Historic City of Meknes
Location: Meknes, Morocco
Year of Inscription: 1996
Criteria: (iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural, or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates significant stages in human history;
Overview: The Historic City of Meknes is a well-preserved example of a 17th-century imperial city in Morocco. It was built during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail, a contemporary of Louis XIV of France, and was intended to be the capital of his empire. The city is surrounded by impressive ramparts and features many beautiful monuments, including the mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail, the grand royal palace, and the Dar Jamai Museum.
Prominent Features: The Historic City of Meknes is filled with impressive examples of Moroccan architecture and design, including:
Bab Mansour: The grand gate of Meknes, Bab Mansour is a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture and is considered one of the most beautiful gates in the world.
Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail: The mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail is a stunning example of Moroccan Islamic architecture, with intricate tilework, carved plaster, and beautiful zellij (mosaic tilework).
Dar Jamai Museum: Housed in a former palace, the Dar Jamai Museum is a showcase of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and features collections of ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and other decorative arts.
El Hedim Square: A large public square surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops, El Hedim Square is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
History: Meknes was founded in the 11th century by the Almoravid dynasty and became an important trading center in the region. Under the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail, Meknes was transformed into a grand imperial city and served as the capital of his empire for over 50 years. The city was also an important center of culture and learning, with a university and many libraries and schools.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the ramparts and gates of the city, visit the many museums and monuments, and enjoy traditional Moroccan food and drink in the cafes and restaurants around the city.
Fun Fact: Meknes is known for its delicious cuisine, including the famous dish of mechoui (roasted lamb), which is traditionally cooked in underground ovens.
Entry Fees: There is an entry fee of 10 Moroccan dirhams (approximately 1 USD) per person for visitors to the Historic City of Meknes.
How to Reach It: By Road: Meknes is located approximately 60 kilometers from Fez and 130 kilometers from Rabat. Visitors can hire a car or take a taxi from these cities to reach Meknes.
Where to Stay: There are many accommodation options in Meknes, including hotels, guesthouses, and riads (traditional Moroccan houses). Some popular options include the Riad Yacout, the Hotel Transatlantique, and the Riad D'or.
Next Stop: Archaeological Site of Volubilis
Bus: The easiest and most affordable way to get to Volubilis is by taking a bus. There are regular bus services from Meknes and Fes to Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, which is the closest town to the site. From there, you can take a shared taxi or a local bus to reach the site.
Year of Inscription: 1996
Criteria: (iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural, or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates significant stages in human history;
Overview: The Historic City of Meknes is a well-preserved example of a 17th-century imperial city in Morocco. It was built during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail, a contemporary of Louis XIV of France, and was intended to be the capital of his empire. The city is surrounded by impressive ramparts and features many beautiful monuments, including the mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail, the grand royal palace, and the Dar Jamai Museum.
Prominent Features: The Historic City of Meknes is filled with impressive examples of Moroccan architecture and design, including:
Bab Mansour: The grand gate of Meknes, Bab Mansour is a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture and is considered one of the most beautiful gates in the world.
Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail: The mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail is a stunning example of Moroccan Islamic architecture, with intricate tilework, carved plaster, and beautiful zellij (mosaic tilework).
Dar Jamai Museum: Housed in a former palace, the Dar Jamai Museum is a showcase of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and features collections of ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and other decorative arts.
El Hedim Square: A large public square surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops, El Hedim Square is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
History: Meknes was founded in the 11th century by the Almoravid dynasty and became an important trading center in the region. Under the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail, Meknes was transformed into a grand imperial city and served as the capital of his empire for over 50 years. The city was also an important center of culture and learning, with a university and many libraries and schools.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the ramparts and gates of the city, visit the many museums and monuments, and enjoy traditional Moroccan food and drink in the cafes and restaurants around the city.
Fun Fact: Meknes is known for its delicious cuisine, including the famous dish of mechoui (roasted lamb), which is traditionally cooked in underground ovens.
Entry Fees: There is an entry fee of 10 Moroccan dirhams (approximately 1 USD) per person for visitors to the Historic City of Meknes.
How to Reach It: By Road: Meknes is located approximately 60 kilometers from Fez and 130 kilometers from Rabat. Visitors can hire a car or take a taxi from these cities to reach Meknes.
Where to Stay: There are many accommodation options in Meknes, including hotels, guesthouses, and riads (traditional Moroccan houses). Some popular options include the Riad Yacout, the Hotel Transatlantique, and the Riad D'or.
Next Stop: Archaeological Site of Volubilis
Bus: The easiest and most affordable way to get to Volubilis is by taking a bus. There are regular bus services from Meknes and Fes to Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, which is the closest town to the site. From there, you can take a shared taxi or a local bus to reach the site.