Month: April 2021

During our stay in Morocco we tried many dishes of local cuisine. Before going to Morocco we associated Arab cuisine with interesting flavors, combinations of oriental spices with meat and vegetables, fragrant varieties of tea, delicious seafood. So what did we get in fact, and what dishes and drinks are served in cafes and restaurants in Morocco? Read thes articl to have more information about Moroccan food

1-Vegetable couscous with meat

In Europe couscous is not cheap and is almost considered an exotic side dish. For example, in the Czech Republic a kilo of couscous will cost 3-4 euros for culinary delights. In Morocco couscous is a familiar side dish and is used to prepare many traditional dishes. For those who didn’t know, couscous is a coarsely ground grits.

One of the most popular variations of this side dish Moroccan food is couscous with vegetables and a piece of meat (chicken, beef or lamb) or fish. Couscous is cooked in a pot or in a special pot – tajine. Tajin is a ceramic dish with a conical lid. When cooked in a tagine, the food is stewed and acquires a subtle flavor. When served, the lid is removed and you get a ceramic plate with meat on the bone, couscous, and coarsely chopped vegetables on top (turnips, carrots, eggplant) and aromatic spices. Sounds delicious, doesn’t it? However, if you don’t like couscous, you’re a meat-eater, and you want to be well-fed, then it’s categorically not good for you. And that’s because there is not much meat in such dishes – no more than 100 grams.

The average price of vegetable couscous with meat (couscous aux legumes et à la viande) in Moroccan restaurants food is 45-80 Dirhams, depending on how touristy the place is where you eat it. Personally, I was expecting big portions at such small prices for Africa.

2-Tagine

A tajine is not only a pot for stewing meat, but also any dish that is cooked in such a pot. Interesting variations of meat or fish dishes are prepared in a tajine – we appreciated the tajine with beef and prunes (tajine de boeuf aux prunes), as well as tajine with chicken, lemon and olives (tajine de poulet au citron). Traditionally, tajine is cooked over a fire and spices, dried fruits and olive oil are added to flavor the dish. This dish is served with slices of Moroccan flatbread to collect the rest of the sauce and sprinkled with almonds or slices of boiled egg on top.

Most places in Morocco have menus only in Arabic or French. So if you do not speak any of these languages, be sure to look up the translation of unfamiliar dishes in the dictionary, otherwise you may order tajine with giblets or liver instead of meat.

The average price for a tagine varies from Dh40 to Dh90 depending on the fillings. We had the most delicious and hearty tajine at Menara Mall in Marrakech for 85 dirhams. No matter where else we tried the tajine, we never encountered such an intense flavor again. We had the worst tajine with liver in it at the Zayna restaurant in the new medina in Casablanca.

3-Shish Kebab

A popular type of kebab in Turkey, which resembles our shish kebab, has reached Morocco. As a rule, such kebab is cooked from chicken or lamb, and fresh vegetables and onions are added to the skewer. Shish kebab is a fast version of a snack. It can be found at roadside cafes and at the food courts of shopping malls. It is often garnished with French fries and a small vegetable salad. The average price of a portion of shish kebab is 60-70 dirhams with side dish in a clean place.

4-Harira Soup

Harira is a traditional Moroccan food soup made of meat broth with tomatoes, lentils and chickpeas. The soup is served with a mint flatbread and a couple of dates. The soup may be served with ground or whole ingredients in a blender. Sometimes pieces of chicken or lamb are added and the soup is sprinkled with lemon juice when served. Harira soup seemed to us too greasy and spicy – it is not for nothing that Arabs fast with it during Ramadan. The average price of a bowl of harira soup is 6-8 dirhams.

5-Moroccan food mint tea

Local mint tea (thé à la menthe) is often called “Moroccan whiskey” because it is incredibly relaxing. Green tea with peppermint is lavishly laced with sugar and poured into a traditional teapot with a narrow spout. The tea is poured into small glass cups from a height so that it is oxygenated and also so that foam is formed. During the meal, each guest drinks one small teapot of mint tea. The cost of a cup of mint tea in the cafe is 15-20 dirhams.

In Moroccan markets you can buy dried mint (for less than 10 dirhams for a large bundle) and brew yourself a fragrant mint tea at home. Another thing is that the tea will not be factory packaging, and may cause suspicion to customs officials at the entrance. But this, of course, is a joke. In addition to dried mint, you can also buy Berber tea – intoxicating blend of mountain herbs with a unique flavor.

6-Moroccan food Sweets

The locals are very fond of sweets, and therefore there are whole departments with small packaged cookies in stores. You can buy an already assembled box of sweets or assemble a box of your own taste. I remember these sweets with their bright almond and honey flavor and marzipan filling. We took them to Prague, but upon arrival we realized that we liked them only in Morocco, and at home they did not cause any special emotions. The price for a box with a kilo of Moroccan sweets is 70-100 Dirhams. Not a bad souvenir for sweet-tooth friends.

Before the Carrefour supermarket, we tried these sweets at the cute L’Adresse café in Djema el-Fna square in the medina of Marrakech, ordering a plate with them for dessert. It cost in the neighborhood of 70 dirhams.

In Morocco, we were very pleased with the sweets sold in the Paul’s confectionery chain. They were much tastier than what we are used to in Prague. To eat such a delicious tartlet with raspberries and drink coffee in Marrakech can be done for 55 dirhams.

7-Orange and Pomegranate Fresh

Many people have heard that Morocco is an orange paradise. Oranges are delicious here, and their freshly squeezed juice is excellent. We didn’t dare to try the fresh fruit in the street as the level of hygiene in some places was horrible, but in any café or restaurant you can order a fresh fruit made of juicy oranges for 15-20 dirhams. We asked not to add ice to the juice, because the running water in Morocco is not of the best quality, and ice is made from it.

In addition to orange juice, the streets of Morocco offer pomegranate juice for only 10 dirhams. By the way, the local pomegranates, which were small and pink, were not to our liking. But the imported Turkish pomegranates, which were literally bursting with juice, were so delicious that we took a couple with us back to Prague.

The unusual thing is that in the markets in Moroccan medinas, there are carts of cacti here and there. The vendor cleans the cactus in front of you with special gloves and pulls out a juicy burgundy fruit. The main thing here is not to get dirty.

8-Fast Moroccan Food

Fast food or street food in Morocco helped us a lot, especially at the end of our trip, when the local tagine was no longer acceptable. The range of fast food here is classic: pizza, spaghetti, burgers. We tried pizza and spaghetti with meat at the food court in the mall in Fez and were not really full, so we had to order more. The spaghetti was funny: in spite of the two portions we ate, we were still not satiated.

Very tasty and juicy burgers we ate not far from our rented apartment in Casablanca – at Blend. At McDonalds, a good burger with meat in it costs around 40-50 dirhams. A lunch of burgers and drinks for two at a decent place costs 200 dirhams.

As for the local fast food, we never dared to visit a place with it. It was too unkempt and dirty inside. As a rule, such cafes serve pizza, shawarma, burgers, sandwiches at a price of 20 to 45 dirhams per serving. You can find such places by their smell, because the stench from them can be felt a mile away.

9-Seafood

We did not try seafood in Morocco for the reason that they were served exclusively in expat establishments, and we wanted to try something local and authentic. I approached the fish counters at Acima and Carrefour supermarkets several times and was always amazed at the price of seafood. For example, one kilo of small shrimps costs about 14 Euros, while in neighbouring Canary Islands a huge box of shrimps (at least 2.5-3 kilos) comes to less than 20 Euros. The impression is that in Morocco, fish at a bargain price can be taken only in the markets of the locals. But then again, if you are a tourist, no one will ever tell you its real price. And if you want to buy seafood in normal conditions in a supermarket, be prepared to pay a tidy sum.

