Morocco – a country in North Africa. Capital – Rabat. Other major cities and resorts – Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakech, Agadir. The country’s population – about 33 million people. In the center of Morocco, is a group of the most beautiful mountains: the Middle and High Atlas.
Official language – Arabic, but French and distributed. Religion – Islam. The Head of State is King; state system – a constitutional monarchy. Most of the population – the Arabs and Berbers, and only 1% – Europeans and Jews.
The history of the region dates back to the XII century BC, when it conquered the ancient Phoenicians. Over time, these lands passed to the Carthaginians, and from the II century BC – To the Romans. The Arab conquest of North Africa belongs to VII century AD For a long time in the modern period, Morocco was considered a colony of Spain, then France, but in 1956 it became an independent state.
The climate is mainly Mediterranean with hot summers and warm winters. The best months to visit are October to April, though many opt for a beach holiday in August-September. One of the most beautiful sights is the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.
In addition, tourists are attracted Morocco Djemaa el Fna, beach Lezgira and more. Official currency – Moroccan dirham.
Djemaa el Fna square
Attractions Morocco. Djemaa El Fna Square – the main square of Marrakesh; one of the most mysterious places in Morocco. Djemaa El Fna Square is rich in history and contradictory glory. For tourists it is, first of all, an open air museum near the renowned Koutoubia.
In the vastness of Djemaa El Fna Square with an X to XIX centuries. brutally executed criminals. Since Arabic is euphonic name is translated as “a place where there is death.” Therefore, many people call it “an area of severed heads.” Over time, all the horrors of torture and public executions were forgotten, and Djemaa el Fna was the “card” and the most attractive place of the medina.
It’s like a separate city, existing by their own rules. Right on the square there are sellers of spices, water carriers in colorful robes, coaches snakes, fortune tellers, acrobats. Getting there You can forget about the cares and plunge into the atmosphere of the mysterious east. Vanity at Djemaa El Fna Square subsides only closer to the night.
Numerous narrow streets leading from the square to the other attractions of the medina of Marrakech. It is protected 10-meter high fortified walls and watchtowers. Incidentally, the Djemaa El Fna Square is considered the “zero kilometer” of the ancient streets of the quarter. The whole life is centered around the medina.
A short distance away daily unfolding real theatrical show with snake handlers, belly dancing, fighting scorpions, etc. For viewing of the show decided to pay. Immediately at the edges of the square there is a small snack with traditional Moroccan food. The architecture of the square a little chaotic and not brought to its logical conclusion.
Marrakech has its own international airport, which fly scheduled flights from European cities. From the airport to the area can be reached by bus or taxi. Main Bus Station is located at the gates of Bab Doukkala.
Mosque Koutoubia
Mosque Koutoubia – the largest mosque in Marrakech; one of the oldest buildings in Morocco. It was built in the XII century by order of Yakub al-Mansur. Travelers it attracts extraordinary architecture and the 69-meter minaret.
It is said that this mosque is unique for several reasons. First, it combines elements of Moroccan and Andalusian architecture. Second, unlike other mosques of Morocco, the entrance to it for the people non-Muslim faith is restricted. Well, and, thirdly, there is a long tradition, make a wish, in the territory of Koutoubia.
With Koutoubia many legends associated with the appearance of an architectural ensemble. For example, say that the gold balls into the top of the minaret, were made of jewels.
In the past, the mosque also served as schools and libraries. In this regard, under its hundreds of booksellers gathered walls, obviously the title Koutoubia. After the translation, this word means “bookseller”. According to legend, during the full moon, you can stand up under the minaret toward the east and make a wish. Mandatory requirement in this case – pure thoughts.
Geographically landmark located in the heart of Marrakesh, next to the “area of severed heads” Djemaa al Fna. You can get there by bus from Menara International Airport. The bus station is located right at the gates of the medina.
Medina of Fez
Attractions Morocco. Medina of Fez – the oldest quarter of Fez and Morocco all. It consists of a variety of streets and alleys, occupying most of the city. it is almost impossible, because there are too many Recalculate streets of the medina. Self walk on it – it’s an adventure.
It is no secret that the “Medina” in North Africa called the ancient quarters of the city. As a rule, the medina surrounded by walls and the entrance to which is through a massive gate. In this sense, the Fez – is no exception. Moreover, this city is the oldest of all the imperial cities of Morocco. He was the ancient capital of the country.
In the first quarter of Fez – two of the medina. One of them, Fes-al-Dzhdid, and the other – Fes al Bali. The latter is the center of tourist attraction. After all, this is the most muddled of the medina in the world. It is like a huge maze of streets which 6000 are closely intertwined.
Separate walk through the streets of Fes-al-Babi can lead to a deadlock. The central streets are wider and filled with endless arcades. It is noteworthy that all of this huge area is pedestrian. Directions motorized means is prohibited.
