MOROCCO
Meknes
Imperial City of Morocco
Meknes is somewhat overshadowed and gets less visitors than it should because it is quieter and smaller than its extravagant neighbor Fez. The city is more relaxed and hassle-free, but it still has all the twisting, narrow lanes in the medina and impressive structures that are fitting for an imperial city that was once the seat of the Moroccan sultanate.
Top attractions
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Volubilis
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Bab Mansour
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Medersa Bou Inania
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Mausoleum Moulay Ismail
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Royal Stables of Moulay
Ismail
ABOUT MEKNES
IN MEKNES
ANCIENT FORTRESS
The mastermind behind Meknes' heyday, Sultan Moulay Ismail, might feel a little miffed at the city's present modesty, but tourists will find a lot to be charmed by. It is evident how significant this city once was from the remnants of no less than three sets of fortifications that have been cleverly interwoven into the city's route systems.
THE MEDINA
Unquestionably, Meknes' Medina and the royal palace's remnants have earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The entrance to the medina is Bab Mansour, one of the greatest examples of Hispano-Moorish art, which is located on El Hedime square. Visit Sultan Moulay Ismail's granaries and stables as soon as possible.
CULTURE & FAITH
At the center of what is left of the original imperial city is the king's mausoleum, which is flanked by a massive royal granary, the majestic Bab El Mansour, which even Fez cannot match, and Place El Hedim, a local copy of Marrakech's well-known square Djemaa El Fna.
ROMAN RUINS AND BERBER UPRISING
In the North of Meknes, stands the largest Roman archaeological site in Morocco, which is Volubilis.
Triumphal arch, capitol, house of Bacchus, everything bears witness to the splendour of the city and to its economic and political weight. Being an imperial and eternal citiy, Meknes offers you the experience of a timeless stay full of heritage discovery.
THERMAL BATHS
Even more lovely than its royal city are Meknes' environs. Streams run through the hills and irrigate the area as they pass by the "Saiss" plains.
Many spas have been developed near this geographic diversity; you can discover spring water there that has both therapeutic and aesthetic benefits. You can have a hot bath and a swim in the special waters of this soothing location in Moulay Yacoub.
The fact that people swarm to "Moulay Yacoub" and "Ain Salama" as warming locations is not by accident. You may witness traditional and contemporary furnishings, spa resorts, and the beautiful surroundings on its ancient street. Go around "Moulay Yacoub's" streets to find the best Moroccan mementos.
Where to learn more
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MOST POPULAR SIGHTS IN MEKNES
TOP 20 THINGS TO DO IN MEKNES
Attraction | Address | Location | Hours | Price | Phone Number | About |
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Bab El Mansour | Imperial gateway to the Imperial City, completed by Moulay Abdallah in 1732 | |||||
Medersa Bou Inania | Rue Nejjarine | Opposite Grande Mosquée, Meknes | 10am-6pm | 10am-6pm | Merinid-style religious school. Architecture features zellige tilework, stucco and carved cedar-woood cieling. | |
Place El Hedim | Medina | Meknes | Social center of eknes medina | |||
Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail
| Diagonally across the Koubbat As Sufara | Meknes | Non-Muslims permitted in the entry hall and front courtyards | |||
Dar Jamaï Museum | Place El Hedim | North side of Place El Hedim, Meknwa | 0555530863 | Constructed in 1882 by Jamaï family viziers. Traditional jewellery, ceramics, textiles, carved cedarwood, Andalusian garden and courtyard, brocade saddles, antique Berber carpets, Meknasi needlework, gold and silver kaftans, authentic furnished koubba domed salon. | ||
Palais Al Mansour | South of Meknes city centre | Meknes | 9am-5pm | Summer palace of Moulay Ismail, constructed in the 1600s. | ||
Heri Es Souani | 2km from Moulay Ismail mausoleum, accessible by walk, horse trolley or taxi | Meknes. Pedestrians follow the high road from the mausoleum south between the high walls, past the Royal Palace main entrance, go straight. | 9am-5pm | Dh70 | Early 18th century complex of Moulay Ismail. Graneries, stables, cistern, water engineering sites. Noria horse-driven water wheel | |
Koubbat As Sufara (Prison of Kara) | Meknes | 10am-6pm Apr-Sep, to 5pm Oct-Mar | Dh60 | Moulay Ismail's reception hall for foreign ambassadors, beautiful zellige tilework. Unesco World Heritage site. Large historic subterranean crypt and dungeons. | ||
Agdal Basin | Adjacent to the Heri Es Souani | Meknes | Stone-lined lake reservoir built in the 18th century. | |||
Place Lalla Aouda | South of Bab El Mansour | Meknes | Public garden and car park |
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