Cultural sightseeing in Morocco. What to visit - museums, temples, castles and palaces

Peculiar for its Arabian flavor, exotic nature, attractions and hospitality, Morocco annually attracts tourists from all over the world. The Country is open to all kinds of guests however their ideas: one person may decide he wants to enjoy the luxurious palaces and the splendorous mosques, another may want to have a taste of the dishes of national cuisine. There is yet also, the opportunity to dissolve in the atmosphere of oriental bazaars in search of exquisite silks or authentic jewelry. Whichever direction is chosen, the Moroccan kingdom is permanently imprinted in the memory of every visitor after they leave.

The epicenter of Morocco’s splendor is its capital Rabat, in which the features of both Moorish and modern culture have been combined. In the old district of the city “Medina”, stands a 12th century fortification, Kasbah of the Udayas. Here, you will also find ruins of the ancient city mosque whose construction was started by an outstanding statesman and warlord of the times of the Caliphate of Cordoba, Muhammad Al-Mansour. After his death, construction work was halted until the 17th century. On the walls of the castle, you will find old cannons. Surrounded by the pillars of an unfinished mosque, stands the minaret of Hassan II, which is more than forty meters tall. It has been preserved in its former form. On Jemaa el-Fnaa square, you can see with your own eyes the miraculous spring in the necropolis of Chellah and the tomb of two Moroccan kings – Mohammed V and Hassan II.

The main symbol of Casablanca is the amazing Hassan II Mosque. The height of her snow-white openwork minaret is over two hundred meters. Today the building is equipped with a sliding roof, a floor heating system, and a laser projector whose beam is directed towards Mecca. The magnificent Mahkama du Pacha Palace is the embodiment of oriental fairy tales. It brings together sixty magnificent halls filled with works of folk art – masterpieces carved from stone and wood. Habous Quartier or New Medina makes it possible for you to feel the spirit of a traditional Arab city but designed in the Moroccan style. It is a labyrinth of narrow streets with neat little houses, beautiful mosques and numerous cozy souvenir shops. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The city of Fez at one time gave shelter to the Prophet Mohammed, hiding from danger. It is best to begin by seeing the sights at the Old Medina of Fes el-Bali before proceeding on to the new one, Fes el-Jdid. Ancient buildings are surrounded by walls of an ancient fortress. At the Palace Square is a magnificent Royal Palace with the huge gate Bab-Dekaken. In the Moulay Idriss Mosque, in the shade of the garden ensemble of Bu Jhelud, King Idriss II rests in a tomb. In the new part of the city you can see more modern attractions, among them the Palace of the Kings of Dar el-Makhzen, as well as the areas of artisans.

The soul of ancient Marrakech is the mysterious area Jemaa el-Fnaa, where in the 10th century violent executions of criminals were carried out. This formed the basis of its name, which is translated from Arabic as “the place where death rules”. Even now, the square is still in an unfinished form. The El-Badi Palace was built in honor of the victory of Ahmed al-Mansur over the Portuguese army in the Battle of the Three Kings. This example of Maghreb architecture was fabulously beautiful in the past but today it lies in ruins. The Bahia Palace or the “Palace of the Beautiful” was created by the Grand Vizir Sidi Moussa for his wife. Its elegant patio, hedges, cool alleys and ornamented fountains have been beautifully preserved.

In Agadir, there is the “Souk al-Ahad”, a traditional bazaar. Thousands of shops are located on the walled area, where you can buy leather and ceramics goods, national clothes, Berber jewelry, Moroccan lamps, furniture and kitchen utensils, meat and vegetables, spices and famous olives, etc. The Museum of Berber Culture is also of interest. Its collection has about a thousand ancient artifacts introducing the life and craft of the Berbers. In the museum, you can also see colorful carpets, traditional tableware, and ornaments. The main symbol of the exposition is the pendant Mass, made in the form of a disk with spiral. Located near Ouarzazate, the former caravanserai Ait Benhaddu with its red-and-white fortress in the thickets of date trees is one of the most colorful sights of Morocco.