MEKNÉS!

Heritage and simplicity:

    Meknes is an engaging Imperial capital where life is good. Despite its rich historical heritage, it has preserved the simplicity of his origins.


Alawite splendor:

     In the seventeenth century, the Alawite Sultan Moulay Ismail decided to make Meknes one of the finest and most powerful imperial cities of Morocco. Today, protected by forty kilometers of walls, it has preserved imposing monuments, including numerous mosques which earned him the nickname "city of a hundred minarets". Among them, the Great Mosque, probably founded in the twelfth century, is remarkable for its gates with beautiful sculpted canopies. Its medina and the remains of the royal palace earned Meknes being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is still prosperous, benefiting from the cultures of the rich plain of Sais (cereals, olive trees and vines).



Gates and palaces :

     Considered one of the most beautiful gates in the world, Bab Mansour was built in the early eighteenth century. It opens on the Imperial city proper, where a visit to the mausoleum of Sultan remains a curiosity. You can also meditate on the edge of the Agdal pond, an immense rectangular tank.


Lively markets and places :

     Meknes has one of the most popular medinas of Morocco. El-Hedime place exactly between the old town and the Imperial part of the city, houses the covered market and comes alive at dusk: fire-eaters, storytellers, animal trainers and jugglers create an atmosphere quite exotic.

Traditional Culture :

     The regional ethnographic museum in the palace Dar Jamai, revolves smoothly around a superb Andalusian garden. Embroidered over with gold, faience and ancient jewelry give a comprehensive overview of past splendours of the Kingdom.


Roman ruins :

     At 31 km north of Meknes lies the largest Roman archeological site in Morocco: Volubilis. triumphal arch, capitol, house of Bacchus, everything reflects the splendor of the city and its economic and political weight. Not to mention the moving delicacy of the mosaics. Allow a minimum of two hours to discover this open-air treasure.

Source : mekneszaytoune