Several tourists when they visit Morocco ask about how they can deep into the Moroccan history and culture in a short time and which seems impossible. However, the Moroccan imperial cities can offer you this opportunity to deep into the worth history and rich culture of the kingdom. Morocco is a large country with rich landscapes making the discovery of this impressive country quite harder in a short time, and it may take weeks or months to fully explore all the regions. In this article, we are going to make it easy for you to have a satisfactory experience in Morocco through the four imperial cities.
Where can I stay in Morocco?
Morocco has many famous cities, such as Casablanca, Agadir, and Ouarzazate. However, only four cities are known as imperial capitals: Fez, Marrakech, Meknes, and Rabat. Here is a brief introduction to these privileged tourist cities of Morocco.
The Red City, Marrakech, the Pearl of the South
Marrakech is the third largest city in the Kingdom of Morocco and the city that gave Morocco its name. Marrakech was founded in the 11th century at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. Many people from the desert and the Atlas Mountains come to Marrakech. It is the Berbers who give Marrakech its name.
The Medina of Marrakech is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that must be seen. It is also the first touristic destination, several tourists found Marrakech comfortable to stay in. Moroccans call Marrakech the city of Seven Saints because there are seven tombs in the north of the city. You can visit a lot of attractions in Marrakech including the Majorelle Gardens, the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square, and the Koutoubia Mosque. And while you are there, don’t forget to go to the Dar Si Said Museum, which displays hundreds of handicrafts from different periods.
The oldest city in Morocco, Fez, a spiritual city
Morocco’s fourth largest city, Fez is a contrasting city where modernism and traditionalism stand out side by side in the style of the city. The city is a great example of preserved history. So, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also the oldest medina in Morocco. Another feature of the city is its religious nature which makes Fes a spiritual city and also intellectual capital.
There are many sights to visit in Fes. For instance, a visit to the Museum of Bata, a royal summer residence from the 19th century that now houses a museum dedicated to folk art and traditions. Above all, it is important to visit the old medina or as it’s known ‘Fes El’Bali’ and take the opportunity to shop in the bazaar and walk in its narrow allies. Dar Dabagh is a must-see site, so don’t forget to visit that wonderful place while you’re staying at Fes. The site has a different smell because of the leather products, it’s where they painted the leather.
Rabat, the administrative capital city
If you have ever asked about the capital city of Morocco but you didn’t know, Rabat is the capital of Morocco. Unlike Casablanca, Rabat has no industrial activity and is only the second largest city in the country. However, it’s a powerful political city with king Mohammed VI running, it becomes the heart of the country. Also, the length and breadth of the city and its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean offer a pleasant and cheerful face to all visitors. The must-see of the city includes the Kasbah de Oudaia and its ochre-colored gates, Hassan Tower (the city’s symbol and icon), and also its impressive beaches.
The Ismaili capital, Meknes
The fourth and last imperial city of Morocco is Meknes, the fifth largest city. The city and the region are known as agricultural important areas. You can refer to Meknes only by its famous gate ‘Bab Mansour’ which you must visit and take pictures around while you’re in the city. Lahdim square also is a must-see site, it’s considered the heart of the city and also a preserved heritage of history. Meknes is sometimes called the Versailles of Morocco. It’s all surrounded by big walls. All the important squares can be seen, most of which are attributed to the city’s founder, Moulay Ismael, the Sultan of Morocco in 1672. The area is also listed by UNESCO. Not far from there, you can visit the Roman heritage site ‘Volubilis’ as well as the holy town of Moulay Driss Zarhoun.
Conclusion
These four Moroccan imperial cities are considered the get-way to a specific region and different landscapes. To have a comfortable stay in Morocco, the best thing to do is start a tour trip from one of these imperial cities to most spots of Morocco. For example, you can have a desert tour from Marrakech, which can lead you to the Erg Chegag dunes or to Merzouga golden desert. Or maybe you can have a coastal trip starting from Casablanca or Rabat, it can offer you the opportunity to camp on the most charming beaches of the kingdom. Furthermore, you can start your tour trip to the Middle Atlas and the High Atlas mountains or hills from Meknes and Marrakech as well.
Book now with Marrakeshjourneys and get an 8 days tour to the Moroccan imperial cites.
