The Imperial cities of Morocco

[jw5]

Meknes​

Founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids initially as a military garrison, Meknes became the capital of Morocco under the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismailf (1672-1727). It lost its status as capital and suffered considerable damage in the 1755 earthquake (famous for devastating Lisbon, in Portugal).

 

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Bab Mansour al-’Alj​

Visitors to Meknes will no doubt pass under this monumental structure, which dates from the late 17th and early 18th centuries, and was originally the main entrance to the kasbah. UNESCO protected, it’s one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

 

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Volubilis​

Always worth an excursion out of Meknes, Volubilis is a partly excavated Berber city that grew rapidly under Roman rule from the 1st century CE. In the late 8th century it became the seat of Idris ibn Abdallah, founder of the Idrisid dynasty. Today it is a World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO for being "an exceptionally well preserved example of a large Roman colonial town on the fringes of the Empire."

 

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Warm hospitality​

If you’re fortunate enough to be invited into a private home in old Meknes, expect to be greeted by warm hospitality and an interior as attractive as this and which reflects the history and culture of the imperial Berber Muslim dynasty that was the Almoravids.

 

[jw5]

Dar Jamai Museum​

This engaging museum holds a variety of artifacts from Meknes and the surrounding region. Most pieces date from the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum is certainly worth investigating, not least for its traditional decoration of sculptured and painted wood, carved stucco, and dazzling Zellij tilework.

 

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Moulay Idriss​

Head out of Meknes and explore Moulay Idriss, an extraordinary hilltop town overlooking Volubilis and where the tomb of Idris I, the first major Islamic ruler of Morocco, is located.

 

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Qara Prison​

Sometimes spelled as Kara, this sprawling subterranean prison, built in the 18th century, once contained over 40,000 prisoners. Built on the orders of Moulay Ismail Ben Sharif, the Sultan of Morocco from 1672 to 1727, Qara by all accounts was a terrible place to end up in. Few of those incarcerated here came out alive.

 

[JohnTan]

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The Imperial cities of Morocco​

As the four historical capital cities of Morocco, Fez, Marrakesh, Meknes, and Rabat are referred to as the country's Imperial Cities. Blending a rich and fascinating history with a colorful and exotic culture, each of these destinations dazzle with their extraordinary wealth of impressive visitor attractions, many of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ready to explore?

Very nice European culture and architecture. Thanks for showing us.

 

[jw5]

Very nice European culture and architecture. Thanks for showing us.

You are most welcome.

 

[jw5]

Rabat​

Rabat is the capital city of Morocco. Located on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Wadi Bou Regreg, Rabat was founded in the 12th century by Abd al-Muʾmin, the first Almohad ruler. It currently holds the title of Imperial City.

 

[jw5]

Kasbah of the Udayas​

Rabat's Kasbah of the Udayas, along with other sites in the city, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's ringed by a fortified wall that incorporates Bab Oudaia, a monumental gate regarded by many as one of most beautiful gates of Almohad and Moroccan architecture.

 

[JohnTan]

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Rabat​

Rabat is the capital city of Morocco. Located on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Wadi Bou Regreg, Rabat was founded in the 12th century by Abd al-Muʾmin, the first Almohad ruler. It currently holds the title of Imperial City.

Nice european castle. I haven't visited this part of Europe yet. Time to plan for a holiday to Morocco.

 

[jw5]

Nice european castle. I haven't visited this part of Europe yet. Time to plan for a holiday to Morocco.

Should be worth a visit.

 

[jw5]

Colors of the kasbah​

Entering the kasbah, these days a mostly residential enclave, is to step into a world painted by blue and white, the distinctive colors chosen by homeowners to decorate their properties.

 

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Old Mosque​

Rabat's Old Mosque was originally built in 1150, but was largely restored in the 18th century. The mosque's minaret, pictured illuminated at dusk, is a distinctive architectural feature of the kasbah.

 

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The Chellah​

Anyone interested in history or archaeology should wander the chellah, the ruins of a medieval fortified necropolis, which is sited over Roman and Phoenician foundations. Still standing is the ancient minaret, the top of which serves as a nesting site for resident storks.

 

[jw5]

Rabat Museum of History and Civilizations​

This is where to discover the most extensive collection of archaeological artifacts found in Morocco. The museum houses prehistoric and pre-Islamic collections, including many objects uncovered by archaeologists working in Volubilis, Banasa, and Thamusida. The antique bronzes unearthed at Volubilis are of particular note.

 

[jw5]

Museum Mohamed VI of Modern and Contemporary Art​

At the other end of the timeline, the Museum Mohamed VI of Modern and Contemporary Art exhibits the works of 200 Moroccan artists. It also curates international art collections.

 

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Mausoleum of Mohammed V​

The tombs of Mohammed V of Morocco and his two sons, King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah, are found in this mausoleum, a splendid example of modern Alaouite dynasty architecture.