10-Local dates

Like in many other southern countries, Morocco grows dates. We tasted several varieties of dates – including those bought in the supermarket at 180 dirhams per kg, bought in the bazaar in the medina at 120 dirhams per kg and at a small kiosk near the house at 40 dirhams per kg. The more expensive ones were very sugary and juicy and would have been a good replacement for a sweet. But the cheaper ones did not cause any special emotions. At the market, in addition to Moroccan dates, you can buy Tunisian ones.

11-Bread

Observing the people of Morocco, it is not difficult to notice that people live very poor, so I had the opinion that bread is the main product on the Moroccan table. But, again, I was disappointed when I tasted different kinds of bread in Morocco. It was always unpalatable, rubbery, and this was true of any bread – bought at the market or served for lunch in a restaurant, or a baguette bought in a European supermarket. More often than not, Moroccan tortillas are brought to diners. They are also a staple in markets in Moroccan Food cities.

12-Alcohol in Morocco

As in other Arab countries, alcohol is not plentiful in Morocco. However, you can buy it in special alcoholmarkets or in shopping malls built in expat neighborhoods away from mosques.

A pleasant discovery for us were not bad local wines – especially the red ones. The wines are produced here according to French technology under the keen supervision of European specialists. A 0,75 liter bottle will cost you from 55 to 100 dirhams. In Morocco they sell a unique grey wine, “vino gris,” which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. We tasted it, but did not find anything special in it.

In addition to wines, Morocco also produces beer. We only managed to try Casablanca Premium beer. It costs about 15 dirhams for a 0.33-liter bottle in a special alkomarket. The beer turned out to be a regular light lager, without any frills or aftertaste. So we preferred to spend the evening with a glass of red wine.

In conclusion I would like to say that we expected from the Moroccan cuisine more. It loses in many ways the Mediterranean cuisine and can not be compared with the cuisine of neighboring Canary Islands. Tourists write that the seafood is better in the coastal resort town of Agadir than in the rest of the country – I do not know, we have not checked. We were unpleasantly surprised by European prices in restaurants and small portions for the money. Have you tried the Moroccan cuisine?

Casablanca city, the “white city”, is the largest city in Morocco, a huge port, and actually the second capital of the state. And the largest tourist center on the Atlantic coast of the country: around it there are several popular beach destinations. People come here for the oriental color and interesting shopping, there are mosques, Catholic and Orthodox churches, oriental bazaars and French monuments – everyone will find something interesting.

Top 10 Sights in Casablanca City

Hassan II Mosque

Hassan II Mosque is the main and most beautiful mosque of Casablanca city, located on the very shore of the Atlantic Ocean. It was built in 1993 by the French architect Michel Pinceau and became the largest mosque in the country. Its minaret is 210 meters high and can accommodate up to 25,000 people.

They tried to make this mosque a real national symbol: it is almost entirely built from stone mined in Morocco. This pink marble, onyx, colorful granite, and other rocks. Only the snow-white marble for decorating the columns was brought from Italy. Several thousand Moroccan artists worked on its decoration.

The peculiarity of the building is that it protrudes far into the water. The architect himself said that he was struck by the words of the Koran: “The throne of Allah is upon the water,” and he tried to embody them in the architecture. The view of the ocean opens right out of the prayer hall.

El Hank Lighthouse

The lighthouse at Cape El Hank is one of the symbols of Casablanca city. It was built in 1914. It is a snow-white tower 50 meters high with 256 steps leading to the top. You have to pay to get in, but you can go up if you want.

At the beginning of the XX century, the lighthouse was equipped with the newest and best quality equipment. It worked for 100 years and still does. The light of this lighthouse can be seen from 53 km away. An amusing feature is that on holidays the Moroccans decorate their lighthouse by wrapping it with colorful strips of cloth.

From its top, you have the best view of the coast, the Hassan II mosque, and the fishermen’s quarter with its small, doughty houses. The wide strip of beach in front of the lighthouse is actually a soccer field, much loved by the locals.

Mohammed V Square Ensemble

At the beginning of the twentieth century, when it became clear that there was no more room for public buildings in the Old City, the city was greatly expanded. It was then that the ensemble of this square which is now the administrative center of Casablanca city began to take shape.

The building of the French Consulate, designed by the architect A. Laparde, was erected there in 1916. In 1922, the Palace of Justice – Palais de Justice Mahakma do Paix was built. It was built in the traditional Moroccan style, with rich ornaments and interior decoration, and really looks more like a palace than a simple administrative center. It is now the building that attracts many tourists and inside you can get in with a guided tour or on open-door days several times a year. In 1937, the Prefecture was built with a huge tower – its height is about 50 meters, and this tower is also marked in all travel guides as one of the symbols of the city. Finally, in the center of the square stands the fountain built in 1976, around which huge flocks of pigeons usually fly.

Old Medina of Casablanca

The old medina, the old market of Casablanca city, is an area that has not changed much since the late 19th century. It was lucky – the French leadership decided not to rebuild the old historic center, but simply moved the center of the city to a new location. So now you can quietly walk around the old narrow streets between the buildings, which are 200-300 years old. The quarter remains residential: it is not flushed out for tourists and has not been restored, but it is here you can feel the color of old Morocco.

The market itself is active here: sells everything from fruit to leather goods. It is customary here to haggle – as a rule, no price tags, and you have to negotiate the price with the seller. Be prepared that the initial price is always inflated, and you are expected to try to bring it down. Noisy hustlers, plenty of exotics, the opportunity to see with your own eyes the work of artisans – all this can be found in the old medina.

Museum of the Jewish Community of Morocco

The Jewish community in Morocco is several thousand years old – Jewish traders began to settle here in the IV-III centuries AD. In the Middle Ages, a huge wave of immigrants came here: when the Jews were expelled from Spain and Portugal at the end of the XV century, many moved here with their families. Today, despite the fact that many have moved to Israel, Casablanca has a significant Jewish diaspora. Morocco is now the most Israel-friendly Islamic state, its authorities do a lot to preserve the Jewish heritage: ancient synagogues, cemeteries, etc.

The museum was opened in 1997. The museum has a media center where you can watch films about the history of Moroccan Jews and the exhibition itself is composed of objects of worship and life since the 13th century. Jewish and Arab art have influenced each other for centuries here, and you can see their intertwining in the museum.

Sacred Heart Cathedral

A huge Catholic cathedral was built in the 1930s by the French architect Paul Tournon. This architect was one of the first to use reinforced concrete structures, which made it possible to create truly huge and modern buildings. For example, he owns the famous Church du Saint-Esprit in Paris.

The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is a grandiose neo-Gothic building with traditional Moroccan motifs. It is often referred to as a “cathedral”, but this is incorrect; there has never been a bishop’s pulpit here, just that this temple is really striking in its scale. Services were held there until 1956, and after the recognition of the independence of Morocco by France, services no longer take place. Now it’s a cultural center with concerts and exhibitions, so it’s free to go inside. The stained glass windows and part of the decor have been preserved.

Abdurahman Slough Museum

A small private museum based on an art collection assembled by the Moroccan businessman Abdourahman Slau. Mainly, it presents antiques of the XIX-XX centuries: a collection of old posters, French art nouveau furniture, household items, engravings, and knickknacks. There are permanent exhibitions, but there are also temporary exhibitions. The museum has a large collection of works by Mohamed Ben Ali R’bati, the most famous Moroccan artist of the 19th and 20th centuries. They are very beautiful and interesting because they combine classic European techniques of painting with traditional Arabic miniature.

