The Five Imperial Cities of Morocco
Morocco is a country with a rich history and a diverse culture. While you may not be able to visit every part of the country, there are still many things to see and do in Morocco—and it's easy to plan an itinerary that will allow you to see them all. Here are five of the most beautiful Imperial Cities in this country:
1. Fes
Fes is the largest of the Imperial cities of Morocco, and it's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to being one of the oldest, it also houses the oldest university in the world and has archaeological evidence dating back to before 300 B.C. The city was once home to many different cultures: Romans, Arabs and Berbers all lived here at various times during history. Today Fes has a population of more than 1 million people--and it's still growing! The old city is filled with winding alleys, gardens and small shops selling spices, jewellery and more. There are also many mosques here, including the Kairaouine Mosque, one of the oldest in Morocco and all of Africa. The city is also known for its artisans, who work in leather and other materials. You can see their work throughout the old city.
The spiritual capital of Morocco has many mosques that date back hundreds if not thousands (or even millions) years ago; they're part of what makes Fes so special as an Islamic city in Morocco where everyone can feel welcome regardless of their faith or background! Fes is one of the best cities of Morocco for street art and graffiti; it's also a great place to shop for traditional Moroccan carpets, leather goods and handmade crafts. There are many markets throughout Fes where you can buy all kinds of things--but beware as some of them aren't very touristy!
2. Rabat
Rabat is the capital of Morocco and one of the five Imperial cities of Morocco. It's a modern city with a rich history, but it also has some old structures that date back to when it was first founded in 1510 by Yusuf ibn Tashfin. Today, Rabat is home to many important governmental buildings like the Constitutional Coury and Royal Palace and it's where Morocco’s political activity happens.
In addition to its political significance, Rabat was also once considered an important religious center as well as an economic center due to its location at a crossroads between North Africa and Europe. Rabat is located on the Atlantic coast and is a great place to visit if you're looking for some beach time. The Hassan II Mosque serves as one example—it's arguably one of Morocco's most famous landmarks. Rabat is also known for its cuisine. Traditionally, Moroccan food consists of a wide variety of ingredients such as olives, and dates.
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3. Meknes
Meknes is the third largest city in Morocco, and it's known for its architecture and history. The Kasbah of Meknes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was founded in 1070 by Sultan Abd al-Aziz Ibn Mohammed Ibn Yusuf Ibn Abi Zayd as part of his expansion into Africa. Meknes has a population of 1 million people today and serves as an important economic hub for northern Morocco's agriculture sector; it also boasts one of Africa's oldest university campuses, which dates back to 1471. The city's main attractions include the Koubba Ba'adiyn, a 16th-century mosque that was built by Sultan Moulay Ismail and the tombs of Idriss II and Abd al Malik. Meknes is also home to some of Morocco's most famous couscous restaurants.
The city is also known for its beautiful mosques and markets. The Grand Mosque of Meknes was built in the 11th century and is one of Morocco's most important religious sites. The medina, or old town, has winding streets lined with shops selling handmade rugs, spices and leather goods.
4. Marrakesh
Marrakesh is perhaps the fourth largest city in Morocco and its capital. It is located on the edges of the High Atlas Mountains, with a population of 800,000 inhabitants as of 2019. The city has a medina (the old urban quarter), as well as several palaces that date back to the 13th century. The city is also known for its souks or covered markets. The Souk El Attarine is one of Marrakesh’s most famous markets, selling spices and perfumes. The old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Morocco.
The Kasbah Tamadot Palace is one such palace that you can visit today; it was built by Abd al-Aziz al-Mansur in 1255 AD and overlooks Marrakech's main square called Place Bourgogne (Bourgogne Square). This palace has become one of Morocco’s most popular attractions because it houses some amazing artwork by artists like Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio who painted frescoes inside its walls depicting subjects ranging from religious miracles to everyday life scenes like weddings or birthdays.
5. Tangier
Tangier is the oldest of the Imperial cities of Morocco, having been founded in 705 by Berber tribesmen. Located on the Strait of Gibraltar, this port city has a unique blend of Moroccan and European cultures. It's also one of only three major cities of Morocco with a Spanish name—the other two are Fez (which means "new") and Marrakesh (meaning "city"). The city is a great place to visit if you want to see the contrast between traditional Moroccan culture and Western influences.
The city has been described as a "giant open-air museum," with its winding alleys and colorful buildings. It's also a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches, which are located just outside the city walls. The city has a long history as a trading post and is known for its medina or walled old town.
Tangier is a popular destination for tourists today and has many hotels, restaurants and shopping areas. It's also home to several universities including the American University of Tangier (AUT) which was established in 1956 as a non-profit institution by the United States government.
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Conclusion
Morocco has so much to offer, from its ancient cities to its beautiful beaches. In this article, we've listed five of them: Rabat, Marrakesh, Tangier and Fes. They are all beautiful and unique in their own way. You can visit each city separately or as part of a larger trip. Either way, you will enjoy yourself.
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