Morocco:North Africa’s Charming Nation of Beautiful Historic Towns

Photo by www.istockphoto.com

Morocco:North Africa’s Charming Nation of Beautiful Historic Towns

table of contents

[x] close

Morocco:North Africa’s Charming Nation of Beautiful Historic Towns

Morocco is a country situated in North Africa just across the strait of Gibraltar. Being a country rich in culture and history, the region is home to numerous historical towns showcasing the country's beautiful styles of architecture with vibrant, lively markets selling all kinds of trinkets and spices.

1. Hassan Ⅱ Mosque (Casablanca)

Photo by commons.wikimedia.org

The Grande Mosquée Hassan II is a mosque located in the charming coastal city of Casablanca. Designed by Michel Pinseau, the mosque was completed in 1993 for the former king. Aside from being a place of worship, the mosque is also incredibly picturesque due to its distinct architecture which mixes Islamic style with local elements of Morocco. Casablanca is often overlooked by tourists due to it being the powerhouse of Morocco and not as many historic sites as some of the other cities. However the city has some of the best restaurants and nightlife areas in the country that make the North African metropolis well worth a visit.

2. Erg Chebbi (Merzouga)

Photo by www.istockphoto.com

The Erg Chebbi is a beautiful stretch of barran desert located near the village of Merzouga in the Sahara Desert in Morocco. The area is a popular site for camel rides with its picturesque rolling hills of sand, especially stunning in the evening when the rays of the sunset gleam off the sand. A range of other activities are also available such as off-road-driving, motorbiking and seeing the local Berber lifestyle with cultural performances.

3. Jardin Majorelle (Marrakech)

Photo by commons.wikimedia.org

Far more unique than your average urban garden, the Jardin Majorelle is a beautiful stretch of exotic plants and brightly colored architecture. Perfect for spending a couple of hours to unwind and escape the busy life of Marrakesh, the garden was designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle and took almost 40 years of his life to develop.

4. Chefchaouen Old City (Chefchaouen)

Photo by dsaprin/Shutterstock

One of the most picturesque and beautiful towns in the world, Chefchaouen is an old town built up the side of a hill at the foot of the Rif Mountains. The town is covered in gorgeous houses and streets washed in different shades of light blue and white, the bright shades of color having been painted that way since the 15th century.

5. Ben Youssef Madrasa (Marrakech)

Photo by www.istockphoto.com

One of the most important buildings in the historic city of Marrakesh, the Ben Youssef Madrasa was the largest Islamic college in the city. The building is exceptionally beautiful with its ornate rooms, wood-lattice balconies and picturesque courtyards.

6. Medina of Essaouira (Essaouira)

Photo by www.istockphoto.com

Another one of Morocco's beautiful medinas or walled cities, Essaouira is a wonderful example of the numerous late 18th century fortified towns dotted around the region. Sitting along the country's Atlantic coast, the old town has a lovely seaside setting and relaxed atmosphere, in perfect contrast to the busy, bustling inland cities like Marrakech.

7. Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou (Ait Ben Haddou)

Photo by www.istockphoto.com

Located in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou is a natural doorway to the desert of Morocco. Built entirely of local organic materials, the Ksar, a fortified tribal village, stands on a modest hill on the left bank of the Ounila River. When sightseeing around the Ksar, be sure to check out the attraction's high earthen wall with angle towers, and an ensemble of homes with narrow alleys.

8. Fes el Bali (Fez)

Photo by Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock

Often overlooked on trips to Morocco, Fes el Bali is a beautiful historic walled old city, or medina as its called in the country. The old town is one of the biggest and best preserved of the old walled cities in Morocco which is still home to thousands of people and boasts of having the oldest university in the world, the University of Al-Karaouine, built in the 9th century. Pass through the beautifully adorned Bab Bou Jeloud gate as you step back in time to a city built over a thousand years ago.

Conclusion

Because of its historical sites, Morocco is a fascinating place for sightseeing. Tourists could learn about the rich history and culture of Morocco while enjoying the beautiful sceneries which these attractions offer. Considering visiting Morocco when sightseeing around the North African region.

RELATED ARTICLES

REGIONS

CATEGORIES

FEATURED ON Morocco

MOST POPULAR ON Morocco