A visit to Meknes

A visit to Meknes is one of the best visits you can have in Morocco. Thus, Meknes is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco, along with Fez, Rabat, and Marrakech. If you plan a trip from Marrakech, select 5 days tour from Marrakech to Fes. The history of this city is the history of Sultan Moulay Ismail, who decided to move the country’s capital here in 1675, surround it with a few km of walls (they say 40!), and transform it into one of the most beautiful cities of its time. Among its streets you can breathe a cozy, calm, and relaxed air, being the least chaotic and touristic of the 4 imperial cities.

Places to visit in Meknes

Old Medina

The first thing we recommend you do is to take a walk through the Medina, much smaller and less overwhelming than the other big cities, although very authentic. There, both day-to-day products for locals and souvenirs for tourists are sold, that is, without the insistence of the vendors of Marrakech or Fez. And it is appreciated.

Great Mosque

Get to know the Great Mosque, in the Almoravid style and famous for its 11 doors and a portico with more than 140 arches. Keep in mind that non-Muslims cannot enter, so you can only see it from the outside (this happens in almost all the mosques in Morocco). Other interesting mosques are the Nejjarine Mosque and the Jamai Roua Mosque.

El Hedim Square

Another must-see spot in Meknes is El Hedim Square (Plaza de las Ruinas), which is located in front of the beautiful Bab El Mansour gate and reminded us a bit of Jemma el Fna Square in Marrakech (yes, this is his little cousin). Do not miss it, especially at sunset, the square is full of life and atmosphere.

The Bab El Mansur Gate

4Take a photo of the Bab El Mansur Gate, one of the accessible entrances to the imperial city and surely the most beautiful of all. There are even those who claim that it is the most beautiful door in the whole world. They say that when the architect finished the door, Moulay Ismail asked him if he could make another one more beautiful… the unwary man said yes and Moulay, who was not joking, decided to kill him. Truth or Legend? Who knows, although it is a story that is repeated a lot in other places and makes us think. If you have more time, you can visit two other gates: the Bab Lakhmis and the Bab Berdine.

The Dar Jamaï Museum

The Dar Jamaï Museum is a good stop to see a palace full of paintings, crafts, and a beautiful patio. Although it is clear, that the great protagonist here is in the same building. It is located right in front of El Hedim Square.  Although today it is a museum until 1920 it was the residence of the Jamai family. By the way, don’t miss the fountain on one of its sides, which dates back to the 17th century.

The souks

Some of the souks that we recommend you visit are the Souk Sabbat. They are full of handicrafts or the Souk Nejarine, something more chaotic, with clothes and a lot of atmosphere. The truth is that the souks of Marrakech or Fez have seemed more beautiful. Yet, those in Meknes are undoubtedly more authentic… there is almost nothing for tourists!

Pavillon Des Idrissides Terrace

Go up to the Pavillon Des Idrissides Terrace for a drink at sunset. They charge an entrance fee of 15D which includes a drink. Stay until the sun goes down and get ready for the show: suddenly all the mosques flood the city with their songs. It is, without a doubt, the most magical moment of the day.

The Royal Palace

You can’t visit the Royal Palace inside, but you can make it a visit to Meknes attractions if you have time.  It’s well worth visiting and taking a walk to see it from the outside. It is here that Moulay Ismail resided during his 55-year reign. Advice: we walked from the center… the truth is that unless you don’t feel like walking, the route lacks attractions (you will almost always skirt a wall), so it’s almost better to go by taxi.

The other excursion that I recommend to those who have time is to visit Moulay Idriss Zerhoun. It is very close to the ruins of Volubilis. It is a sacred city for Muslims, who make a pilgrimage here. If you want to explore the desert, select 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga.

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