The Kingdom of Morocco located in North Africa on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea is only a short hop away from Europe, but culturally a much further distance to travel.
It is an oriental world full of historical evidences, with the ‘imperial cities’ of Fès, Meknès, Rabat and Marrakesh being the artistic and cultural centres.
Casablanca © Marlies Gebauer
To see as much as possible during your stay you should go on a round trip.
When you arrive at Casablanca, which now is one of the largest North African cities, you will notice pretty quickly that it has no longer anything in common with the film ‘Casablanca’ starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. A sightseeing tour will lead you to the Hassan II Mosque, which is visible from afar due to its minaret with a height of 175 metres, making it the highest religious building in the world. It was completed in 1993. Today Casablanca is the residential city of Mohammed VI.
The landmark of Rabat is the Hassan Tower. Located on a hill it is outlined against the sky. Worth a visit are the Mohammed V Mausoleum, a little palace in which also Hassan II is buried, the Oudayas Kasbah, the fortress erected at the edge of the Rabat medina, and El Atiqa, the city’s oldest mosque built in 1150. You also shouldn’t miss the colourful and lively shops in the medina. There you can get gold, silver, carpets, herbs and much more. This is a very special experience for your senses.
You should also make sure to visit the Chellah necropolis. This peaceful place is the last residence of the Merinide sovereigns and protected by imposing walls. And as it is also the site of the old Roman city of Salé, you can see the ruins of a triumphal arch, the forum and thermal bathes.
Marokko © Marlies Gebauer
From Rabat you travel to Chefchaouen along the Rif Mountains, where you have spectacular views of the region. Chefchaouen is cut into the sides of the Djabal Kelaa Mountain and the Djabal Meggou Mountain and probably is one of the most beautiful cities of the Rif region. As it had been ruled by the Spanish for more than 30 years most people here still speak Spanish. The white houses built in Andalusian and Arab style traditionally have beautiful blue doors.
In the Outa el Hammam Square you can really feel the powerful charm of the city and enjoy the attractive view of the Tarik-Ben-Ziad mosque with its octagonal minaret which was inspired by that of the Torre de Oro in Seville.
You should also visit the Kasbah de Moulay Ismail built in the 17th century. It now houses a museum where you can see jewellery, pottery, weapons and musical instruments as well as the typical traditional costumes of the region. South of the Outa el Hammam is the Souika Quarter with its narrow alleyways where you can buy gifts and get enchanted by the atmosphere.
This was part one of the round trip, part two will follow soon. Don’t miss it!
