Morocco Sights

Morocco - a unique country. Located at the intersection of Islamic and European cultures, the population of ancient Arab and Berber tribes, which lies on the border of deserts of the world's largest and most green mountains of Africa, this rather small area can boast a wide variety of attractions. The wonderful beaches of the Atlantic coast and the rocky cliffs of the Mediterranean coast, the snow of the High Atlas, surrounded by pine forests and evergreen oak forests, picturesque valley of mountain rivers, numerous monuments of culture, ancient traditions of indigenous peoples, as well as excellent souvenirs of local artists - all this attracts the more in Morocco 2 million tourists a year.

Rabat ( "Ribat" - "a fortified monastery) - the political center of the country and the residence of the King, one of the major centers of Arab culture and education, founded in XII-XIII centuries. on the site of ancient Roman city of Sala. The architecture of the city, which perfectly combines the traditional elements of Moorish and modern trends, blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, giving it a white-blue city unique appearance. There are literally hundreds of interesting places - "old town" ( "Medina"), Fortress Kasbah Udayas (X-XII cc.) Grand Mosque (XII century.), The oldest mosque of the city street Jemaah (1150, reconstructed in the XVIII in.) mosque Moulay el-Mekki, Moulay Slimane, (1812), Al-FAS and others, the remains of the mosque of Yakub al-Mansur (1196, once the largest mosque of the East - 2,5 ha, 19 rooms, 14 gates, 400 columns) with a "tower of Hassan" (44 pm), the ancient walls and the miraculous source of the necropolis of Shelley, the mausoleum, which contains the tombs of the kings of the Fifth and Muhammad Hassan II, the Royal Palace (1864) and T . e.

In the city a lot of museums - the Museum of Antiquity, Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Moroccan Arts, the Ethnographic Museum (Museum of Folk Crafts) in the building of the late XVII century., Art Gallery of the gate of Bab-Ruach ( "Gates of winds), the Natural History Museum, Postal Museum, the original etc. On the other side of the river Bou Regreg is an ancient Sale, major attractions, which are considered to be the Grand Mosque, Madrasa (1333) and the well-known place of pilgrimage - a Muslim chapel Sidi-Ab-dallaha Ben Hassouna, surrounded by a maze of narrow streets and vestibule. At 13 km. north of Rabat are gardens, broken in 1951 by Frenchman M. Francois, where more than 1500 species of plants from around the world. At 9 km. south of the capital spreads excellent National Zoo.

Marrakech - one of the most popular tourist areas of the country. The city is divided into two clearly distinct from each other part - the historic Medina district and residential district Geliz. Center of Marrakech are surrounded by "Riad" Koutoubia Mosque (XII century.) With a huge minaret (77 m in height) and the area of Jam El Fna, and apart from which all the major streets. Among the most interesting objects in the city include the mausoleum of the founder of Marrakech - Yusuf Bin Tashfin beyond which lie the magnificent gates of Bab Agvenau, opening the passage to the casbah Almohad mosques golden apples (Kasbah Mosque) and Tomb of the dynasty Saadidov. Interesting gate Bab Gerima (XVI cent.), The ruins of the once magnificent palace of El Badi ( "Peerless"), madrasah and mosque Ben-Yusuf, KUBBA al Baadiyn (XII century.) "Jewish Quarter" Milla - many markets and synagogues, the palace of Dar al-Gdaui, Zawiya Sidi-Abd-al-Aziz, Sidi-Bel-Abbas (1605, one of the most popular places of pilgrimage) and Sidi Sliman al-Jazouli near the gate of Bab Tagzut, the mausoleum of Sidi Al Suheila (one of the seven holy Marrakesh), a fountain Muasin (the largest fountain in Marrakesh, 1570), Bahia Palace (Palace of Beauty, 1880-87 gg.), the gate of Bab Falkten, Bab-el-Kemis , Bab-el-Nkob ( "secret door"), Bab-Dzhdid, Bab Sidi Rharb, Bab-Tagzut etc. worth visiting the Royal Palace Dar-El-Mahzen, which currently houses the official residence of His Majesty's (closed attendance), the palace of Dar-Es-Said (XIX century. now is the Museum of Fine Arts), the fountain Eshrob-y-Shuf ( "drink of and delight"), Menara gardens of the same palace, the Opera House, the Mosque of El-Apgyaca, Bab Dukkala, Muasin (1573), the walls of the old fortifications (height 8.10 meters, 202 square towers), etc.