The museum occupies two floors and there is a small café on the second floor. Given that Casablanca does not have a traditional local history museum, it is this museum that can replace it.

Habous Quarterly

Habous is a neighborhood built by the French in the 1910s and 1930s during the expansion of the city. This is a must-visit because the real tourist center of Casablanca is here. If the old town can be a little messy and scary in the evenings, it is beautiful, bright, and safe here. The Oriental flavor has been fully preserved here, but it has been preserved by the French-Europeans, so it is just what the tourist needs.

The houses are decorated with Eastern ornaments, beautiful and perfectly clean, the souvenir shops are air-conditioned, and the narrow streets neighbor the wide and green boulevards. There are some beautiful mosques, also built by the French in the thirties, such as that of Sultan Moulay Youssef bin Hassan.

There is also the New Medina, the new marketplace, which is what draws most of the crowds here. The market is divided into sections – somewhere they sell only spices, somewhere – olive oil, somewhere – ceramics, somewhere – sausages from camel meat, but souvenirs – everywhere and at every step. In contrast to the old town, where there are almost no restaurants, here they are abundant.

Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral

The current Catholic cathedral was built from 1929 to 1953 by the French architect Auguste Perret. This building is an example of how it is possible not to adhere to the traditional style in religious architecture, but to create something completely new. The temple combines elements of constructivism and neo-gothic. The interior is also very unusual – constructivist columns look interesting against the bright stained glass windows.

The cathedral was built in memory of the apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1858 in the town of Lourdes. Now Lourdes is one of the most important Catholic religious centers. In this cathedral, the statue of Our Lady in the courtyard reminds us of the miraculous apparition. It is in a cave niche, just as it once appeared to a French girl, Bernadette Soubirous.

Tamaris Water Park

15 km from Casablanca city is the largest water park in Morocco, its area is more than 7 hectares. There are several different zones here – children’s (Twistie Paradis), extreme, and family. All three zones are connected by a slow river that flows through the whole area. There is a pool with a real sand beach.

In addition to water activities, there is a bowling alley, and a large children’s play center with a variety of activities, from the driving range to board games. In the afternoon there are usually children’s animators. There is even a mini-zoo with elephants and three cafes with different cuisines: Italian, Moroccan, and American.

All visitors note the cleanliness and order here. European tourists try to get here during the month of Ramadan, when almost only foreigners come here, at other times, especially in the evenings, it can be quite crowded.

Airport in Casablanca

The airport in Casablanca city is named after Sultan Mohammed V. It is located in the city of Nouesser, about 30 kilometers from Casablanca. The airport is connected to many cities around the world and a direct flight Moscow-Casablanca city was launched in 2011.
The airport has 2 terminals which are connected by a passage. Terminal 2 serves international flights and terminal 1 – is domestic.
Annually, more than 7.5 million passengers are served there and the airport has two runways, both 3,720 meters long.

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Casablanca airport Print

Casablanca Airport

The Casablanca Airport is named after Sultan Mohammed V. It is located in the town of Nouesser, around 30 km from Casablanca. The airport is connected to many cities around the world and a direct flight Moscow-Casablanca was launched in 2011.
The airport has 2 terminals which are connected by a passage. Terminal 2 serves international flights and terminal 1 – is domestic.
Annually, more than 7.5 million passengers are served there and the airport has two runways, both 3,720 meters long.

Services

The airport in Casablanca city is ready to offer its guests a variety of services. For business class passengers, the airport has a Business Aviation Lounge with Internet access, office equipment, satellite TV, etc. For conferences, you can use the lounge of the Atlas Airport Hotel, which is located near the terminal.
Casablanca airport also offers a large number of cafes and restaurants that are always ready to feed hungry visitors.
A special service is available for passengers with children – escorting children from four to twelve years of age and ensuring their complete safety. To use this service, you must submit a package of documents in advance.
In addition, the airport has wireless Internet access, post office, ATMs, bank branches, etc.
If necessary, tourists can always use the services of medical assistance in the medical center or buy medicines in the pharmacy.

Recreation

Not far from the airport there is a hotel “Atlas Airport Hotel” – 3 stars, it was mentioned above. Therefore, tourists can always rest comfortably in this hotel. It is worth adding that the airport also has a hotel, but it is only for transit passengers.

How to get there

There are 4 ways to get from the airport to Casablanca city:

1. Train. There is a train station in Terminal 1, from which trains depart regularly, at 1-hour intervals. The running time is from 6:50 am to 22:50 pm.
2. Bus. Regularly from 5:30 am till 23:00 pm STM buses depart from the airport.
3. Cabs. A cab stand is located near the arrivals hall.
4. Rent a car. There are several companies in the terminal that provide car rentals.

Walks in Casablanca city

The name of this Moroccan city is well known to all movie lovers, in 1942 an American director shot a romantic film that later became a cult. So today, fans of cinema and romance go for walks in Casablanca, trying to find familiar landscapes and places from the film.

Walks in Casablanca of old

The name of the city is translated very simply – “white house”, but in this simplicity, there is both authenticity and beauty. Walking through the streets of the historic center, the tourist unwittingly notices how much white color surrounds him, in fact, the streets consist of snow-white stone houses and narrow curved streets. The absence of transport is striking, there is nothing but peaceful donkeys, with tourists is the so-called immersion in history, in previous eras, when no one thought of technical progress.

It is this ancient atmosphere that becomes the main attraction of Casablanca city if you travel through it alone, without a guide. If a guide accompanies the traveler or group of tourists, Casablanca city reveals many of its secrets. For example, you can go for a walk through the majestic and imposing building, which has a telling name – Mahakma does Pasha, which sounds like the residence of the Pasha of Casablanca.

The palace complex is built in the Spanish-Moorish style, it is noticeable at a glance. There are about sixty large and small halls, there are cozy inner courtyards, and many of the rooms are decorated with artful carvings typical of this style.

Hassan II Mosque

Another trip to Casablanca may be related to Islamic culture and the local mosques, which are a work of art by ancient and modern architects. The heart of the city is the Hassan II Mosque, which is the second largest (in the world). It was built not so long ago, and that is why Michel Pinceau, a French architect, managed to make the dome slide. Now the place for prayers “with a slight movement of the hand” can turn into an open terrace.

On the one hand, the Hassan II mosque is the main Muslim religious building in Casablanca; on the other hand, other institutions are also housed here:

• a library with a large collection of ancient sacred texts;
• Madrasah, a school for “young theologians;
• The National Museum preserves important artifacts.

In addition, the mosque hosts a variety of cultural events.

Beaches in Casablanca

Casablanca city, an African city with a typical Spanish name, is the largest city in Morocco; it is the business and financial capital of the country. As a seaport, Casablanca has become the largest city in the entire African state. Although the modern capital is Rabat, Casablanca is still considered the symbol of Morocco.

Despite all the connections with other countries of the world, this city on the coast has perfectly preserved its national colors. Small houses, mostly with flat roofs, and towering above them is an imposing mosque, which at certain hours is open to tourists. In principle, a visiting Muslim has the right to enter the religious edifice and pray there not only during “tourist” time.

In this city, those who speak French quite well will feel comfortable, because the local population speaks it to a greater or lesser extent. English-speaking residents are very few. But most visitors to Casablanca city are not primarily focused on excursions, but to indulge in beach vacations.

