Medina, a multicultural place
Despite its Modern transformation, Morocco has never lost sight of its deep-rooted traditions. The magical Medina is on of the traditional Moroccan culture embedded in people’s daily life.
Typically walled, the traditional Medina invites you to explore its deepest treasures while meandering its narrow streets. Artisan shops, fountains, mosques …Hundreds of people live and work inside of its ochre walls, passing their know-how on to other generations.
In Fez, Tetouan, Essaouira and Marrakech, these car-free and most best conserved historic towns have quickly become World Heritage. Wheter it’s located in an imperial city, a coastal city, or in mountains, Medinas will take you back in history.
Explore its puzzling old districts, and dive into its magical atmosphere !
Medina of Fez
Fez El-Bali, the ancient city with a disctinct history, is a medina bubbling with bright colors, architecture and traditional craftsmanship. With its arabesque style and its historical drawings, Fez tells you the story of the early Moroccan dynasties footprints, leaving your own imagination run wild.
Founded by the Idrissides, this medina is home not only to numerous palaces, but also to the oldest university in the world, Al-Quaraouiyine. Strolling through its streets is a chance to take advantage of the smallest architectural detail and handcrafted works of art, as well as an opportunity to immerse yourself in the depths of a city with an intellectual and spiritual character.
Medina of Tetouan
With a shape of a typical Kasbah, the medina of Tetouan, formerly called Titawin, has embraced Arab and Spanish while keeping the core aspects of its heritage and culture.
Its intertwined alleyways hums to the rhythm of the exogenous Spanish traditions that have taken place. Let yourself dive into a sea air mixed with the songs of the birds, and taste the charm of its treasures as well as the particular selling atmosphere in its souks.
The old medina also offers its visitors an ethnographic museum and an archaeological museum, which protect the most precious treasures of the city.
Medina of Marrakech
Just like the other medinas of Morocco, the World heritage medina of Marrakech, is the most historic and most visited district of the city. Beautifully surrounded by walls, forming several gateways, it is the beating heart of the “ochre” city.
Not far from the entry, the charming Koutoubia mosque built under Almoravid dynasty’s reign, is located in the southwest medina of Marrakesh near the so called Jemaa el-Fna.
Surrounded by gardens, this emblematic figure served as a model for the La Giralda mosque in Seville.
As you stroll in its traditional quarters, you’ll find bazaars, traditional souks, museums, Riads, and café terraces that will make you enjoy its particular activities.
All these places give access to the Jamaâ El Fna square, which is magically transformed into an open-air theatre as the night falls.
Medina of Essaouira
Endowed with a strong tourist potential, the medina of Essaouira is an excellent tourist destination.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage since 2001, Essaouira is a splendid city with historical streets and houses. Also known as the “Mogador”, this mid-18th century fortified city is perfectly sealed and enclosed by a Vauban-style wall, with a kasbah that cannot be overlooked.
A fresh breath with the Atlantic Breeze, and the beautiful sights of the city, offers its visitors a comfortable pace in its narrow streets, its romantic ramparts, its cultural wealth and its numerous art galleries.
Go exploring the beautiful landscape with Portuguese drawings on the buildings, and taste the charm of the magnificent sights of La Skala. Don’t forget to visit the port and the El Mellah district to immerse yourself in the history of this coastal city.
Medina of Rabat
Being the beating heart of Morocco’s capital, the old medina will shower you with its charm. Embeded in the hustle and bustle of a modern city, its cultural aspect emerges from its narrow streets, fortified walls, Kasbah and souks. A culture that covers all the architectural details, the daily lives of the inhabitants and the arts and crafts.
Soak up in the history of the Kasbah of the Oudayas, city of the Andalusians expelled from Spain by Philip III, with its bluish streets similar to those of Chefchaouen. Also visit its Souika street and its Souk Sebbate for a total immersion in traditional craftsmanship with the scent of leather.
The « rue des Consuls » avenue shows a different setting: a marvelous painting of multicoloured carpets that symbolizes the city’s wealth of craftsmanship. Don’t forget to visit the ruins of Chellah but also the Hassan tower.