Marrakech markets ( "bitches") - is something special! Usually open from 8.30 am to 20.00, and they themselves are attractions, as well as provide a living to get acquainted with the manners and customs of this country, but still good value (at a certain skill) to acquire uymoy gifts and fine products of local artisans. A quarter of the markets stretches around the square Jam el Fna, the market of spices is near the square Rabah Kedima market musicians Kimahin lies beyond the gates of the same name on the street of Bab Dukkala. Also interesting markets Krasil'shchikov, Copper, Stolyarov, jewelers and El-Kebir, Shuar, Ksheshbiya, Hadadin (blacksmith), Shraytin (leather), Smut (shoemaker), Al-Khan, Simarin, Atarin, Rabia (market carpets), Al - Maazou (the market of products from goatskin), El Btana (products from sheep's skin), Larzal (wool), the market of fruit and vegetables on Znekt Rahba, antiques market "Aladdin's lamp, indoor Central Market on Avenue Mohammed V, 3 wholesale market the garden Mazhorel and many other shopping malls or rynochkov.

The city has many museums, among which the most interesting museum of Dar Si Said, in the eponymous palace, a most interesting exhibition of Moroccan folk art in the House tsikivina "on the streets of Dar Bahia, Museum of Islamic Art Mazhorelya, a small ethnological museum Bert Flint, etc.

At 75 km from the city is the famous ski resort (altitude - 2600 meters, the snow is more than 5 months per year), which also has excellent facilities for hiking, horseback riding and golf.

Casablanca (White House) - the largest port, business and industrial capital of Morocco, located on the Atlantic coast south of the capital. There are offices of almost all major Moroccan companies and banks. And at the same time, this ancient city, revived in the late XVIII century. by order of Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah, who has a stormy history of many centuries, has left its mark on his face.

"Old Casablanca" - a labyrinth of narrow streets framed arches and mud houses in traditional Arabic style, but in fact - an endless Eastern market. It is divided into so-called "old Medina, with its mosque Shleh and markets, and the new Medina, known by dozens of mosques, luxurious residence of the Pasha Mahakma du Pasha (now the Palace of Justice and the Reception of Public Affairs), a monumental boulder Cathedral Notre Dame (Church of Our Lady Lourdes, 1956), etc. Also interested in the park of the Arab League (the biggest in town), Sacré-Coeur, the business card of the city - the Grand Mosque of Hassan II (the second largest in the Muslim world after the mosque in Mecca, 1993), quarter Habbus markets, one of the world's largest casino - a rarity for the Islamic world and the picturesque park ISESCO. Center of the modern city is the area of the United Nations - the crossroads of major city streets, the focus of banks, cinemas, cafes and chic boutiques. It is always bustling so rare for the East socialite and nightlife. Very successful and harmonious ensemble of the square of Mohammed V includes the Palace of Justice, the building of the prefecture, mail, the French Consulate, a small square and a musical fountain.

Some of Casablanca are the ruins of the ancient city of Anfa, the resort town of Ain Diab and longest resort strip on the side of the Atlantic, running up to Temari, and Mohammed, and is accessible only to Muslims ancient KUBBA Sidi Abd al-Rahman.