Many of the beaches in Casablanca are man-made, although they are not inferior to natural beaches. The best sandy beaches in Casablanca city with clear water are:

1. Ayn Diab.
2. Booznik.
3. Agadir.
4. Cornish.

The most important beach in Casablanca city is Ain Diab. It is close to the city center. Nevertheless, high waves occur here, which do not always allow a good swim. Therefore, there are numerous swimming pools on the coast and beach clubs nearby. You can swim in the pools with your children.

Bouznika

Buznika is no longer in the city, but between Casablanca and Rabat. The town is also called Buznika, and surfers and swimmers flock here every winter. The beach is 40km away from Casablanca city.

The beach in the city of Agadir, which is located in a closed bay is incredibly popular among tourists. Moreover, it is protected by the surrounding hills. Here is good for water sports – swimming, surfing, water skiing. While in Agadir, it is easy to be deceived: everything looks European, even the clothes of passers-by, while you are in a Muslim country.

The Corniche

The beaches of the Corniche are elite. You will not find a budget holiday here. However, if you are a wealthy person, you can choose this option, as the rest of the beaches of private hotels are organized on the top fork.

Those who love the sun and sultry summers should visit the beaches of Casablanca city, especially if the European and Turkish beaches are already boured.

It’s over 30 degrees outside and you want to cheer up, refresh yourself and stop thinking about the cauldrons of hell? Try the traditional Moroccan tea, which has been saving the whole of North Africa from the heat for centuries. Morocco is not where tea is grown, but today it is one of the largest tea importers in the world. Here they prefer Chinese green ganpauder – but they brew it differently than in China. The Moroccans have created their own tea ceremony, and it has a very important place in everyday life.

You may be interested in Masala tea

History of the drink

On the internet you can easily find the legend of how in the 19th century a British merchant, who was carrying Chinese tea for sale, had to change his route because of an unexpected outbreak of hostilities, and accidentally ended up in Morocco. To prevent the precious cargo from spoiling, the merchant sold it to the locals, who, in turn, invented a new kind of tea based on green Chinese tea

There is another curious legend associated with Moroccan tea. It is known that Morocco has been of particular interest to European states since the 1700s. According to some reports, around the 18th century, the Queen of England sent to the Moroccan sultan porcelain tea cups of fine work and a detailed description of the tea ceremony, which Great Britain is still famous for.

New traditions allegedly came to the heart of the local nobility, and gradually took root, but the main thing in this legend – the mention that already at that time Moroccans were preparing and drinking their own drink based on green tea with the addition of spices, mint and citrus fruits.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to say exactly when the recipe for Moroccan tea was invented because historians have not yet been able to establish this fact. But it is obvious that the tradition of tea drinking in Morocco has its roots in antiquity and the drink could hardly have appeared in the 19th or even 18th century.

How did Moroccan tea come to be?

The history of this aromatic drink began in the middle of the 19th century. A British trader, bringing “gunpowder” tea from China, was forced to adjust the route. The reason for that was the military actions that were breaking out all over the place. The Briton ended up in Morocco. It was there that he sold the tea. This is how the residents of Morocco got a delicious drink, and the trader found a new outlet.

But the story does not end there. “Ganpowder became the basis for mint tea, which became extremely popular not only in Morocco. People began to drink it in Tunisia and Algeria, in Spain and France. By the way, this tea is also called Maghrib tea, Tunisian tea, Tuareg.

Tea drinking traditions in Morocco

As in many other Eastern countries, tea is a traditional symbol of hospitality in Morocco. It is offered to any guest, especially to a respected or noble one, and tea is used for serious conversation and relaxed conversation and for solving many important issues. To refuse the offered tea means to show disrespect to the hosts of the house and to show oneself as an extremely impolite guest.

Interestingly, in Morocco the brewing of tea is usually done by men, although all the cooking in the house is always done by women, as is customary almost everywhere in the East. This also emphasizes the special attitude both to the drink itself and to the tea-drinking ceremony, which is perceived almost as a religious rite, in which women are excluded.

The Moroccans use expensive and beautiful dishes for making tea, which is also extremely resistant to high temperatures. The fact is that the traditional drink in Morocco is not just brewed, but boiled over a fire and then poured into cups.

Another interesting feature is the presence of a lot of foam in the tea, which is also considered a sign of respect for the guest. To achieve this effect, the drink from the brewer is poured into the cup from a decent height. At the same time, the stream of liquid has time to be “saturated” with air, and half of the cup of properly brewed and served Moroccan tea is precisely the airy foam.

Cooking recipes

For this you will need:

• A metal kettle (while adding the main ingredients, the drink stands on the fire, you need to stir);
• mint (you can fill the kettle completely to the lid);
• sugar (can be regular or burnt).

Preparation:

• green tea is brewed and infused for 25 minutes;
• filtered and poured into a metal kettle, which is placed on the fire;
• sugar is added;
• Mint comes last.

You don’t have to put the mint in the kettle, you can just place it in glasses. It’s easy to make Moroccan mint tea.

Brewing with a “rinse”

Another ritual that accompanies the process of Another ritual that accompanies the process of making tea is rinsing.

• To give the tea a special flavor, it is rinsed several times. If you follow the rules of preparation, you need to rinse at least 4 times.
• The first water is not thrown away, because it contains the soul of the drink. From a scientific point of view, it is the first water that gets the most essential oils, the source of flavor and aroma. Both points of view are valid.
• Water from the rest of the rinse is poured out – with each subsequent rinse there are fewer and fewer tannins in the brew, which makes the drink light.

At the end of the rinses, pour water from the first, wait for boiling, add sugar and mint.

Cinnamon and spice recipe

The spice drink is a real treat. You need:

• 2 tbsp. large-leaf tea;
• mint leaves;
• orange and lemon;
• spoonful of cinnamon;
• cloves;
• 3 tbsp. tops of sugar;
• liter of water.

How to cook:

• Shred the zest of the fruit in thin julienne;
• squeeze out the juice;
• crush the mint with your hands;
• rinse the tea leaves themselves with boiling water;
• melt the sugar in a pan and cook until brown;
• prepared: burnt sugar, mint, spices (cloves and cinnamon) lemon juice and zest – put together with the brew in a teapot;
• all pour boiling water and wait until it boils, while stirring;
• then turn off the heat, the drink infused for about 20 minutes.

These recommendations are not a dogma – by realizing the charm of the drink, you can expand its taste range to your own taste.

There is a suitable option for a variety of preferences. Verbena and wormwood, thyme, and spices are added to different kinds of brews. Moroccan tea can be brewed with milk. Various fruits and citrus zest will complement the wide range for the African mood.

Useful properties and contraindications

In the East, tea with mint is loved for its pronounced refreshing effect, which is very relevant in hot countries. When it is cold, it is an excellent tonic, while when it is hot, it calms the nervous system and relieves muscle tension. In addition, mint tea is very good for the gastrointestinal tract. With it you can relieve colic, treat stomach upsets and consequences of poisoning.

This tea contains maximum antioxidants, flavonoids, and vitamins, and the famous “foam” may well serve as a kind of “oxygen cocktail” for the body. If you add spices and citrus fruits to the tea, the drink becomes a healing drink for colds or inflammatory processes in the body. And mint itself keeps the bones firm, serves as a prevention of osteoporosis, and improves the quality of tooth enamel. But at the same time, not everyone can drink Moroccan tea. It is not recommended for people with low blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, or problems with urination.

