Did you know that there are four imperial cities in Morocco? They are:
Fez
Marrakesh
Meknes
Rabat
Visitors might enjoy getting lost in the maze-like medinas of Rabat, Marrakesh, Fez, and Meknes—four Morocco's imperial cities—which have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Around every corner, the allure of Arabic culture with its palaces, madrasas, and mosques awaits. These cities are also a buyer's paradise, and you may easily give in to temptation in their bustling souks. These four exotic cities are teeming with activity, and tourists may indulge in a limitless variety of colours, fragrances, tastes, noises, and textures that give each one a unique personality. The imperial cities of Morocco, which were once important political, religious, and cultural centers, must be visited while traveling there.
RABAT
Morocco's capital and the center of institutional life is Rabat. It's worth spending at least a day in this city, which is near to Casablanca and situated between Fez and Marrakesh, to stroll through its medina and see some of its most famous structures.
One possible place to begin is the Kasbah of the Udayas, a fortification that houses one of Rabat's most stunning and distinctive regions. These are just a few of the attractions of this neighborhood, which is easily viewed in two or three hours. An alcazaba, winding lanes, white and Klein blue façades, gardens left over from the Al-Andalus and French periods, and the crowded Rabat beach are just a few others.
The Andalusian Gardens of the Kasbah are about ten minutes' walk from the medina in Rabat. Until you reach the major retail district, the souk, feel free to explore the city's complicated network of streets. It's undoubtedly the ideal location to go bargaining for common mementos like hijabs, slippers, rugs, and lamps.
Continue your exploration to see some of the city's most well-known landmarks, such as Hassan Tower, a minaret that resembles La Giralda in Seville (the architect was the same), and the Mausoleum of King Mohammed V.
MARRAKESH
No trip to Morocco would be complete without a stop in Marrakesh, which is significantly more south than the other imperial cities and protected by the Atlas Mountains.
To truly understand the city, which is the center of Moroccan culture, and have time to unwind in one of its many baths or hammams, you'll need at least two or three days.
Since most tourists stay in riads, you might begin your exploration of the city in the medina, where you can meander through its winding lanes and come across interesting structures like Madrasa Ben Youssef, the largest madrasa in Morocco. Make your way to the bustling souk district, where you may get practically anything you might need. Be prepared to barter!
Jamaa El Fna Square, one of the busiest areas in the city both during the day and at night, will soon be at your fingertips. We suggest ascending to the rooftop of one of the nearby cafés or eateries to take in the stunning views and some Moroccan tea, whether it's morning, noon, or night. The Kutubiyya Mosque's Hispano-Muslim style minaret, which lies in the distance, dominates the city's skyline.
Explore a little further after visiting the medina to find other must-see attractions in Marrakesh, such as the palaces of El Badi and Bahia, or outdoor areas, such as the Palmeraie, the Menara Gardens, and the exotic Majorelle Gardens, which belonged to Yves Saint Laurent and is one of the most memorable places in the city.
FEZ
In Fez, there is a lot to see and do. To really see everything this medieval city has to offer, especially the UNESCO World Heritage Site Fes El Bali Medina, it is best to stay for at least one or two days.
You can enter the medina by passing through the renowned Blue Gate, also known as Bab Boujeloud. From this point on, the focus is on exploring the area on foot and taking in every new sight, including the souks, historic fountains with brightly tiled basins, and lovely squares dotted with cafés. You'll also come across a number of significant structures, including the Mausoleum or Zawiya of Moulay Idriss II, the Nejjarine School of Wood Arts and Crafts, and the madrasas (Koranic schools) at Bou Inania and Al Attarine.
You will get the opportunity to observe the intricate attention to detail that is so typical of Islamic-style architecture and ornamentation in each building.
But if Fez is known for anything, it's its four classic tanneries, the biggest of which is Chouwara. Visit a tannery at least once to see the traditional work process in action: watch tanners immerse leather in dozens of pits filled with various colors of dye. Tanneries are a unique sight, despite the overpowering scent.
We advise climbing to the rooftop of a café or restaurant for a delicious dinner of traditional Fez cuisine as the sun sets behind the roofs and minarets if you'd like to take in the entire city and get a sense of the immensity of Fes El Bali.
MEKNES
Meknes, the royal city of Morocco with the fewest tourists, is only 65 kilometers away from Fez. It was originally the capital of the country in the 17th century and is the most tranquil and genuine of the four imperial cities. Meknes is perhaps the Moroccan city that best captures the country's spirit.
The city welcomes you to stroll through the serene, ochre and pastel-colored lanes of its medina, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meknes has lower costs than other cities, so you won't need to negotiate as hard as you would in other, more touristic locations. Exploring the souks in search of a deal is a genuine joy. After leaving the souk, you might ascend to El Hedim Square to see the magnificent Bab El Mansour Gate.
It's also worthwhile to take your time to examine each individual architectural feature of the Bou Inania Madrasa and the Mouley Ismail Mausoleum, two of the city's most significant structures. The unexpected Meknes completes a fascinating tour of Morocco's imperial cities.
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