Thanks to its complex cultural diversity, a byproduct of its variable geographical and historical conditions, the kingdom of Morocco is one of the most enticing cultural trips in North Africa.
Such is its wealth that Morocco, with its territory of 446,550 km2, is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites from 1972 up until the present day.
To be named a World Heritage Site, a place must be of “outstanding universal value” and count on at least one of the ten criteria. These include representing a masterpiece of human creative genius, bearing testimony to a civilisation which is living or has disappeared, an outstanding example of a type of building, or directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, ideas or beliefs.
Each of the Moroccan sites listed as a World Heritage Site meets more than one of these criteria, making this region a paradise for cultural explorers. These are the 9 World Heritage Sites in Morocco.
MEDINA OF FEZ
Its history goes right back to the 9th century and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1981. The Medina of Fez (called Fes el Bali) is the oldest and most impressive part of the city, which is considered Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital, although the country’s administrative centre was moved to Rabat in 1912. The landscape of the city founded by the Idrisid dynasty in 806 is shaped by towering defensive walls, medieval complexes, and arches and doorways set along a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways. The city is believed to be one of the world’s largest pedestrian zones.
Fez is divided into three parts: Fes el Bali (the old area), Fes el Jadid (the new area), and the Jewish quarter (the new town). The Karaouiyine Mosque, Bab Bou Jeloud Gate and the Attarine Madraza are the major landmarks to visit in the city.
MEDINA OF MARRAKESH
The city founded by the Almoravid dynasty between 1070 and 1072 has always been an important political, economic and cultural hub of the Western Muslim world, and became the second Medina to be inscribed to UNESCO in 1985. The old fortified walls and palm groves can still be seen in the eastern part of the city today. After the destruction that ravaged the city with the conquest of the city by the Almohad Caliphate, the Medina regained its vibrancy and wealth under the Saadi dynasty, which left behind impressive and incredibly luxurious mosques, madrasas, palaces and houses as a legacy. We recommend visiting the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bay Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, Saadian Tombs, Plaza de Yamaa el Fna, and the Menara and Majorelle Gardens.
KSAR OF AIT BEN HADDOU
This fortified city in the Ouarzazate province with its unique adobe buildings was named a World Heritage Site in 1987. Its earthen buildings surrounded by high fortified walls are a clear example of pre-Saharan architecture in the south of Morocco. It’s also part of the route of the thousand Kasbahs and has been used in a number of movies, including Lawerence of Arabia, Gladiator, The Mummy, and The Jewel of the Nile.
HISTORIC CITY OF MEKNES
Meknes is one of the four Imperial cities of Morocco and listed as a World Heritage Site since 1996. The Medina was founded in the 11th century, representing the historic part of the city, and is inspired by Spanish architecture with a combination of European and Islamic influences. Places recommended to visit include the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, Néjjarine Mosque, Bab Mansour Gate, El Hedim Place, Madrasa Bou Inania and the Bab Lakhmis Gate.
MEDINA OF TETOUAN
Previously known as the Islamic City of Tetouan, the city was inscribed to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 1997. The city’s architecture displays strong Andalusian influences, and historically, Tetouan acted as an entry point between Morocco and Andalusia, with the city’s low-built white houses representing Morocco’s history over the last five centuries. Recommended monuments to visit include the Seven Grand Gates to the Medina, Caliphate Palace, the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Moroccan Arts.
ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE OF VOLUBILIS
A registered World Heritage Site since 1997. This ancient Roman city, just 20km from Meknes, was developed by the Carthaginians in the 3rd century BC. It was abandoned and torn down in the 18th century, and the stone was used to build Meknes. The ruins were devasted by an earthquake in 1755, and it wasn’t until 1915 that it was identified as the ancient city of Volubilis when the French began archaeological excavations. Today, only about half of the 20-hectare site has been excavated, and the remaining ruins are impressively still standing and well preserved. Among the monuments and sites to visit we have the Forum, the Basilica, the Jupiter Temple, the Baths, the Caracalla Arch and the Mosaics.
MEDINA OF ESSAOUIRA
The old town of Mogador joined the World Heritage Site list in 2001. This port city on the Atlantic coast revolves around fishing, wood, textiles, jewellery and gastronomy. It also hosts the annual Gnaoua Festival of World Music which has been attracting thousands of visitors each year since it started in 1998. Places we recommend visiting include the Skala del Puerto, Skala de la Ville, Place Moulay Hassan, the Museum of National Arts and the old ruins of the Portuguese church.
PORTUGUESE CITY OF MAZAGAN
The area was controlled by the Portuguese from the early 16th century until 1789, renamed El Jadida during the period of rule by Sultan Mohammed III, and became recognised as a World Heritage Site in 2004. Its architecture, technology and urban planning are a product of the fusion of African and European cultures. The Portuguese Cistern, the Wall, and the Citadel are all worth visiting.
RABAT
The older part of the city dates back to the 12th century and was inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2012. It’s been one of the four Imperial cities and the capital of Morocco since 1956. The city boasts a perfect blend of modern imperial palaces and the ancient citadels and Islamic structures. The Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower, the Chellah Necropolis, Agdal Mosque, St. Peter’s Cathedral, Dâr-al-Mahkzen, and Bab ar-Rouah are all interesting spots to visit.
Undoubtedly the 9 heritage sites of Morocco will be an enriching experience for those who love cultural travel. So what’s holding you back for an amazing adventure to discover its secrets?
