Meknès is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities. It boasts a unique architectural beauty and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996.

HISTORY OF MEKNÈS

Meknès was founded in the 10th century, and in 1672, Sultan Moulay Ismail declared Meknès the capital of Morocco. His ambition was for Meknès to rival the court of Louis XIV of France.

Therefore, one can imagine the grandeur and glamour of the constructions. Ismail built buildings, gardens, monumental gates, fortifications, gigantic walls whose perimeter exceeds $40$ km, and numerous mosques with beautiful minarets. For this reason, Meknès is called “the city of a hundred minarets.”

During the French colonial period, between 1912 and 1956, the French nicknamed Meknès “the Versailles of Morocco” or “little Paris,” highlighting the city’s beauty.

The city is often considered the most beautiful of the four imperial cities. It has a triple belt of walls and a lively medina, with a lot of traditional Moroccan commerce.

Meknès is a pleasant and peaceful city, with organized souks, precious museums, well-maintained squares, and sumptuous gates.

WHAT TO VISIT IN MEKNÈS

BAB MANSOUR EL ALEUJ GATE

It is the largest and most beautiful gate in Meknès, built in 1732. Bab means “gate” in Arabic. It is considered the most imposing gate in Morocco (it is $16$ meters high) with various architectural and decorative details.

PLACE HEDIM

It is the city’s main square, where you can find street food, performances, and small exhibitors.

MEKNÈS MEDINA

Here you will find typical Moroccan trade, with leather, carpets, spices, accessories, jewelry, decorative objects, etc.

HRI SOUANI (OR HARI SOUANI)

It is one of the most touristic places due to its history, being a National Monument. It is an ancient granary, dating from the 18th century, where food was stored and also where the Sultan’s stables were located.

MOULAY ISMAIL MAUSOLEUM

It is a mosque built in 1703, which is currently the mausoleum of the Sultan who made this city an imperial capital.

BOU INANIA MADRASA

It is a Quranic school, entirely decorated with tiles. It was founded in the 14th century. It has small rooms for students and a very beautiful courtyard with a central fountain on the outside. It also has an interior part equally with rooms and a fountain.

DAR JAMAÏ MUSEUM

It is an ethnographic and Moroccan arts museum, with artifacts from the history of the Quran.

MOSQUES

Al Masjid Al Adam: It is the largest and oldest mosque in the city. Entry is not allowed for non-Muslims.
Grand Mosque of Meknès: Built in the 11th century, with 11 doors and 143 arcades.
Néjjarine Mosque: Was built in the 10th century.
Jamaï Roua Mosque: Was built in 1790.
Bab Berdieyinne Mosque: Was built in the 17th century.

KARA UNDERGROUND PRISON

It is said that it was designed by a Portuguese architect and that he ended up being the first prisoner, for insubordination. Ambassadors were also found here for meetings and prisoner exchanges.

ROYAL MEKNÈS GOLF COURSE

In addition to being a golf course, the gardens are very well preserved and only opened to the public in 2007. There is a café with a terrace and a view of the course.

These are just some of Meknès’ attractions.

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MEKNÈS: THE CITY OF A HUNDRED MINARETS