Moroccan Imperial Cities

What are Moroccan Imperial Cities?

Morocco is a country with a long and rich history. Visitors to Morocco may take a tour that includes the four “Imperial Cities of Morocco,” a phrase that may be heard frequently but rarely explained. Morocco is a kingdom, with a king who is part of the Alaouite Dynasty, which has reigned over Morocco since the 1600s. But prior to the current Dynasty, other ruling families reigned as sultans during various periods since the Arab Conquest and Islamization of Morocco, and changed the capital city when they came to power. Rabat, Meknes, Marrakesh, and Fez have all been the capital cities of Morocco at some point in history, which is why they are considered the Imperial Cities of Morocco. In this article, you will learn more about their history and why they are worth visiting.

Rabat

Rabat is the current capital city of Morocco. The city is located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Bou Regrag River. According to the census of 2014, its population is about 578,000 people. Rabat, Salé, and Temara form a metro area of over 1.8 million people. This region is known for industries such as food processing, textiles, and construction. 

Rabat was founded in the 12th century by the Almohad Dynasty. In 1912, France made this city its administrative capital when it established a protectorate over Morocco. The ancient medina of Rabat is listed as a world heritage site. 

What should you visit in Rabat?

Hassan Tower   

The third caliph of the Almohad dynasty (Yaqub al-Mansur) dreamed of constructing the largest mosque with the tallest minaret, leading him to build the Hassan Mosque and its tower - called the “Hassan Tower” - in 1195. However, construction stopped in 1199 after his death, and today the tower stands at 40 meters high.

The Chellah

This ancient site was originally constructed by the Phoenicians and later controlled by the Romans. The Chellah includes walled ruins and the Roman Forum, used by Romans until 40 AD. The ancient city was a hub for Christianity in the 2nd  century and remained the city of Christian Imazighen until the coming of the Arabs. Chellah was also a necropolis to bury the Almohad Royals during the Almohad Era. 

Kasbah of the Oudaias

This fortress was built in the 12th century during the Almohad Dynasty. Interestingly, many peoples and dynasties left their marks on this fascinating site. For instance, the winding steps from the kasbah to the shore were added in the 17th century by Muslims fleeing Catholic Spain. This site has recently been remodeled, making it pedestrian friendly to the feet and to the eyes.

Mohammed V Mausoleum

Located next to Hassan Tower, this site contains the tombs of kings Mohammed V, Hassan II, and Prince Moulay Abdellah. This mausoleum was built in 1971 and has white floors and walls adorned with granite and marble. The roof is made of green tiles to demonstrate the color of Islam, and the tombs are carved from white onyx. 

Meknes

Meknes is located in north central Morocco. Founded by the Almoravids in the 11th century, it was initially a military settlement. During the reign of the Alaouite king Moulay Ismail (1672-1727), this city was the capital of Morocco and many fortifications and gates were built. According to the Moroccan census of 2014, the population of the city is about 632,000 people.

Visitors to Meknes will enjoy this great city, finding that the architecture and design of its walls and fortifications uniquely bear witness to its imperial history.

What should you visit in Meknes?

Ruins of Volubilis

The main tourist attraction of Meknes is the ancient Roman City called Volubilis. Located about 30 kilometers north of Meknes, these ruins are some of the most impressive demonstrations of Roman life that can be visited today. This city’s heyday was AD 24-285, when it was the capital of the Kingdom of Mauretania. The intricate floor mosaics and grand Roman villas allow visitors to imagine the Roman way of life of nearly 2000 years ago. 

Bab Mansour

Bab Mansour is the main gate between the old city (medina) of Meknes and the imperial city districts. It was finished in 1732 and served as the ceremonial entrance to the Kasbah (royal citadel) of Moulay Ismail. This great gate includes a beautiful example of traditional Zellige tiles and carved stones. 

Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail

This Mausoleum was built to house the tomb of Moulay Ismail, the powerful Alaouite king who made Meknes his imperial capital during his reign in the 17th century. The interior of this tomb represents the magnificence of Moroccan religious decoration, and visitors can admire the carved stonework, beautiful tilework, and stucco decoration. When you enter the tomb, take off your shoes at the door, wear modest clothing, and tip the guardian. 

The Museum of Moroccan Art (Dar Jamaї)

This building was built in 1882 as the residence of the Jamaї family and was later converted into the Museum of Moroccan Art in 1920. The museum is well known for the richness of traditional painted wood and plaster decor as well as the beautiful Andalusian-style garden outside.

Heri es-Souani 

This mammoth building once served as the imperial city’s storage granaries and horse stables. While the complex is roofless, its arched doorways are still intact.

Qara Prison

In Moroccan Darija, this famous (or infamous) prison is called “Habs Qara,” also known as “the prison of Christian slaves.” Built in the early 18th century by order of the Alaouite Sultan Moulay Ismail, this prison consisted of endless underground chambers that could hold thousands of prisoners who were mostly European captives. 

Marrakesh

This city is considered by many as the touristic capital of Morocco. It is situated west of the Atlas Mountains, 327 km southwest of Rabat, 246 km northeast of Agadir, and 239 km south of Casablanca. Marrakesh is the fifth largest city in Morocco, with a population of just over one million.

The city was first inhabited in 1070 by Ali ibn Yusuf. Due to the prominence of its red sandstone architecture, Marrakesh was given the nickname “Al Medina Al Hamra”, which means “The Red City,”

What should you visit in Marrakesh?

