Historic sites of Morocco
Unveil the sands of time as we journey through Morocco’s historic treasures. From the intricate mosaics of Volubilis to the grandeur of the Hassan II Mosque, these sites chronicle the nation’s rich history. Discover the echoes of civilizations that have left an indelible mark on Morocco’s landscape.
UNESCO World Heritage Site Volubilis
Volubilis is the best preserved and most visited archaeological site in Morocco.
It is an ancient Roman archaeological site located in northern Morocco, near the city of Meknes and about 30 kilometers north of the modern city of Fez. It is one of the most well-preserved and significant Roman ruins in North Africa and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
Before being annexed by the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC, Volubilis was originally a Berber settlement Under Roman rule, it became an important administrative and prosperous city for the region of Mauritania, with a population estimated to be between 20,000 to 30,000 inhabitants during its peak. Over the centuries, Volubilis experienced cultural exchanges, and various civilizations left their mark on the site. It was home to a diverse population, including Romans, Berbers, and later, Christians and Muslims.
The decline of Volubilis began in the 3rd century AD due to political instability and economic challenges. After a series of natural disasters and military conflicts, the city gradually fell into decline. By the 11th century, it was abandoned.
In the 20th century, archaeological efforts led to the excavation and restoration of Volubilis. The site has been carefully preserved to showcase the ancient city’s grandeur and provide insights into the Roman way of life in North Africa.
It boasts impressive Roman ruins, including well-preserved,exquisite mosaics, basilicas, triumphal arches, temples, and houses. The city’s layout showcases the typical Roman urban planning with straight streets and a well-organized grid system. Volubilis is special because of the number of beautiful mosaics. These intricate and colorful mosaics adorned the floors of wealthy houses and public buildings, depicting scenes from Roman mythology and daily life, many of them in very good condition. They show figures from Greek and Roman mythology such as Orphe, the king of music and Bacchus, god of wine and Hercules, the strong man. Volubilis is also famous for its public monuments, the triumphal arch, the Temple of Jupiter, the Basilica and the forum which is the market place.
Today, Volubilis is a popular tourist attraction in Morocco, drawing visitors from around the world to explore its fascinating history and marvel at its remarkably preserved ruins. The site offers a captivating glimpse into the ancient Roman civilization and the intermingling of cultures in the region.
UNESCO World Heritage Site Ait Ben Haddou
Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, is a mesmerizing town that transports visitors to a bygone era of ancient Berber fortresses and cinematic splendor.
Its dramatic ksar, a collection of traditional mudbrick kasbahs, rises majestically from the arid landscape, offering a breathtaking example of earthen architecture and traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. This iconic desert citadel has served as the backdrop for numerous films and TV shows, including “Gladiator” and “Game of Thrones,” further adding to its allure. As visitors wander through its winding alleyways and explore the well-preserved kasbahs, they are immersed in the rich history and cultural heritage of the Berber people.
The town’s strategic location on the old caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech highlights its historical importance as a trading hub. With its timeless beauty and historical significance, Ait Ben Haddou stands as a captivating destination that captivates travelers with its cinematic charm and evocative atmosphere.
UNESCO World Heritage Site Hassan Tower and Chellah
The Hassan Tower is an iconic historical monument, collectively with the Chellah, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and located in Rabat, the capital city of Morocco. It is one of the most important landmarks in the city and is a symbol of Morocco’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. The tower is made of red sandstone and features intricate carvings and patterns. It was designed to be an architectural masterpiece, and even though it remains unfinished, it still stands as an imposing and impressive structure. The original plan called for the Hassan Tower to reach a height of about 86 meters (282 feet), which would have made it one of the tallest minarets in the world had it been completed. The tower’s design is typical of Almohad architecture, characterized by its square base and intricate decorative elements.
The tower is shaped like a square minaret, and is adorned with intricate geometric patterns and carvings, which are some of the finest examples of Almohad art in the Islamic world. It is considered a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and is a testament to the skill and creativity of the builders who worked on it.
The Hassan Tower was originally intended to be the minaret of the grand mosque of Sultan Yacoub al-Mansour, who ruled the Almohad dynasty during the 12th century. The construction of the mosque began in 1195, but it was left incomplete due to the death of Sultan Yacoub al-Mansour in 1199. Today, you can still see the remains of the mosque’s walls, which give an idea of just how massive the structure would have been if it had been completed.
Rumour has it that the tower is said to be haunted by the ghost of the sultan who commissioned it. It is said that he died of exhaustion while overseeing its construction, and that his ghost still haunts the site to this day!
Kasbah Telouet
Telouet Kasbah in Morocco is the former seat of the powerful El Glaoui family, who effectively ruled much of the surrounding area in the late-nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The powerful El Glaoui family ordered the construction of this kasbah in 1860. It took 300 craftsmen and workmen around 5 years to complete. The palace is covered in ornate decorations, including stucco, painted cedar and zellige tiles, with fusions of Andalusian and Berber designs. The location of the kasbah ensured the family’s continued dominance over the olive, saffron and salt trades that passed through the region, and the El Glaouis remained wealthy and prominent until Thami El Glaoui, nicknamed the ‘Lord of the Atlas’, joined forces with French colonialists to try and oust Sultan Mohammed V from power permanently.