There is an opinion that mint tea is contraindicated for nursing mothers, because this plant can inhibit the production of breast milk – but in practice this effect is expressed differently in different women, and most mothers safely drink mint tea without any consequences. There is an opinion that mint tea is contraindicated for nursing mothers, because this plant can inhibit the production of breast milk – but in practice this effect is expressed differently in different women, and most mothers safely drink mint tea without any consequences.

Benefits and harms of Moroccan tea

The mixture of mint and green tea gives an excellent taste and aroma, in addition, this drink does not have any harmful impurities.

If you drink Moroccan tea regularly, it helps in treating various kinds of ailments:

• Ideal for digestion, for this reason it is often drunk after a meal. The tea blend stimulates the production of bile and gastric juices and speeds up digestion. It relaxes the muscles of the abdomen and provides relief from stomach cramps. In addition, it is effective in the fight against constipation, flatulence and food poisoning.
• Thanks to the mint tea affects the nervous system, a person relaxes. It is ideal after a stressful day and for nervous tension. It is recommended during the premenstrual period, for women after 40 years, as well as for all those who suffer from neuralgia. Moroccan tea is a great solution for insomnia.
• Studies have shown that green tea in combination with peppermint, has a positive effect on mental abilities. The antioxidants it contains have a positive effect on learning and remembering.
• Peppermint beverage contains menthol, which is very necessary during the periods when the symptoms of colds. It eases breathing, cures the cough, removes phlegm. Soothes irritated airways.
• The drink refreshes the breath. Drinking tea one can still feel its taste for a long time. Ideal for those struggling with bad breath.

Who is contraindicated to Moroccan tea?

Despite the rich range of therapeutic properties, the tea drink can be harmful. It is contraindicated for children under the age of 4 years. With caution drink during pregnancy, during this period it is better to do with less concentrated drinks with the addition of mint. An allergic reaction to menthol is also possible in asthmatics. Another contraindication to the use of tea is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in combination with which mint can cause heartburn. Because of its sugar content, it is contraindicated for those with diabetes.

How to make Moroccan mint tea at home

There are many recipes for such tea, and very many of them can be made at home. And it is not even necessary to replace Moroccan mint with domestic “analogues” – you can buy it in special tea shops or order it online.

Classic recipe

For the original recipe, it is better to use Chinese green tea, not necessarily expensive. In a teapot, put two teaspoons of tea and pour ½ liter of boiling water, and then infuse for 15 minutes.

The infusion, without stirring, but straining, pour into another container – in which you can boil the tea. There, too, add sugar. The resulting mixture bring to a boil on medium heat, and just before it boils add to the same mint leaves. The drink must be poured from a height of at least half a meter, otherwise it won’t have any foam. Since Moroccan tea is also very beautiful, it is recommended to serve it in transparent, heat-resistant glasses so that you can see both the foam and the mint leaves in the drink.

Other popular recipes

Moroccan tea can not only be brewed, but also brewed in a more familiar way. It is a variant with mint and cinnamon – for those who do not like to spend a lot of time cooking. It can also be made with cinnamon and orange, although the traditional recipe uses lime.

You will need:

• lime or lemon;
• mint leaves;
• half a stick of cinnamon;
• some cloves, cardamom, and badjan (to taste).

Put all the ingredients for the tea in any suitable container and pour boiling water over it. When the drink cools to about 60 degrees, you can add honey for sweetness. And before serving, the tea is poured into glasses and garnished with fresh mint leaves.

In Morocco itself tourists are often offered the local tea with badjan. It is said that the drink with spices has a specific taste that many foreigners like.

Take two teaspoons of tea, a bunch of mint and a cinnamon stick and put them in a teapot. In the same place, add a teaspoon of anise seeds and a couple of badian stars, crushing them in a mortar, as well as the juice of a lemon or lime. If you will not be able to make a cure, you will have to make a cure for it.

Cooking

• Rinse the kettle (or liter pot, or pot of the same capacity) with water.
• Pour two tablespoons of green ganpauder tea into the pot and pour in a little boiling water (about a cup). Hold for a minute and let the leaves swell. Drain the liquid into a tea glass.
• You should get amber colored liquid. This is called the “soul of tea” because it contains the full range of tea leaf flavors. Leave the “soul of tea”, it will come in handy later.
• Pour another glass of boiling water into the kettle with the leaves and hold for a minute. Shake the liquid in the kettle and drain the water, it is not needed. As a rule, this infusion looks cloudy: swollen ganpauder rolls get rid of the dust.
• Wash the mint leaves: submerge them in a bowl of water, give them a good shake, and drain the water. Or you can do the same under running water – you’re not in the Sahara, where water is hard to come by, are you?
• So, the tea and mint are ready to brew. Fill the kettle or the pot with two thirds of the mint tea, add the soul of the tea, and turn the heat up to medium. As soon as you see small bubbles appear on the surface, add the mint and sugar. The kettle should be almost full. If there isn’t enough water – add some now.
• Allow the tea to boil. The mint leaves rise to the surface in this phase.
• Remove the kettle from the heat. Do not stir or shake the liquid! Instead of stirring, the Moroccan tea is gently poured into a glass and then poured back into the kettle. This aeration is repeated 4-5 times. Make sure the leaves stay in the kettle, or use a strainer.

As a result of aeration, a small foam should form on the surface.

After aeration, the tea can be served. Pour the tea into cups or bowls about two-thirds to three-quarters full so that there is still room.

Serve with cookies, dried fruit, nuts, or just plain.

You may be interested in Sea Buckthorn Tea with Orancello Liqueur

Where to buy Moroccan tea

Basically, ready-to-use blends called “Moroccan tea” are sold in organic food stores, on the Internet, or in specialized store sections. Most often such tea is imported from China, and in Russia there are also widely known products of the Austrian brand Sonnentor, which also produces mint tea with spices according to Moroccan traditions.

Many customers point out the high price of ready-made mixtures and advise to buy all the ingredients separately and make the tea yourself. To make it as traditional as possible, you only need Moroccan mint, which is too different from what grows in Russia. Everything else can easily be found in almost any store.

Moroccan tea: recipe with spices

Ingredients needed:

• coarse leaf green tea – 2 tablespoons;
• fresh mint – 10 grams;
• orange – 1 pc;
• lemon – 1 piece;
• cinnamon – 10 grams;
• cloves – 5 grams;
• sugar – 3 tablespoons;
• water – 1 liter.

The cooking process:

1. Wash the lemon well. Remove the zest and cut it into sticks. Squeeze the juice out of the citrus.
2. Rinse the orange thoroughly. Remove the zest and cut it into sticks.
3. Crush the mint leaves with your fingers.
4. Prepare To do this, heat it in a clean, well-heated frying pan until the crystals melt and reach a brown color.
5. Pour the brew into a metal teapot and pour 200 ml of boiling water over it. Gently swirl the pot for a few seconds to rinse the leaf. Drain the water.
6. Add citrus zest, lemon juice, burnt sugar, mint leaves, cinnamon and cloves to the kettle. Pour the mixture into the kettle with the remaining boiling water.
7. Put the kettle on the fire, and bring it to the boil. Remove from the heat and leave for 20 minutes.
8. Pour the tea into glasses, garnished with mint leaves.

If you are a tea connoisseur, you must try Moroccan tea, a much-loved and popular drink among the local population. The magical infusion has a pleasant minty taste with a pronounced sweetness. You can try both the classic tea and its spicy variation. Both recipes differ in the simplicity of preparation and availability of the necessary ingredients.

But shouldn’t we talk today about such a drink as Moroccan tea: in particular, to find out how it differs from other products of this kind and what consumers say about it.

