The wonders of Morocco

Of all Morocco's magnificent sites, eight particularly stand out: those which are officially registered on Unesco's World Heritage list.

- Archaeological Site of Volubilis (1997)
- Historic City of Meknes (1996)
- Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou (1987)
- Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador) (2001)
- Medina of Fez (1981)
- Medina of Marrakesh (1985)
- Medina of Tétouan (formerly known as Titawin) (1997)
- Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida) (2004)

Since 1975, the UN has identified, protected and preserved extraordinary places or monuments in Morocco that have an exceptional value for humanity. To the north, you can admire the unrivalled medina of Tétouan.
UNESCO naturally selected it for having maintained its unique style, a blend of Andalusian and Arab influences.

Tétouan was of particular importance in the Islamic period, from the 8th century onwards, since it served as the main point of contact between Morocco and Andalusia. After the Reconquest, the town was rebuilt by Andalusian refugees who had been expelled by the Spanish. This is well illustrated by its art and architecture, which reveal clear Andalusian influence. Although one of the smallest of the Moroccan medinas, Tétouan is unquestionably the most complete and it has been largely untouched by subsequent outside influences.
 

 

The UNESCO Committee decided to inscribe the Historic City of Meknes under cultural criterion (iv) because it represents in an exceptionally complete and well preserved way the urban fabric and monumental buildings of a 17th century Maghreb capital city which combines elements of Islamic and European design and planning in a harmonious fashion.


Heading southwards, stop at Meknès, a friendly imperial city. The impressive 11th century old town, with its superb eclectic architecture, has been on the list since 1996. A few kilometers further, you may admire the remains of the Roman Empire's town planning genius.

Volubilis  is the largest ancient site of Morocco, the best preserved and the most evocative...

The Mauritanian capital, founded in the 3rd century B.C., became an important outpost of the Roman Empire and was graced with many fine buildings. Extensive remains of these survive in the archaeological site, located in a fertile agricultural area. Volubilis was later briefly to become the capital of Idris I, founder of the Idrisid dynasty, who is buried at nearby Moulay Idris.
 

The medina in Fez, with an age-old appearance but still full of life, has also been selected by Unesco. The first Moroccan site to join the list in 1981, its Islamic layout is a model in its genre.
 

World heritage

 

Two other prestigious places are on the Atlantic coast: the old Portuguese town of Mazagan.

The Portuguese city of Mazagan is an outstanding example of the interchange of influences between European and Moroccan cultures, and one of the early settlements of the Portuguese explorers in West Africa, on the route to India. These influences are well reflected in architecture, technology, and town planning. 

 

and the and the Essaouira and the Essaouira medina.

Essaouira is an outstanding and well preserved example of a late 18th century European fortified seaport town translated to a North African context. Criterion iv With the opening up of Morocco to the rest of the world in the later 17th century Essaouira was laid out by a French architect who had been profoundly influenced by the work of Vauban at Saint-Malo. It has retained its European appearance to a substantial extent.

 

Finally, in the centre of the country, you will find the sumptuous Place Jema El-Fna in Marrakech.

Founded in 1070–72 by the Almoravids, Marrakesh remained a political, economic and cultural centre for a long period. Its influence was felt throughout the western Muslim world, from North Africa to Andalusia. It has several impressive monuments dating from that period: the Koutoubiya Mosque, the Kasbah, the battlements, monumental doors, gardens, etc. Later architectural jewels include the Bandiâ Palace, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Saadian Tombs, several great residences and Place Jamaâ El Fna, a veritable open-air theatre.

 

and the astonishing Aït-Ben-Haddou ksar, in the region of Ouarzazate.

The ksar, a group of earthen buildings surrounded by high walls, is a traditional pre-Saharan habitat. The houses crowd together within the defensive walls, which are reinforced by corner towers. Ait-Ben-Haddou, in Ouarzazate province, is a striking example of the architecture of southern Morocco.

All the regions of Morocco have been honored by at least one Unesco classification. So whatever your destination, you can be sure to be close to one of the most prestigious sites in the world.