The North African country of Morocco shares a border with the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
It is distinguished by its Berber, Arabian, and European cultural influences. Marrakesh’s medina, a mazelike medieval quarter, offers entertainment in its Djemaa el-Fna square and souks (marketplaces) selling ceramics, jewellery, and metal lanterns.
The capital Rabat’s Kasbah of the Udayas is a 12th-century royal fort overlooking the water. Well, as an ancient country, one would think the country is in ruins, however, that is not the case as it is home to come lovely cities. Check out some of these cities below;
1. Marrakech
This is the former imperial city in western Morocco. It is a major economic centre 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 (marketplaces) sell traditional textiles, pottery and jewellery. A symbol of the city, and visible for miles, is the Moorish minaret of the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque. Its land area is about 230 square kilometres and the city was established in 1070.
2. Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is a city south of Morocco’s High Atlas mountains, known as a gateway to the Sahara Desert. Its huge Taourirt Kasbah, home to a 19th-century palace, has views over the rugged local landscape, which is featured in several movies. Northwest is the fortified red earth city of Aït Ben Haddou. Northeast is the rocky Todra Gorge.
A road winds southeast through the Draa Valley’s lush palm groves to the desert. As of 2014, the city had a population of over 60,000 with its total land area being 305 square kilometres. The city of Ouarzazate is very safe, but don’t wander into weird corners at night. Crime throughout the Moroccan south is minimal, but it’s best not to take chances.
3. Meknes
This city is found in northern Morocco. It’s 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. The Mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made the city his capital in the 17th century, has courtyards and fountains.
To the south, ruined Heri es-Souani is a vast structure once used as stables and for food storage. In 2014, it had a population of over 600,000 and has a land area of 307 square metres. It was founded in 1061 A.D. by the Almoravids as a military stronghold, its name originates from the great Berber tribe Meknassa who dominated eastern Morocco as far back as the Tafilalet in the 8th century.
4. Rabat
This is the capital of Morocco and it rests along the shores of the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s known for landmarks that speak to its Islamic and French-colonial heritage, including the Kasbah of the Udayas. This Berber-era royal fort is surrounded by formal French-designed gardens and overlooks the ocean.
The city’s iconic Hassan Tower, a 12th-century minaret, soars above the ruins of a mosque. Rabat is home to beautiful parks, boulevards, monuments, embassies and government buildings and it is also the seat of the Royal Family. In 2014, it had a population of over 550,000.
5. Essaouira
Essaouira is a port city and resort on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Its medina (old town) is protected by 18th-century seafront ramparts called the Skala de la Kasbah, which were designed by European engineers. Old brass cannons line the walls, and there are ocean views.
Strong “Alizée” trade winds make the city’s crescent beach popular for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. Some scenes of the popular TV series, Game of Thrones were shot here. In 2014, the population was over 70,000.
