Morocco has many wonders and attractions worth visiting but the following are our favourites as they portrayed the most glorious form of Moroccan architecture. Take a visual journey through this stunning architecture influenced by many cultures since Morocco is located in a unique location – a North African country bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
1. Hassan Tower, Rabat
Many many years ago (1195 to be exact), Sultan Yacub al Mansour intended to build the largest mosque in the world. The minaret was planned to be 86m (260ft), ramps were built instead of stairs as the Sultan wants the Mu’adhin – a person appointed at a mosque to lead and recite the call to prayer to ride the horse to the top of the tower instead of climbing the stairs. Several walls and 200 columns were built but unfortunately, the great Sultan died and the construction stopped when the minaret is at the height of about 44m (140 ft).
Eventhough the beautiful minaret made of red sandstone is incomplete till today, it is without a doubt, the pride of Moroccan style architecture and it is also an important historical site in Rabat and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/5sephrGfBF22
Opening Hours: 9AM – 6PM
Entrance fee: Free
2. Bahia Palace, Marrakech
Bahia Palace is located in Marrakech. It is intended to be the greatest palace of its time and we can definitely tell why since the architecture is crafted in beautiful Islamic and Moroccan style. If you’re going to be in Marrakech only for 24 hours, make sure you spend some time soaking up the beautiful rose bouquet painted ceilings, stained glass window, and 2-acre garden.
Built at the end of 19th century for Ahmed ibn Moussa, a wealthy man during that period, the palace is home for his official concubines. Their importance or favour will determine the size of their bedroom. There are 160 rooms in the palace but only 150 rooms are open to the public.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WjbL5yeQ1e52
Opening Hours: 8AM – 5PM
Entrance fee: 1 Euro
3. Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca
Also known as Grande Mosque Hassan II, it is one of the top Morocco tourist attractions. It the largest mosque in Morocco and has the tallest minaret in the world – towering at 210 metres. What is so special about this mosque is that apart from the fact that it is built partially on land and partially over the Atlantic ocean, the 60 stories high minaret is equipped with a laser from which is directed towards Mecca to help worshippers position themselves more precisely.
At one time, the mosque can fit up to 105,000 worshippers; 25,000 inside the mosque hall and the remaining on the ground outside the mosque. This is also not your ordinary mosque as there are Islamic school, hammams, a museum, conference halls and a library in the same compound as the majestic mosque.
P.S. If you’re planning your trip to Morocco, check out our 2-day itinerary to Casablanca.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/rWxvDDE6TGo
Opening Hours: 9AM – 2PM
Entrance Fee: 12 Euro (guided tour included)
4. Marrakech Museum, Marrakech
The most interesting feature of the museum is the fact that it is housed in Dar M’Nebhi Palace. The palace will leave you in awe as the 19th building has been heavily decorated and carved especially the windows, archways, and pillars. Representing the Andalusian architecture, the museum is complete with seating areas, a hammam, and fountains in the courtyard. There is also a large chandelier with impressive design hung at the courtyard.
Some of the items on display at the museum are both modern and traditional Moroccan art, historical books, coins, pottery and Islamic artefacts. Make sure you take your camera with you and capture the beauty of Andalusian architecture.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/MxizkWC3frF2
Opening Hours: 9AM – 6.30PM
Entrance Fee: 5 Euro
5. Dar El Makhzen, Tangier
Built for Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17 century, Dar El Makhzen or also known as the Sultanate Palace. It is one of the many places you need to visit when you’re in Morocco. Witness the luxurious and grandeur lifestyle of Sultan Moulay Ismail! As you enter the palace, the first feature you’ll notice is the elegant courtyards decorated with stunning Moroccan exterior design. Even though the palace is considered to be of average size compared to other palaces that were built for Sultans around the same period, the interior and details of the Dar El Makhzen is still astonishing.
The wooden ceiling, marble courtyard, and marble fountains are as luxurious as any other palaces in the country. Major parts of the palace are now home to the Museum of Moroccan Arts. The palace offers you an incredible work of arts of Moroccan, firearm exhibits, manuscripts, pottery, silk, and carpets.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ZazjB8EQtVp
Opening Hours: 9AM – 4PM (except Tuesday)
Moroccan architecture is amazing, right?
Morocco is filled with architectural gems that hold ancient tales. Hence, it is a must to include this beautiful country on your bucket list. If you are visiting Morocco, and prefer to hall all the travel arrangement are taken care of instead, visit our Morocco country guide for Muslim travellers and book our Muslim-friendly packages to visit Casablanca, Fes, Marrakech, Cordoba, and Granada, among others, with an experienced guide.