Moroccan mint tea is an infusion of mint and sweet green tea, which is a traditional drink for a number of North African states. Over time, the drink spread throughout the Black Continent, and from the server Arab countries it found its way to the market of Western Europe, in particular to Spain and France. Europeans like to drink this tea chilled or even with ice.

In the homeland of mint tea it is always presented to guests. And despite the fact that the cuisine here is strictly a woman’s business, nevertheless it is men who prepare and serve the symbolic drink of hospitality. Visitors should not refuse the offer to sample it, refusal would be a manifestation of impoliteness. Moroccan mint tea is drunk not only during the meal, but is enjoyed throughout the day.

In the most crowded points of the locality, stalls are set up selling the prepared beverage. A passerby for a few coins can buy and drink a glass of the refreshing moisture on the spot. Vendors stand at the stalls, and glasses of tea are displayed on the counter. The utensils may not be seen behind the greenery that dips into the drink and towers over it like a floral bouquet in a vase. A very exotic picture for the eyes of the European tourist. The drink is wonderfully refreshing, especially in the hot climate of Morocco.

In general, the Moroccan tea ceremony is probably the most democratic tea ceremony in the world. Here it is considered that to spend time savoring the scalding beverage is appropriate in any situation in life – in a friendly conversation, during business negotiations, during the celebration of a memorable date and for no reason at all – drink at your pleasure!

Glasses are always put out with a reserve, more than the planned attendance – a perfect way to show that the organizer of the tea party is happy to have invited and unexpected guests.

It is an old Moroccan tradition not to fill a glass halfway, but half at once. When the first portion is finished, they pour more, and again, half. And so they do it repeatedly. They take their tea leisurely, cherishing every sip.

Contraindications

Despite the obvious benefits, the Moroccan drink has contraindications that you should be aware of. These include:

• Childhood up to 6 years of age.
• Breast-feeding.
• Chronic low blood pressure.
• Liver and kidney disease.
• Problems with urination.

When choosing a Moroccan mint tea, you should pay attention to the price. The natural product will not be cheap, because the raw materials for its production are expensive in themselves. This drink has a rich harmonious taste and aroma of oriental spices, which is soothing and gives a feeling of peace.

Citrus drink recipe

You can make Moroccan tea in different ways, and its composition may differ in terms of products. You can make an original drink if you add citrus fruits to it.

• Peel the lemon, cut it into slices and squeeze out the juice;
• Do the same with the orange;
• Grate the mint leaves until they become juicy;
• Roll the granulated sugar in a pan;
• Make green tea in the usual way;
• There add all the ingredients, so that there is more mint than citrus;
• In a Moroccan teapot, pour the mixture and fill with boiling water;
• Send it to a small fire and bring it to a boil;
• Infuse the drink for about twenty minutes and fill the glasses.

We sell ready-made Moroccan teas in bags, and they are produced by the Alokozay brand. It is presented on the world market in different flavors and aromas. Alokozay assortment is very large, it contains berry, fruit, and herbal drinks. In addition to these, you can buy Alokozay traditional black tea or green tea with bergamot. So every customer will find his own variant. A brewed Moroccan drink brand Alokozay has a dark green color and leaves a pleasant minty aftertaste. It can be re-cooked.

What is Moroccan mint tea?

While there are many different kinds of mint tisanes, such as mint-chocolate tea, Moroccan tisanes are made with green tea leaves and mint. It usually uses spiked mint, from the genus spicata, also known as nana mint. Stronger varieties, such as Ganpauder, are usually used to make the tea.

Taste

This drink has a rather sweet taste, and the astringent properties of the mint add a sour, bitter flavor that balances out the sweetness. Jokingly referred to as Berber whiskey, this type of mint is generally strong and has a rich flavor and an invigorating, refreshing aroma.

Brewing methods

There are two methods of brewing: a simple one and a more complex one that brings out the flavors better. Below we will look at both methods in more detail. In the simple method, green tea is brewed using hot water and allowed to infuse before adding sugar and mint. In the complex method, the brew is purified in several steps, and fresh mint is boiled to give the drink a rich flavor.

Social traditions

Mint tea is important in the social life and culture of Maghreb. In Morocco, tea shops are replacing cafeterias, and they are increasingly found on the streets of European and American cities. Bazaar vendors offer tea to passersby sitting on plastic stools, and lounges and reception rooms often offer refreshments of this delicious nectar.

Moroccan tea is traditionally brewed and served by heads of families to guests as a sign of hospitality. It is usually served in at least three cups per person, and in some areas refusing it is considered a rude or even insulting gesture. The taste of this hot drink also changes with each cup, with the first cup usually tasting the weakest and the last one tasting stronger and more tart.

Who are the Moroccan People?

Their religion is close to the Arab world, and their traditions resemble those of Europe in no small measure. There is a subtlety and a special understanding of the world that they bring to their customs. Who are the Moroccan People and what have they gone through in their history?

For many travelers, Morocco seems not just a distant and exotic country, but also a repository of the past in modernity. This is true: next to the latest inventions of mankind here you can find traditions that have existed for several thousand years. In such a harmonious and challenging combination is the merit of the local population.

The first settlements in the Moroccan lands have appeared about XV century BC, although many researchers suggest that this figure is inaccurate, and the first people were here much earlier. One of the first peoples to inhabit the territory of Morocco were the Berbers, who still live in the oases.

A few centuries later, the Moroccans encountered the first foreigners. The Phoenicians came to them and began to build the cities and the ports they needed on the coasts. After the arrival of the Carthaginians, the Phoenicians had to give in, but the arrival of Roman rule brought much war and destruction.

Only since the first century AD has life in the region become calmer. The Romans called the Moroccan People the Moorish, considering their territory part of the great empire. At this time the local population is actively engaged in trade, building cities and settlements.

Changes were also taking place in terms of religion. Christianity is preached in Morocco, but the locals choose one of its heretical trends, rejecting the classical creed.

Such a lull does not last long on Moroccan soil; soon the barbarians begin to make raids on the Roman Empire, and after its fall, they gradually come to all its corners. Then the Moroccans find themselves imprisoned in the territory of a confrontation between two mighty forces, the barbarian invaders and the Byzantine Empire. The conflict is resolved in favor of the latter, but Byzantine power does not last long. The Arab conquerors established Islam on these lands, subjugating the indigenous population. A separate state is even established for a brief period, but it disintegrates after a century, breaking up into sections ruled by local dynasties.

The second half of the sixteenth century is considered the heyday of Morocco. The opposing regions of the country unite, and this promotes the development of architecture and cultural direction. In addition, many Moors come from the Spanish lands, who become a labor force and increase the population of the areas.

In the eighteenth century, the situation heated up because of the opposition of three powers. Britain, France, and Spain put enormous pressure on the inhabitants of the country, taking a long time to decide which of them owned the territory. In the end, the British yield and Moroccan territory is divided between the other two competitors, with the French retaining the “lion’s share” of Morocco.

Such historical upheavals have contributed to the development of a heterogeneous culture and different linguistic dialects. Moroccans speak Arabic, but most of them also speak French and Berber. At present, the number of this people reaches almost 15 million.

Traditions of the Moroccan People

In general, Morocco combines features of the Arab and European worlds. This interesting combination has affected both the cultural sphere and the traditions of the Moroccan People. For example, the hospitality of these people is one of the main distinguishing features. A guest in a Moroccan home will be treated to the finest, seated in the most honorable place and surrounded with attention and care. As in many European countries, the Moroccans have a custom to leave their shoes on the threshold, but they go barefoot in the house. At the same time, the invited guest should not come without gifts to the hosts. Souvenirs or sweets are perfect.