Fez ( "pick", "hoe") is a religious and cultural center of the kingdom, as well as its former capital. These ran the prophet Mohammed, when in Mecca he was in danger, but now it is one of the most famous resort towns of the country, rightly proud of its rich history. Like all the Moroccan city of Fez is divided into two parts - "old" Fez el-Bali, and "new" Fez el-Gedid, where the summer palace of the king. Old town is isolated by ancient walls and has about 9400 very narrow streets and alleys. On Palace Square are the Royal Palace, the building of the former Arsenal (now the factory is working here), the majestic gates of Bab Dekaken (XIV century). And a lot of old buildings. Very interesting gardens Bu Dzhelud and gate of Bab Bou Dzhelud mosque Moulay Idris with the tomb of Idris II, which is considered the founder of (IX century, one of the most protected sanctuaries - non-Muslims and animals is forbidden even to approach it), Madrasa Bu Inanna to chime in XIV., Gazlean mosque, madrassa and Attarin Sherratin (1670), the mosque Karaouine (IX century., closed to non-Muslims), which houses the famous University of Fez, one of the oldest in the world, as well as the medieval caravan sheds - "fonduki" Tsetaunin and Nedzharin (XVII century.). No less interesting palace Dar-Batha '(XIX century. Now is a Museum of Art and traditions of Fez), Andalusian Mosque (IX-XIII cc.), The Jewish quarter Mell, jewelry market at the gate of Bab Smarin etc.

"New Area" Fes el-Gedid began to be built near the old Medina in XIII century. Here the most interesting complex of royal palace of Dar al-Mahzen area of 100 hectares, "a potter's quarter" at the gate of Bab Ftuh, whose products are well known outside the country, as well as a huge "block tanners. In the city suburbs which are almost in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, is one of the first modern thermal centers in the country, and excursions that start from here to the picturesque surroundings of mountains, enjoy continued popularity with tourists.

Meknes lies south-west of Fez and is often called the "Moroccan Versailles". The old town of Moulay Ismail "- the heart of Meknes, sprawled on a hillside and surrounded by a 25-kilometer wall, because of which look out numerous minarets of mosques. The main attractions are the huge Berdain gate, Bab-el-Khemis, Bab-el-Reth and Bab Mansour, the ruins of the palace of Dar-Kebir, a huge stone pool Agidal, the building of the Dar al-Ma ( "house of water"), a prison Kara ( Christian prison), Madrasa Bu Inanna (1358), KUBBA Sidi Aissa, Sidi Said Mosque (XVIII cent.) and the Ethnographic Museum in the beautiful buildings of Dar-Jamal (XIX cent.).

31 km. of Meknes are the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Volubilis (II-III cent.) situated at the foot of the mountain Zerhouni. This is the most beautiful and expressive ruins of the Roman period in Morocco. Excavated and partially restored the Capitol (217), the Basilica, the Forum, the Arch of Triumph in honor of Emperor Caracalla (217), the terms covering nearly 1000 square meters. m., the home of rich citizens "house of Orpheus" and "House of Venus, as well as dozens of stunning mosaics. At 4,5 km. Volubilis is located on the cult place of pilgrimage Moroccans - the mausoleum of Moulay Idris in the homonymous village.

In the north, near the "throat" Strait of Gibraltar, is the popular resort of Tangier. This is the "cool" resort of the country - all year round warm and dry, and ocean breezes bring cool. In appearance it is a typical Mediterranean city - the flat roofs of cascades down from the hill crowned by a minaret to the sea. In addition to magnificent beaches and excellent service, one of the main attractions of the city - markets and bazaars. In the center is Grand Socco (Big Bazaar), where late is reckless and noisy haggling, show their art many snake charmers, trainers, jugglers, etc. On Thursdays and Sundays, runs great bazaar near decorated with multicolored ceramic tiles of the mosque Sidi-Bou-Habib (1917). Interesting antiques market near the casbah area, as well as weaving market in the depths of the medina and the market smugglers "in the building of an old caravanserai.

From the monuments of the city are most interesting to the Grand Mosque, the Church of St. Andrew, luxurious gardens Mendubiya, snow-white palace of Dar al-Mahzen (1684, now here are the Museum of Ancient History and the Museum of Moroccan Arts), a treasure house of Sultan al-Bit Small, palace Sultans (now - the summer residence of the King of Morocco), the mosque Ayssau, Udayas casbah, Gates Kasbah, Bab Fahs, Bab el-Assa, etc., as well as the picturesque narrow streets of the medina. In the city a lot of museums - the Museum of Contemporary Moroccan Art and the Museum of the American diplomatic mission in the old Mission of the United States, Museum of Military Miniatures Forbes (about 120 thousand soldiers models and panoramas of the most famous battles), Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Ethnography, etc.