The kasbah was abandoned shortly afterwards, tainted from its connection with Thami El Glaoui. Today it’s a somewhat decayed version of its former glory: a local co-operative run the site and charge a modest entry fee to tourists. The remains of this fortress, which lies on the old caravan route over the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech, can still be visited today. Although the complex is beginning to show signs of disrepair there is still much to see and many of the more ornate decorations are still intact to view.
A trip to Telouet Kasbah is an adventure and, as you drive from Marrakech and wind through spectacular gorges and mountains, you can’t fail to be inspired.
There are restaurants at the site, many of whom will offer trips to the Kasbah, and two small hotels nearby offer an option for those wishing to stay in the local area.
Telouet is about 80km northwest of Ouarzazate – take the N9 out of the city towards Marrakech and turn onto the P1506 at Tazentout. You can also come from Marrakech – again, take the N9 out of the city and turn onto the P1506 at Aguelmouss. It’s about a 3-hour drive. If you don’t have your own transport, you’ll probably need to find a seat in a grand taxi as buses this far out are pretty scarce.
El Badi Palace
El Badi Palace was once the magnificent royal palace of the sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadi Dynasty, located in Marrakech, Morocco.
Shortly after his accession in 1578, Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour commissioned the Badia Palace. It’s believed that it was largely completed by the early 1580s, but that Al-Mansour continued to embellish and decorate the palace for at least 20 years after this with the finest produce from across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. El Badi was a lavish complex of buildings, made up of over 350 rooms, courtyards, gardens and a large pool.
Al Mansour was known as the ‘golden king’, and was the longest ruling, as well as the last, of the rulers of the Saadian dynasty. The Badia Palace was one of the most impressive of its type in the world at the time, and although it’s hard to picture today, the reflection pools and remnants of the sunken gardens give a hint of the former grandeur and splendour that it would have embodied.
Today there is no sign of the gold or marble that once adorned the walls of the Palace. Indeed, the whole complex lies in ruins in the centre of Marrakech, having been utterly destroyed by the Sultan Moulay Ismail. Moulay Ismail is infamous for demolishing many of the buildings in Marrakech and using their materials in his own creations. El Badi palace was probably one of the most prominent examples of this. The palace was certainly in a state of complete decay by the early 18th century.
The ruins of the palace are open to visitors today, including the underground chambers which have various exhibitions – there’s a detailed permanent exhibit looking at the conditions for slaves and prisoners who would have resided in these subterranean spaces which is grimly fascinating.
Particular highlights include the sunken gardens and the Koubba el Khamsiniyya or “main hall”, the Koutoubia minbar (complete with the gold and silver calligraphy of Cordoban artisans) and the Khayzuran Pavillion, which hosts contemporary art exhibitions. For an overview of the Palace, go to a nearby terrace or rooftop to see it from above. The views from the ramparts of the palace itself are remarkable.
The palace is located slightly south of central Marrakech, the other side of the Avenue Imam El Ghazali from the Bahia Palace. To reach the palace entrance, head through Place des Ferblantiers and turn right along the ramparts. It’s easiest and quickest to walk here from central Marrakech (it’s about 15 minutes), but taxis will be able to get you to the entrance if you’re coming from further away than the medina.
The Saadian Tombs
The Saadian Tombs in Marrakech are the final resting places of the around sixty of the rulers and members of the Saadi Dynasty including Sultan Ahmed El Mansour (the sixth sultan of the dynasty) and his family.
The Saadian dynasty ruled Morocco from 1549 to 1659. It’s thought that this mausoleum was built in the 14th century. From the reign of Ahmed el-Mansour in 1578, the tombs were significantly extended, renovated and lavishly decorated following the death of his father who was buried there in 1557. No expense was spared. Italian marble was imported, and the best artisans were employed to decorate the tombs.
Over 166 of the most prominent members of Saadi society were buried here. Everyone from el-Mansour and his immediate family, to assorted other royal princes, chancellors, and councillors. The more important they were, the closer these people were buried to the sultan himself.
At the time, Ismail was destroying architectural gems such as the Badi Palace in an attempt to eradicate all traces of the Saadi dynasty, it is thought that, when it came to their tombs, his superstition got the better of him and he decided to hide rather than demolish them. The good state of preservation of the Saadian Tombs may be attributable to the fact that they were sealed off by the Sultan Moulay Ismail. He built a high wall around the tombs, leaving them accessible only via a small passage and as a result, they were largely forgotten about until 1917, when a French aerial survey of the area rediscovered them. From this point onwards, the tombs were carefully restored and eventually opened up to the public.
Visitors to the Saadian Tombs can view the tombs amidst the colourful backdrop of the two mausoleums which house them. One of the most interesting rooms is the beautifully decorated Hall of the Twelve Columns. They are located along Rue de la Kasbah not far from the ruins of the El Badi Palace. It’s a 15-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fna, or a short taxi ride.