Many tourists are surprised by the Moroccan holiday table. There are absolutely no cutlery on it. According to tradition, they are not needed. The traditional meal, couscous, made from cereals, must be eaten with the hands, gently grasping with three fingers of one hand. Before and after eating it is necessary to wash your hands, for which two containers of water are served.

Moroccans are very fond of hearty conversations over tea. Remarkably, they never drink this drink from large mugs – it is believed that the best tea is hot and fragrant. That is why one person can drink more than five small cups of freshly brewed tea at a tea party.

Another revered product is bread. It is not customary to eat it hastily and in large quantities. According to Moroccans, such treatment is disrespectful to the sacred food.

According to Moroccan People beliefs, it is not customary for Moroccan to show their romantic feelings in public. Therefore, kissing or hugging in public would be considered bad form. There are also a lot of requirements for appearance, especially for women. Moroccan women cover the whole body, and on the head tie a scarf. This perfectly suits the local climate, as well as the observance of the rules of decency. Short or open clothing is considered vulgar and inappropriate.

Another prohibition for Moroccan People is alcohol. According to their religion, they are not allowed to drink alcohol, so it is only offered to tourists. Even on holidays and during family celebrations, Moroccans drink their favorite tea.

The Moroccans are an interesting people with a complicated history. Over the centuries, power in their land has changed, bringing both troubles and opportunities for prosperity to the region. Today’s Moroccans are open-minded, outgoing and entrepreneurial. Because of these qualities and innate ingenuity, they have survived the whirlwind of events and continue to be a distinctive and unique people. Fore more information contact us

For more information about things to do in Fes follow this article, Emblematic city of Morocco, Fez has everything to seduce. And this is not new. Since its creation in 789, it was proclaimed official capital on many occasions, mainly in the Middle Ages and in the nineteenth century, but currently, it is its status as a cultural and spiritual metropolis that makes it shine and reinforces its glory. located 180 kilometers east of Rabat, this sublime, colorful city steeped in history, which has always retained its traditional dimension, is spread over 3 areas: the medina, the royal enclosure and the new town. wondering what to see and do in Fez? follow the guide, we will reveal the must-see places of this city with indescribable charms and reveal some tricks to help you enjoy your visit to Fez

Top visits in Fez: our favorites

The Medina

You may not find in Fez the modernity of Casablanca, nor the bling-bling aspect of Marrakech, because Fez has kept its traditional and spiritual values. Its fortified Medina, steeped in history, is a perfect illustration of this. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, it remains one of the most sumptuous and best preserved in the Arab world, hosting the city’s main cultural institutions.

To visit Fez without wandering and getting lost in the alleys of its Medina would be a real pity, because nothing could match the pleasure of strolling through the medieval alleys, dotted with fountains, small palaces and riads, and contemplating the magnificent architecture of the Bou Inania Medersa.

You can also admire the Karaouyine mosque, one of the most ancient and glorious in the Muslim world, or explore the Bar Batah museum, dedicated to the arts and traditions of the city.

During this escapade in the alleys of the souk of the Medina, you will discover the work of several craftsmen of this city, like that of the carpenters, the saddlers, and the leatherworkers, which will not fail to impress you.

What to do in Fez? At the end of the day, we advise you to go through the northern gate of the Medina and climb to the heights of the Merinid tombs, from where the panoramic view of the city is simply breathtaking. It is also the ideal spot to admire the magnificent sunset.

The tanners’ district

Here, it is another original show orchestrated in the manner of a ballet that is offered to visitors. It is the work of leather, an ancestral art that has crossed time, which is anchored there and remains one of the unchanging features of Morocco; still on the agenda.

In this district to visit in Fez, you will have the opportunity to attend the various stages of manufacture of this material: drying of skins, tanning, coloring in basins, until the leather takes its final form of babouches, bags or anything else that we meet in the shops of leather goods.

This unforgettable visit will not leave you insensitive, if only because of this rather unbearable smell… It could take away all the charm of the visit of this district, although when leaving the workshop, a mint drink will be offered to you to chase away the unpleasant smell a little.

We also advise you to plug your nose with fresh mint leaves!

The Medersa Bou Inania of Fez

Built under the Merinides dynasty in 1350, this Koranic school is well worth a detour if you plan a visit to Fez. In fact, it is one of the only religious monuments to welcome all publics.

In the center of this monument with an Arab-Moorish architectural design is a beautiful central courtyard paved with marble slabs and framed with carved wooden moucharabiehs. The courtyards on either side were used as classrooms while the students lived upstairs.

In the past, this religious boarding school was governed by a rather draconian internal regulation, so, for example, during the period of exams, the boarders were only served bread, olives, and water as food.

This theological institution is the most important in the city, and in addition, the Friday prayer is held in the adjacent mosque. Moreover, it is the only religious school that has a beautiful minaret with green tiles overlooking the city, and that you can see as soon as you enter the medina by Bab Bou Jeloud.

The Royal Palace

It is one of the oldest palaces in Morocco and certainly one of the most valuable. Built in the fourteenth century, it is also called Dar El Makhzen. Because of its large size of eighty hectares, it was built outside the old medina, and today it is located near the Mellah, the Jewish quarter. A new medina was therefore created, as the name suggests, Fez el-Jdid, in order to meet the needs of the palace.

Visits are not accepted, as is the case with most Moroccan mosques and palaces, but we recommend that you go and see this palace, even if you are simply going to contemplate from its immense esplanade the majestic doors of various sizes that lead to the palace.

There are seven gates that symbolize the seven days of the week but also embody the seven levels of the monarchy.

These gates are all made of bronze, lined with a myriad of tiny ceramic tiles, where two colors dominate: blue, the symbol of the city, and green, the emblematic color of Islam.

Dar Batha Palace and Museum

It was Sultan Hassan I who built the Batha Palace, because this monarch wanted to bring together the two cities that make up Fez, namely Fez-el-Baki and Fez-el-Djedid. This palace was later converted into a museum of crafts, where one could find pottery and ceramics dating back to the thirteenth century, but also embroidery, jewelry dating from the medieval period. Most of the ceramic objects are colored with the famous blue tint of Fez, a color obtained from cobalt.

The museum has an Andalusian-inspired garden, where you can stroll at your leisure among the orange trees and holm oaks. This stroll will be an enchanting interlude for a few minutes away from the cacophony of the medina.

Take advantage of this visit and take pictures of the sumptuously decorated gates and the huge padlocks used to close the doors at night.

Other sights and things to do/see in Fez

The Jnan Sbil garden

This small botanical park is a real green lung of the city, which is mainly frequented by locals. Jnan Sbil created in the 18th century by the sovereign Moulay Abdallah is also the oldest public garden in Fez.

Although it was abandoned for a long time, it was restored to its former glory after major rehabilitation work was undertaken in 1999.

Now, locals and visitors alike can stroll through the shady paths of this magnificent garden, lulled by the murmur of the water.

The garden contains more than three thousand plant species spread over about seven hectares, through different themed gardens. A real little paradise of serenity.

Merinid tombs

The Marinids or Merinids are a dynasty that ruled Morocco between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries. They settled in Fez for a period and created Fez El-Jdid. They had left their footprints all over Morocco and especially in Fez.

It is here, therefore, in this imperial city of Morocco that you can find the remains of the Marinid tombs located at the highest point of the city.

Although the site itself is of little interest, we still recommend that you make a small detour during your visit to Fez.

Indeed, these tombs are located on a hill and offer a breathtaking panoramic view of the Medina and the surrounding mountains.