Jemaa El-Fna

This open-air square is by far the most famous place in Marrakesh. Jamaa El-Fna is filled with many kinds of performers, such as storytellers, palm readers, singers, and snake charmers. Surrounding the square are markets, restaurants, and cafes. Visitors can enjoy fresh pressed orange juice while they explore. Due to the large crowds, activity, and noise of Jemaa El-Fna, some people compare Marrakesh to Las Vegas, so it may not be for everyone.

Koutoubia Mosque

This mosque is one of the most important mosques in Morocco. Built by Almohad king Yaqub al-Mansur (1184-11990), this building was constructed with bricks, sandstone, and ceramic tiles. It contains 17 halls supported by solid pillars, and its minaret has an arrow. There is also a large square with gardens outside the mosque. 

Saadian Tombs

This site was built in the 16th century during the reign of Ahmed al-Mansur. It contains the tombs of the Saadian sultans and their family members. The historical monument is worth seeing for its architecture – visitors can admire the graceful wood carvings and the dazzling zellige tilework.

Bahia Palace

This historical monument was built by Si Musa, the vizier of Sultan Hassan I in 1860. It covers a surface area of 8000 square meters. Over the years, this site became known for its many improvements and embellishments. Inside the Palace are the Andalousian-Moorish gardens, a mosque, a steam room, and fountains.

Menara Gardens

This is a vast botanical garden close to Jemaa El-Fna. The Gardens were founded during the reign of the Almohad dynasty in the 12th century, and used as a field for training soldiers. It is an enormous green space with olive trees, making it a wonderful area for walks. The Menara Gardens is a popular destination for local people and tourists alike.

Majorelle Gardens 

These gardens, founded in 1924, are named after their french builder and designer, Jaques Majorelle. More than 300 plants and 15 species of birds can be seen in this space. The gardens are a quiet reprieve from the crowded streets of Marrakesh. Visitors may be impressed by the wide variety of colors - the cobalt blue buildings, the green plants and bamboo, the pink pathways, and the red and blue flowers. 

Fez

The city of Fez is considered the spiritual capital of Morocco and one of the major and influential Islamic cities in the world (along with Baghdad, Damascus, and Kairouan). Fez is the second largest city in Morocco, with an estimated population of over 2.5 million people. It was founded in the 9th century by the Idrissids, and is located in the northeast of Morocco, 180 km to the east of Rabat, between the region of the Rif Mountains and the Middle Atlas Mountains.

At present, Fez consists of three parts: the old city (usually called the medina and recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site), the new city (Ville Nouvelle), and Fez Jdid, which contains the Mellah (Jewish Neighborhood) and the Royal Palace.

What should you visit in Fez?

The Medina of Fez

This ancient part of the city is divided into two sections. Fez El Bali is the oldest walled part of the city and includes the famous University Al Quaraouiyine and the Zawiya of Moulay Idriss II. Fez Jdid is a neighborhood founded in the 13th century by the Merinids and is where the Royal Palace is located. The Medina of Fez is a popular tourist destination and was acknowledged by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1981. Many of its riads (houses) are restored and now open as hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants.

Tombs and Mausoleums

A zawiya is defined as “…a building and institution associated with Sufis in the Islamic world. It can serve a variety of functions such as a place of worship, school, monastery and/or mausoleum.” The Zawiya of Moulay Idriss II is located in Fez El Bali, named after the founder of Fez. The Zawiya of Sidi Ahmed Tijani is also a well-known shrine for the disciples of Sidi Ahmed Tijani, the founder of the religious order called the Tariqa Tijaniyya in the 18th century. 

Madrasas

In Islam, madrasas are institutions for knowledge and learning. University Al Quaraouiyine is a madrasa established in 857 by Fatima Al Fihria, and is considered by UNESCO as the oldest existing and still operating institute in the world. Throughout history, the Merinid Dynasty placed great importance on founding madrasas. The Madrasa of Seffarin is one such example located in Fez El Bali, which was built by Sultan Abu Yusuf in 1271. Additionally, Sultan Abu Al Hassan was the most prolific Sultan in the construction of madrasas such as Al-Attarine and Al-Messbahiyya. Another important madrasa is Bou Inania Madrasa, built by Sultan Abu Inania. Finally, the Alaouite Sultan built the largest madrasa in 1670, which is the Cherratine Medrasa. 

Fortifications

The Medina of Fez is fortified with walls that contain watchtowers and gates. The oldest sections of the walls were constructed in the Almohad Era. Gates are spaced throughout the circuits of these walls. These gates were guarded by soldiers and shut at night. In Fez El Bali, the most important gates are Bab Mahrouk (in the West), Bab Guissa (in the Northeast), and Bab Ftouh (in the Southeast). For Fez Jdid, the main gates are Bab Dekkakin, Bab Semmarine, and Bab El Amer. But the most photogenic gate is Bab Boujloud, or the Blue Gate. 

During the history of the city about thirteen Kasbahs were constructed. A kasbah is a traditional military structure for fortifications, military preparation, and control. Among them is the Kasbah An-Nouar, Kasbah Tamdert, and Kasbah Cherrada. The Saadians built two famous bastions, Borj Nord, and Borj Sud in the late of 16th century.

Tanneries

The tanning industry in Fez is one of the main tourist attractions, with the oldest tannery in the world believed to be in Fez. There are three tanneries in the city: the Chouara Tannery is the largest one, located near Saffarin Madrasa. The tanneries contain round stone wells filled with dye. The leather products from these tanneries are exported around the world. 

Are you visiting Morocco soon? Start your travels with us to learn some Moroccan Arabic phrases and cultural dos and don’t and to have the best trip available to you.

You can also learn more about the sultans, dynasties, and imperial cities with our Moroccan History Workshop.

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