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Tony Allaker

Morocco Part 1 - Imperial Cities and The North

A new Gallery is now available with photos from a fascinating tour of Morocco


Have you ever been to Morocco? It is a fascinating and varied country, with history, culture, and stunning scenery in abundance, together with friendly and welcoming people. I visited the country in 2019, just before COVID-19 struck, on a quite intense two week tour of some of the country highlights. I have now added the first of two galleries with photos from the tour. The Gallery can be found here - Morocco Imperial Cities and the North. The Gallery includes photos from the northern part of the country, including the four imperial cities of Morocco - Fes, Meknes, Marrakech and Rabat, as well as the Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca and the stunning Roman ruins of Volubilis, near Meknes.


Rabat

Rabat is the capital of Morocco. It is situated along the shores of the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic Ocean. The main tourist sites include the Oudaia Kasbah with its distinctive blue and white buildings, the associated Andalusian Garden, and the the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.

Grounds of the Mausoleum of Mohammed V

Cats sleeping on steps in the Oudaia Kasbah

Andalusian Garden


Fes

Fes is a northeastern Moroccan city often referred to as the country’s cultural capital. It’s primarily known for its Fes El Bali walled medina, with medieval Marinid architecture, vibrant souks (marketplaces) and old-world atmosphere.

Overlooking Fes

A carpet shop in a riad in the Fes souks

A tannery in one of the souks


Meknes

Meknes is a city known for its imperial past, with remnants including Bab Mansour, a huge gate with arches and mosaic tiling. The gate leads into the former imperial city. It includes the ruined Heri es-Souani, which is a vast structure once used as stables and for food storage.

A section of the Heri es-Souani royal stables

Bab Mansour gates

Agdal Reservoir


Marrakech

Marrakech (or Marrakesh), a former imperial city in western Morocco, is a major economic center and home to mosques, palaces and gardens. The medina is a densely packed, walled medieval city dating to the Berber Empire, with mazelike alleys where thriving souks sell traditional textiles, pottery and jewelry.

Jemaa el-Fna Square

Cacti, Majorelle Garden

Koutoubia Mosque


Casablanca

Casablanca is a port city and commercial hub in western Morocco, fronting the Atlantic Ocean. The city's French colonial legacy is seen in its downtown Mauresque architecture, a blend of Moorisa blend of Moorish style and European art deco. The main tourist destination is the enormous Hassan II Mosque.

Hassan II Mosque

Internal detail, Hassan II Mosque


Volubilis

Volubilis is a partly excavated Berber-Roman city in Morocco situated near the city of Meknes, and may have been the capital of the kingdom of Mauretania. The impressive Roman remains include many sections of recovered mosaic tiled floors.

Volubilis ruins

Volubilis ruins

Volubilis ruins


There are many more photos in the Gallery, including examples of the local arts and crafts such as mosaics and metalwork. Part 2 of the Moroccan Galleries will follow, covering the Atlas mountains, the desert and the coastal town of Essaouira. I hope that you enjoy the photos 😊

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