> City of Meknès

The city of Meknes was founded by the Almoravids in the 11th century, the Almohads in the 12th, the Merenids in the 13th and the Wattasidis in the 15th century: however, it was Meknes who, in the 17th century, conquered the heart of one man: Moulay Ismail. The sultan played an important part in Meknes' destiny and began to make it the most beautiful imperial capital of them all.

He built palaces, mosques, gardens, lakes, granaries and immense stables over a fifty year period, yet he did not succeed in finishing the gigantic perimeter walls: Moulay Ismail's dream remained incomplete.

The doors are monuments, the souks offer an authentic and picturesque journey, which is both unusual and common, the ruins remain imperial, the museums are located inside the palazzos, and the open countryside, in the ancient Roman city of Volubilis: Meknès never ceases to amaze.

What splendour! Innumerable decorations come together in a green chiaroscuro, a constellation of ceramic stars twinkle under the sun. Bab Mansour is truly one of the most beautiful gates in North Africa. Step through its majestic archway and enter directly into Moulay Ismail's dream.

In the Imperial city, even the ruins are grandiose, as demonstrated by the ruins of Dar el Kobira, the first palazzo built by Moulay Ismail, which contained two mosques and more than twenty pavilions; while the ruins of Dar el-Makhzen, the most magnificent palaces of Meknes, are exemplified by their stupendous view of open arcades.

The sheds of Dar el-Ma (castle of water) give you an idea of the boundlessness of the imperial city. The 3-meter thick walls guaranteed the conservation of the foodstuffs, as well as the grain and hay for 12,000 horses whose gigantic stables can still be admired today. Discover the magnificent basin of Agdal Souani from the terrace of Dar el-Ma, which extends for more than 4 hectares. Designed to irrigate the gardens, it was also used as a water reserve.

The mausoleum of Moulay Ismail : features a courtyard decorated by mosaics, engraved marble fountains, carved cedar ceilings and floors covered by stupendous carpets of Meknès. The last residence of Moulay Ismail, it is worthy of the magnificent palazzos in which he lived (open to the public for visits).

In the authentic and picturesque souks , of Meknes, ordinary objects become extraordinary. In the Sekkakine souk, you can fall in love with a boiler with a funny handle and a curved knife. Or even both. The Bezzazine souk is filled with the intense perfume of wicker or, at the back of that tiny shop, skilful hands prepare your basket full of souvenirs.

In the main square, fondouks, hairdressers, blacksmiths and bazaars vie for attention. It's not strange to hear music drifting from the Bab el-Jedid Gate, for this is where numerous shops selling musical instruments are found. Beat the taut leather of derbouka, you won't be able to resist.

The roofs and minarets are like a stage, a garden brimming with flowers and fruit trees, the Royal Golf course of Meknès is incomparable. In the heart of the Imperial city, its nine holes guide the player into history. The magic lasts until nighttime, if you want, because you can play under the lights or the moon.

The city perches on top of two rocky spurs. The green roof tiles sparkle and seem to communicate with the reflections of each district. An amazing cylindrical minaret, the only one of its kind in Morocco, catches the eye. It is the Medersa of Khiber, the highest district of Meknes. The nearby terrace offers a breathtakingly beautiful landscape: the silver strip of the oues Khouman, the imposing mass of Zerhoun, the city with its sloping houses that climb up towards Tazga, the district on the opposite side.

A flight of stairs cross the souk and lead to the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss, founder of the first Moroccan state and the most revered saint in the country. In August, thousands of pilgrims pitch their tents in the area surrounding the city.

Meditate in the woods of century-old cedar trees, raise your spirits to the summit of these imposing trees, contemplate the tranquil waters of the lakes, let your imagination fly with the blue tits or wrens, the Middle Atlas widens your soul.

Fresh, typical and very beautiful, the city of Azrou perfectly integrates into this universe. The Mohamed V square is surrounded by cafes, small shops, porticos in painted wood. Wood is everywhere in Azrou since it is the speciality of the artisans.

Built at an altitude of 1650 meters, Ifrane, is fascinating with its pink tiled houses and gardens. It was designed in the smallest details so that the visitor could take full advantage of nature's delights: skiing in winter, trout and crayfish fishing in summer, walks to the Virgin waterfalls...

Dar Jamai: the museum of Moroccan art.

This splendid 19th century palace is worth visiting for its architecture alone. All the crafts are represented, especially those who contributed to Meknes' fame, such as coloured ceramics, embroidery in multi-coloured hues and superbly painted chests and carved moucharabieh panels.

Tick Tock in the mausoleum.
Moulay Ismail asked for the hand of the daughter of Luigi XIV, Princess of Conti. The lonely King accompanied his rejection with beautiful pendulum clocks, which can be admired in the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum.

The stables.
The stables are located on the road to Azrou, past the Royal Academy. They are open to the public from Monday to Friday. The stallions are truly magnificent..especially when they gallop. You need to get up early to see them.