Although Meknes is smaller than its neighbor Fes and receives fewer visitors, this beautiful city remains a wonderful place to visit. The remnants of three fortification complexes speak volumes about its important past and have been integrated today into its road network, according to the Sayidaty Net website.
اضافة اعلان
The Sultan's tomb is located in what remains of the original Imperial City, surrounded by the magnificent Bab al-Mansour gate and El Hedim Square, which resembles a miniature version of the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakech. Meknes features over 40 km of impressive defensive walls and numerous mosques, earning a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list thanks to its old Medina and the remains of its royal palace.
Meknes is one of Morocco's imperial cities and offers a calmer experience than Marrakech and Fes. The tranquil nature of Meknes makes it one of the best places to visit and stay for those wishing to escape the bustle of Fes. The train network between Meknes and Fes allows visitors to fully explore Fes on day trips from here.
In Meknes, the city's architecture, the grand Bab al-Mansour gate, and the impressive Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail are considered three of the most important tourist attractions.
History of Meknes
The name Meknes dates back to the Berber Miknasa tribe, which settled in the region in the 10th century. The Almohads and Marinids expanded the old Medina of Meknes, building the oldest landmarks that still stand today. However, it reached the peak of its prosperity in the 17th century following the death of Sultan Al-Rashid, founder of the Alaouite Dynasty, and the succession of his brother Moulay Ismail ibn Sharif, who made Meknes the capital of his kingdom. Sultan Moulay Ismail built 25 kilometers of walls in Meknes with grand gates and an extremely ambitious palace complex—so vast that it was never completed. He passed away after a 55-year reign, and Meknes returned to second-tier status when his grandson, Muhammad III, moved his court to Marrakech. Meknes suffered further setbacks, as it was severely affected by the 1755 earthquake that destroyed Lisbon, making reconstruction extremely slow. The city began to recover in 1912 under the French protectorate, when the French chose Meknes as their military headquarters until Morocco gained independence.
Tourist Destinations in Meknes
Meknes, known as the "Versailles of Morocco," abounds with historical monuments and is a beautiful, hospitable city. It is also known as the "City of a Hundred Minarets" and is a highly recommended stop during your vacation in Morocco. Here are some of the most important landmarks worth visiting in Meknes:
Bab al-Mansour
Bab al-Mansour is the main gateway between the Medina and the Imperial City. It is a massive, meticulously detailed structure that many architectural experts have declared one of North Africa's finest surviving examples of historic gates. Completed in 1732, it was built by Sultan Moulay Ismail (though finished after his reign).
The gate's intricate architectural details feature generous use of Zellij tilework and carved stonework.
Today, the gate is not actually open for traffic. Instead, you can enter and exit between the old Medina and the Imperial City through an adjacent, much smaller side gate. This allows visitors to fully admire the artistry of Bab al-Mansour undisturbed by passing traffic.
Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail
This lavishly decorated mausoleum was built to house the tomb of Sultan Moulay Ismail, who established Meknes as his imperial capital in the 17th century. Moulay Ismail is one of Morocco's most famous rulers; under his reign, Morocco as we know it today came into being, as he successfully reclaimed territories from the British and Spanish.
The interior of the tomb is a glorious display of Moroccan religious ornamentation, featuring intricate tilework, carved plaster, and sculpted stonework. The active mosque area is not open to non-Muslims, but visitors can access the outer sections of the complex and enter the mausoleum hall itself, which is the main attraction of the site.
Museum of Moroccan Art
Built in 1882 as a residence for the prominent Jamai family, the building was converted into the Museum of Moroccan Art in 1920. The museum retains its rich traditional decor of painted wood and carved plaster, which flourished in the interiors of 19th-century Moroccan upper class homes. Outside, there is also a stunning Andalusian-style garden.
The museum is dedicated to the region's arts and crafts, featuring exceptional examples of wrought-iron work and wood carving. One of the rooms is arranged as a typical late-19th-century Moroccan reception room, offering insight into how wealthy residents of Meknes lived during that period.
Bou Inania Madrasa
This beautiful madrasa is hidden within the winding streets of the Meknes souk in the city center. Founded in the 14th century, the architecture and interior artwork of the school have been beautifully preserved, featuring an abundance of rich Zellij tile decorations.
After exploring the interior, do not miss the opportunity to climb up to the green-tiled roof. From here, you can enjoy excellent views across the entire Meknes Medina and the new city beyond.
El Hedim Square
This square serves as the primary meeting point in Meknes. It is the heart of the old Medina, bordered by the majestic Bab al-Mansour. Often described as a local version of Jemaa el-Fnaa square in Marrakech, it is a wonderful spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea at one of its many outdoor cafes.
Local Cuisine in Meknes
Meknes culinary art is distinguished by the richness and variety of authentic Moroccan flavors derived directly from long-standing heritage. Having welcomed diverse peoples and ruling dynasties, Meknes offers a wide selection of dishes resulting from the blending of different civilizations.
It incorporates Berber, Andalusian, and African culinary elements, including rare recipes seldom used today. Methods of food preparation and presentation date back more than two thousand years depending on the occasion. Dishes are prepared for specific times and events, including holiday menus, Ramadan menus, wedding menus, engagement menus, baptism menus, and official reception menus.
Moroccan tradition accords couscous a special place in Meknes cuisine—alongside Berber, Doukkala, and Fassi traditions—typically prepared with semolina and fresh vegetables.
Chestnut tagine is undoubtedly one of the signature dishes of Meknes cuisine, and it is recommended to enjoy it alongside mint tea, which serves as a digestif.
Nearby Attractions Around Meknes
There are numerous tourist sites near Meknes. The most famous day trips from the city include the Roman ruins of Volubilis (30 km) and Fes (60 km). However, there are many other beautiful and interesting places worth visiting—especially if traveling by car—many of which possess a rich and fascinating history. Recommended trips include the towns of Moulay Idriss (30 km), Moulay Yacoub (60 km), Azrou (66 km), and Rabat (located approximately 150 km from Meknes).
