Feedback

Morocco

6

Reasons To
Visit Morocco

  • Berber Culture

    The Berbers are the indigenous people of Morocco. During the Arab conquest they retreated into their mountain strongholds and took refuge in the inhospitable deserts of the south. This is where their culture persists, based around fortified dwellings; a strong sense of community and an ability to cope with almost any hardship.

    Berber Culture

  • Desert

    The Sahara washes into Morocco at its western extremities, and the Erg Chebbi sand sea is the best place to see this. Passing first through dramatic ridges of blackened rock, the going becomes sandier and sandier, until you're eventually confronted with towering dunes and the best sunsets in Morocco.

    Desert

  • Kasbahs

    A kasbah is a fortified village, made from traditional pisé, or mud brick. Their distinctive towers, with ornate windows, are a dominant feature of the Moroccan landscape, none more so than along the Dades and Draa Valleys in the south: some have been converted into hotels, so you can even spend the night in your very own kasbah.

    Kasbahs

  • Medinas

    At the heart of any old Moroccan city will be the medina, the vital core encircled by walls punctuated by ornamental gates. It's in the medina that you'll nearly always find the souqs, and there will probably be a number of old palaces too: some of these are now hotels, some are museums, while others are abandoned and decaying gracefully.

    Medinas

  • Mountains

    The High Atlas are home to Jebel Toubkal, at over 4,100m the highest mountain in north Africa and a challenging climb. But the Atlas mountains also offer gentler hikes, perfect just to appreciate the scenery, the cool, clean air, and to enjoy Berber hospitality in remote villages.

    Mountains

  • Souqs & Shopping

    The souqs of Marrakesh are the most famous in the country, but almost every town has its souq. Those of Fez seem endless and labyrinthine, whilst those in Taroudant are much more compact and sell the simple goods that the local, rural population need. It's unlikely you'll escape from Morocco without doing a bit of shopping at some point!

    Souqs & Shopping

Request a Brochure

North Africa & the Middle East Brochure

North Africa & the Middle East

By Post Download Online 33786686
PrintShareLike

Visit Meknes & Voloubilis, Morocco

Meknes is only a short distance from Fez and was developed into a dramatic city by Sultan Moulay Ismail, the remains of which can still be seen. Nearby at Voloubilis are the remains of one of the Roman Empire’s key Moroccan cities.

Main square in Meknes
Main square in Meknes

Meknes & Voloubilis

Morocco

Only a short distance west of Fez, the fortunes of Meknes, originally a small market town, took a dramatic turn when Sultan Moulay Ismail assumed power in the 17th century. Huge palaces, harems and miles of walls pierced with arched gates were constructed for the royal court.

On his death influence seeped away from the city; earthquakes and rain did the rest, reducing much of the massive works to subsiding mud brick interspersed with monumental gates that remind us of its former glory.

Voloubilis

Nearby at Voloubilis are the remains of one of the Roman Empire’s key Moroccan cities.

The well-preserved basilica, triumphal arch, and columns of the Capitoline Temple all stand below a wooded escarpment, and cast shadows over the most impressive aspect of the city: the mosaics, many of which are as vivid and colourful as the day they were laid.

More in Meknes & Voloubilis, Morocco

Further reading:
MoroccoWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout MoroccoCountry Guides

Other countries in North Africa & the Middle East:
EgyptIranJordanLebanonLibyaOmanSyriaTunisia

{04C03992-5D65-45BD-A7A8-EA1C408D851D}