In Short Meknes was the pet project capital of 17th century ruler Moulay Ismail. Because of him, Meknes is replete with fantastic historical sites, from minarets to museums, to enormous, mosaic doors and royal golf courses. Needless to say, Meknes is a popular travel destination. But, thanks to its strong youth culture, the city isn’t just stuck trying to relive its former golden age. Meknes exports the most famous Moroccan wines, produces many talented musicians and artisans, and attracts professionals from around the world to its wacky, energetic annual festivals. No wonder Meknes is known as “Petit Paris.”
Highlights The historical city of Meknes, including the medina, ramparts, and forts, was the first great work of the Alaouite dynasty, introducing the characteristic blend of European and Islamic urban design, and ultimately becoming a model of kasbah architecture. Because of historical city’s significance and preservation, UNESCO has designated the entire area world heritage site. Among the most popular attractions are the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the Royal stables, the Nejjardine Mosque and Grand Mosque, as well as the Bab Mansour, Bab Lakmis, and Bab Berdaine gates. Other places well worth a visit are the Dar El Makhzen palace, the Lahboui Gardens, the Royal Golf course, Dar El Beida palace, and the Cara subterranean prisons.
Special Events Meknes has many unique annual festivals. Most notable are the International Festival of Animated Cinema (FICAM) in April, the International Festival of Moroccan Agriculture also in April, the Festival of National Theatre in June, the Fantasia Festival in September, and the International Festival of Urban Freestyle and Dance, held in September.
Day trips from Meknes If the sites at Meknes aren’t enough for you, the city is less than half an hour away from the pilgrimage town of Moulay Idriss and the UNESCO ruins at Volubilis. It is also less than an hour away from Fes, and two hours away from Rabat. If any of these stops interests you and you cannot find it in one of the itineraries below, one of our representatives would be very happy to help you schedule it into your trip.
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