyond its borders. A wide variety of jewelry can be purchased in small characteristic shops.

A quite winding road leads through a very interesting area from Tafraoute to Titznit. Small villages and terraced fields lie directly on the street and invite you to stop and admire them. Around 45,000 residents live in Titznit, making the city the largest market place in this region.

Around 1882, Moulay Hassan founded a garrison site in what is now the city. With the help of this garrison, the various Berber tribes from the region were to be fought. For protection, a reddish wall with a length of 6 kilometers was built around Titznit.

Various hotels and restaurants in the center of Titznit ensure the well-being of the guests. A 20th century mosque can be reached on a walk through narrow, old streets. A few well-preserved colonial houses and the former Spanish consulate are considered sights and are definitely worth a visit.

To the south, in Sidi lfni, a beach invites you to swim and relax.

Anyone traveling to Morocco should definitely plan a visit to the beautiful city of Titznit.

Todgha Gorge

The regionally important market of Tineghir is the starting point for the popular excursions to the Todgha Gorge. Visitors from far and near travel there and take part in the guided tours through the Todgha Gorge. Those who prefer to explore the gorge on their own, rather than in a large group, can easily travel the 15 kilometers to the gorge on their own with a rented car. The gorge is wide enough to drive in by car.

Two simple hotels are waiting for exhausted tourists at the end of the paved road. There are various paths from the hotels to explore the gorge. At the narrowest point, the gorge is only 10 meters wide and has a wall that rises approximately 300 meters. The gorge is very popular with mountaineers and free climbers, which is another reason for the lively tourism.

If you want, you can continue your journey by car from the hotels. After a few kilometers, you will reach another gorge, the so-called Dades Gorge. The roads are impassable during the flood and after heavy rains.

The Todgha Gorge is one of the most beautiful and remarkable natural spectacles that can be seen in Morocco and is definitely worth a visit.

Volubilis

In earlier times long past, Volubilis was a very important Roman city on African soil. From about 42 to 285, this city had its heyday, both economically and culturally. The legendary defensive wall was built when the Berbers attacked. A total of ten city gates are spread over the defensive wall. After the heyday, the decline of Volubilis continued and the Romans moved the regional center to Tangier.

Archaeologists have reconstructed parts of the ancient city. The ruins are now a tourist attraction in Morocco and have been a World Heritage Site since 1997. History buffs will particularly get their money’s worth in the city of Volubilis. Here you have the rare opportunity to immerse yourself in another, long-gone world. Various hotels make your stay in Volubilis as comfortable as possible and leave nothing to be desired.

Zagaro

The Moroccan Zagaro is the center of a beautiful river oasis in which around 40,000 residents live. In earlier times, Zagaro was a caravan base. The only remnant from this long past time is a sign that says “52 days to Timbouktou”.

Today, like so many others in Morocco, this city lives mainly from tourism. Camel tours are particularly popular with guests and convey the feeling of exoticism. An old 11th-century fortress called Jbel is one of the sights in the city. For those interested in history, a visit to this old fortress is worthwhile.

Those interested in the region’s traditional economy should visit the Amezrou orchards.

Various hotels and accommodations in Zagaro and the surrounding area invite guests to linger and relax. There is suitable accommodation for almost every budget. This charismatic city in Morocco is definitely worth a visit.