On the territory of the Medina mosque has beautiful medieval mosaics, but the entrance to them is restricted to tourists. Of particular interest to visitors of Fes cause skin dye. Residents of the medina is still paint the skin on old technology. This is especially contrasted with satellite dishes installed on almost every house.
The entire territory of Fez medina is composed of 40 districts, each of which has its own vocational direction.
One of the most famous attractions of the medina – the University of Al-Karuin, founded in the XII century. Also, in the old city is the mausoleum of Idriss II. The new medina of Fez el-Dzhdid arranged gardens Bu Dzhelud and Royal Palace. To get to Fes you can train from Casablanca or Rabat. Entrance to the old medina is through gates Sultan Bu Dzhelud.
Mosque of Hassan II
Mosque of Hassan II – the largest mosque in Morocco; new symbol of Casablanca. It has a total capacity of up to 105 thousand people. Admire excellent views of the ocean from a giant glass hall of hundreds of thousands of tourists come every year.
At the Hassan II Mosque Minaret only one, but its height breaks all records -. 210 m architect of the project was the Frenchman M. Pins. The level of luxury of the interior amazes even seasoned travelers. Many compare this mosque with a concert hall, as it is and sliding roof, and a laser projector, and other modern amenities.
The mosque was built relatively recently in honor of the King of Morocco – Moulay Hassan Alaoui. Despite the fact that by 1989 the construction was over, it was opened to the public only in 1993.
Part of the mosque located over the Atlantic Ocean and during hot flashes in praying the impression that they are on a ship sailing on the waves. This idea is related to the chief architect of the Qur’an by saying that Allah’s throne was on the water. Around the mosque is divided beautiful garden with 41 fountains.
By the way, this is one of the few mosques in Morocco, where people are allowed to enter non-Islamic faith. To get to the tourist center of Casablanca, you can take a bus or train from the International Airport them. Mohamed V. Hassan II Mosque is located on the Boulevard Sour Jdid.
Rabat Medina
Rabat Medina – the heart of the capital and the ancient city of Rabat; one of the most beautiful medinas in Morocco. Translated from the Arabic “al-Ribat” means “fortified monastery”, and the name fully corresponds to the city of Medina. it attracts tourists a rich history and extraordinary architecture.
The capital Rabat has become the country relatively recently, just after the fall of the French protectorate. Despite this, the town a long history dating back to the III century BC, when the river Bou Regreg shores lived Punic population. Then the city was part of the Roman state, and only in the III century BC He went to the Berbers.
The greatest flowering of Rabat reached during the reign of the Almohad dynasty (XII-XIII cc.). It was during this period formed the medina, ie “City within a city”, which today are so fond of tourists visiting Morocco. The proximity to the water determined the fate of Rabat. He has repeatedly been attacked pirates, but each time saved the high walls of the fortress Udaya.
Medina with its old streets is located just above the fortress. Landscapes of the quarter varied. You can see and a string of neat white and blue houses, as if pressed against each other, and many groomed, abandoned houses. Most comfortable in the riad – old houses of wealthy Moroccans, are used as hotels today.
The main attractions of the old part of Rabat is 69-meter high tower of Hassan and the mausoleum of Mohammed V. To Mausoleum are very colorful gates, guarded by mounted guards. A minaret of Hassan, founded in the XII century and was not completed. Outwardly, it looks like the Seville and the Giralda minaret of the mosque Koutoubia in Marrakech.
Ouzoud Falls
Attractions Morocco. Ouzoud Falls – one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Africa. Located in Morocco at an altitude of 1800 m. Its crystal clear waters subside several cascades down, forming the three main stream. For tourists is not only a beautiful waterfall, and a mini leisure center.
In the view of the French, this waterfall as if “the veil of lovers.” So they see it from the outside. Indeed, there is probably in Morocco more impressive spectacle than the cascades of Ouzoud. Such sonorous name appeared, thanks to the numerous Olivo, growing directly on rocks. After all, the language of the local population “Ouzoud” – this is the olive tree.
With waterfall areas can admire the surrounding nature and the rainbow that appears from time to time over the water spray. On the tops of the slopes are located the ancient mill, which, incidentally, are working to this day. In the evenings, there are a lot of yellow monkeys. They are attracted by the fruits that grow nearby fig trees and horn.
Local ponds are quite suitable for swimming. Closer to the bottom of the waterfall can be by boat. Along the perimeter are situated street cafes with national cuisine, where you can enjoy a delicious tagine. At sunset Ouzoud incredibly beautiful. White splashes of water especially picturesque look at the background of rocks of reddish stone.
Near the waterfall is another attraction of the Moroccan – El Abid Gorge, known for its beauty. The easiest way to get to your destination in a rented car. Also, from Marrakech airport you can take a taxi to the side Tanaghmeilt settlement.
