MOROCCO’S 9 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES
The Ksar of Aït Benhaddou is a 17th century fortified village, or ksar, along the historic caravan route. Only a few families still live in the village, but there are shops and occasional restaurants to visit as you wander the earthen passageways and climb to the top of the hill, which has a commanding view over the countryside.
The Medina of Essaouira was constructed on the orders of the Alawi Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah in the second half of the 18th century to establish a major port and trading center. Essaouira, formerly called by its Portuguese name of Mogador, is known for its picturesque harbor and vibrant fish market, its traditional Jewish quarter and museum, and spectacular fortified walls along the sea.
Medina of Fez: Fez is one of the largest and best-preserved of the ancient towns in the Muslim world. Composed of a 9th century quarter and a 13th century quarter, the Medina is a chaotic maze of 9,500 alleys and the largest car-free urban zone in the world. Thousands of small shops sell a countless array of products from tourist-oriented goods to necessities for residents, nougat vendors, lamps, carpentry and leatherworking shops, fresh vegetables, and fresh meat, including chickens butchered to order, as well as wonderful small restaurants. Donkey carts contend with crowds of pedestrians and bicycles laden with wares. You can literally lose yourself for hours in this not-to-be-missed area.
Medina of Marrakesh: Marrakesh was founded in the 1070s as the capital of the Almoravid dynasty. The massive medina, a maze of winding paths flanked by hundreds of small shops, is unforgettable. The vibrant Djemaa el Fna open air market is filled with food stalls and entertainers in the afternoons and evenings. Be sure to visit the beautiful 14th century Ali ben Yousef Koranic school and other historic sights. Marrakesh is also the best place to experience sophisticated dining and entertainment.
Mazagan (El Jadida) The Cite Portugaise, or old city, was built in the early 1500's. Principal sight include the impressive fortified walls, the Grand Mosque, the Manueline Church of the Assumption, and the atmospheric Portuguese cistern.
Meknes, founded in the 11th century, is well-known for its spectacular Bab Mansour, considered to be the most beautiful gate in North Africa. Other highlights include the Habs Qara where 60,000 enslaved people, mostly European Christians, were imprisoned and forced to work on imperial building projects, and the Royal Granaries, which stored grain for 10,000 horses for up to 20 years.
Rabat, Morocco's capital, integrates ancient buildings and ruins into its modern city. It is considered to be a model of early 20th century urban planning. You won't want to miss the ruins of Chellah, the Kasbah des Oudayas, and the 12th century Hassan Tower, intended to be the largest mosque in the Muslim world.
Tetouan is nicknamed the "White Dove" for its whitewashed buildings. Its UNESCO-protected medina is focused on the needs of local people rather than tourists, and is well worth a couple of hours of relaxed wandering. You also can watch students learning traditional arts and crafts at the Royal Artisan School.
Volubilis was a Roman city of 20,000 in the third and second centuries, BC. It has been beautifully preserved, and visitors are free to wander or take a guided tour of the ruins, including arches, mosaic floors, solariums, and old walls.