Surrounding the town are a long one resort area - from Asil to Tetuan lasts a whole series of secluded bays and small, but very clean, sandy beaches. 40 km. from Tangier is located Azela town - once a formidable fortress, and today one of the most elite resort areas of the country. Main attractions of the city - casbah Azela, Medina and the palace Sheriff Ahmed al-Raysuni. Several east lie the ruins of the ancient city of Cotto, but with many capes and hills around Tangier offers a spectacular picture of Gibraltar in the distance rising above the Spanish coast. Very popular and capes Spartel Malabata, caves of Hercules, as well as hiking and horseback excursions on the spurs of the mountain range Reef.

Lying in the middle of the Atlantic coast of Agadir - Morocco Best Atlantic resort, famous for its boundless, sandy beaches and excellent climate - temperature, even in December falls here below + 22 degrees, in summer, thanks to the cool Canary Current, there are no heat from exhausting and at the same 300 days a year here the sun shines. Agadir Beach stretches a broad belt of almost 13 km., Virtually anywhere you can find any of the "sea" of recreation - sea fishing, windsurfing, scuba diving, riding a thoroughbred horse on the beach, golf, tennis, paragliding, etc.

Old buildings in Agadir virtually no, even the traditional medina - in 1960 the old city was virtually destroyed by a devastating earthquake. But full of ultra-modern hotels and office buildings, shady parks, a well-developed service sector, and stretches along the coast resort area with many boutiques, cafes, restaurants and shops. Around the city a lot of exciting beautiful places - the famous Valley of Sousse (in the center of growing citrus) and called "mini-Marrakech, Taroudannt city in the east, the majestic mountain ranges Anti-Atlas, deserted beaches between Tamrhaht and Taghazut in the north, the stunning beach near the town of Ouarzazate (between Safi and El Zhadida), the beautiful town of Ouarzazate (about 160 km. south-east of Agadir), the center of jewelry - a Berber town of Tiznit in the south, and many other places worthy a visit.

At 173 km. north of Agadir on the coast is a beautiful fortress port of Essaouira ( "Fortress"), in the old days - the capital of pirates Mogador, "with the filing of" Jimi Hendrix became famous in 60-70 years. XX century as a place of pilgrimage for bohemians and hippies from all over the world, but at the moment - a real mecca windsurfer and scuba divers. Among the numerous historical monuments of the city most interested in the former residence of the Pasha (now a museum, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah), streets and homes in the Moorish style, fortress walls surrounding the old Medina, the main mosque, bastions of al-Bermil and el-Baroud, Sea Gate (1769 g.) with a small wooden bridge, Bab-el-SEBA (Lion Gate), itself a picturesque port of Essaouira and, of course, many markets. Essaouira is the undisputed center of Moroccan art, here the mass of galleries, located inside the city walls, among which the most famous being the art galleries of Frederic Damgaard and "Othello."

In the vicinity of the city lie the famous purple island and the island of Mogador, and Dar-Sultan ( "castle in the sand", the end of XVIII century). "Marabou" (mosque on the site of the tomb of a hermit) in Sidi Cauca, a picturesque beach of Sidi Kharrazi and Numerous colorful Berber villages.

Through the whole country, from the valley of the river Sus to the oasis Tafilalt and from the valley to Tizi URICA n'Testa, is this the "zone of the Berbers, which is worth a visit for the sake of getting acquainted with this unique culture and its colorful architecture. Places like the Valley Asif Ait-valley Unila, Hollow Tistult, Ouarzazate, Suk Cem Ghmat, ancient Ukaymeden (nowadays one of the largest ski resorts in Africa) in the western part of the National Park Prints Repestr, Tameslot, Tanaut, ancient salt in design Uyrgan, birthplace Almohad dynasty - casbah Tinmel, fortress Glaoui and numerous settlements along the border of desert regions.

Trekking routes of the country is very diverse, the benefit of the Atlas mountains provide for all of the conditions. The most popular in this regard, the area of Mount Toubkal (the highest mountain in Morocco, 4 167 m), Essaouira, Ukaymeden, Ras N'vankorim, Bu Regreg, Tessaut, Aghbalu, Sidi Amandar, Assake, Jebel Saghro and other interesting Toubkal National Parks and Tazzeka.