The Seffarine square

It is also another place not to be missed, because there you will discover one of the faces of the craft industry of this city. What to see on this place of Seffarine? Here, you will meet many craftsmen who shape the copper to make teapots, trays, perfume burners.

But there are also boilermakers whose work consists in making pots, buckets and various utensils.

Museum of Arms

This museum, inaugurated in 1963, contains an important collection of weapons from various periods of history. It is located in Borj Nord, a military citadel dating from the 16th century which offers a sensational panoramic view of the city of Fez.

In its display cases are weapons from India, Europe and Asia, although the largest and most impressive part of the collection is made up of acquisitions of Moroccan origin.

This is the case, for example, of the 5-meter long cannon that was used during the Battle of the Three Kings, and which is considered one of the museum’s masterpieces.

In addition to the complete collection that illustrates the development of weapons manufacturing techniques throughout history, the museum offers a splendid view of the old city from its upper terrace.

Cooking classes

If you are a food aficionado, it might be time for a little culinary escapade. This is a great way to end your visit to Fez! It’s not about eating but about taking cooking classes. Indeed, different brands, such as Café Clock, offer courses to teach how to prepare tagines and other refined dishes. This course will start with the acquisition of ingredients at the souk, an activity in which you will be called to participate and everything will end with a tasting in due form.

What if it rains during your visit to Fez? What to do when the weather plays tricks on you? Discover our selection of the best activities to do when it rains in Fez.

See the Palace or the Kasbah Glaoui

This palace, which was built at the dawn of the 19th century, served as the residence of a pasha of Marrakech when he went to Fez. Left abandoned since 1950, it was partly rehabilitated by a visual artist. He presents his works there, which gives it an enigmatic side squat of artists.

The owner will show you the main courtyard and its huge Andalusian-inspired living rooms, the well-maintained bathroom which dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, the kitchen with its gargantuan pots before accessing the courtyard of the harem located at the back.

The fondouks

There are a number of fondouks that are located along the main axes of the ancient city of Fez. Formerly, they were a space of commercial exchange. They consisted of buildings that fulfilled multiple functions. They served as accommodation for passengers from Fez, and they were also used to store goods for commercial or industrial use.

The fondouk which, in the past, was a caravanserai hosts today, countless workshops like the Fondouk Bou selham. Or the Fondouk kaat smen located in talaa kbira near bab boujloud which is specialized among others in the trade of olives, honey and where there are also workshops of crafts.

What to do in Fez as a couple

Fez, the emblematic city par excellence, lends itself wonderfully to a romantic getaway, as it is friendly, welcoming and steeped in history. For a romantic getaway, we have a few suggestions, which we hope will be your guide to an idyllic stay.

The Medina, an enchanted interlude

The Medina offers an ideal setting for a romantic stroll through the maze of its alleys, in its intoxicating and fragrant souks, such as that of El Attarine, or the souk of Henna. A small escapade out of time that you will finish in front of a tasty Pastilla with pigeon, one of the culinary specialties of the region.

Admire the Bab Boujloud gate

Also called “The Blue Gate”, it is considered one of the most magnificent monuments to contemplate in Fez. You can’t miss it, especially since it is located near other famous monuments such as the Bou Inania Medersa or the Batha Palace.

Visit the New Town

The Avenida Hassan II with its countless bars, terraces, and ice cream parlors is certainly the perfect place for a romantic stroll. It is also the ideal place to enjoy a mint tea or a coffee. Or perhaps to wander through the gardens located in the heart of this large boulevard, and recharge your batteries while admiring the two statues of lions.

In the Ville Nouvelle, there are Moroccan and international restaurants, especially Italian. A large majority of the region’s inhabitants have a more Western culture and many choose fast food.

The Andalusian district

This neighborhood, which is located in the medina of Fez el-Bali, is also worth a visit, and offers you the opportunity to discover, together, the Spanish Fez. This Andalusian part of the city is distinguished by the originality of its religious monuments and the craftsmanship of its residents.

One of the architectural marvels to be contemplated in this area is undoubtedly the Andalusian Mosque, which is over eleven centuries old. It is also the ideal place to start your investigation of this historic neighborhood, walking through its alleys and visiting some of the medersas that were built at the dawn of the 14th century.

What to do and see with your family and children

• Fez is a remarkable city that will fascinate the most demanding visitors, even your children. If you are with your family, there are so many ways to discover Fez that you will surely find one that will meet your desires and those of your kids.

• Visit the medina with your children, and wander through its colorful and fragrant souks. Let your children negotiate their first memories and encourage the complicity they will build with the merchants. This is a very popular game in the souks of Fez, which your children will certainly enjoy. They will simply love it. Let them discover the history by passing through the multiple doors that grow all over the artisanal city.
• Visit the tanneries that develop a real festival of colors and smells not always … pleasant. To help you bear it, you will be offered mint sprigs. The tanneries are surrounded by stalls with terraces; from there, your children will be able to discover the hard work of the craftsmen. They will surely marvel at the skins that are transformed into leather bags or coats.
• Take them to Jnan Sbil Park for a total immersion in a green paradise. This park contains about three thousand species of plants spread over 7.5 hectares in different thematic gardens. Help them identify some of the trees that abound in this beautiful space. It is also an opportunity for them to let off steam and recharge their batteries.
• Visit the Abdeslam Moqri Palace which has three gardens with fountains, paddling pools, small streams, benches and a wonderful variety of trees and flowers. In addition, this place offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Fez.
• Visit the medersas. These popular Quranic schools are found everywhere. Let your children admire their walls decorated with beautiful mosaics, where suras from the Koran are inscribed.
• One of the most magnificent is certainly the Médersa Attarine. It stands out mainly by the grace and harmony of its architecture.

What to do for free in Fez

Fez, with its various monuments and attractions, its souks, its culture and customs offers an unparalleled spectacle where it is difficult to remain indifferent, insensitive. But what to do in Fez for free or almost. In any case, Fez remains affordable.

Visit Souk el Henna

This souk, which is located in a small, very welcoming and shady square, offers a somewhat special, original image compared to other souks.

You can find different henna products, but not only. You can also find natural cosmetics such as black soap and grandmother’s remedies.

Visit the gardens of the medina

A huge green space called Bou Gardens Jeloud. There is a lot of vegetation, fountains, bridges. These public gardens offer a timeless setting conducive to walking and daydreaming far from the din of the medina. The entrance is free.

Going to the Fez-el-Bali side

Take the time to wander, to wander endlessly in the mazes of this ancient city. Let time flee, and let yourself be carried away by a total immersion in the unequalled atmosphere of this medina. There are of course some must-sees. On the way to the Rcif square, the most spacious esplanade of this emblematic medina and where the vendors are concentrated in the morning, don’t miss the district of the carpenters and cabinet makers, around the Nejjarine square. The spectacle of these craftsmen is well worth the detour.

What to see in the evening/at night in Fez

To entertain you in the evening, we suggest these few addresses that we have appreciated very much:

• Café Clock 7, rue derb El-Magana Fez. This is a rather special Riad-bar located in the heart of the medina, with a multilingual staff and a mostly Anglo-Saxon clientele. Depending on the evening, to entertain its customers, the bar organizes concerts, cinema sessions or conjurer shows. All this takes place in a traditional house with countless esplanades and discreet, veiled lighting.
• LA MEZZANINE, Avenue Moulay Hassan Fez. It is a coffee bar that distinguishes itself by a very trendy decor, far from the Moroccan classic. The atmosphere is very relaxed and the veiled light shows are designed with a lot of know-how. The staff is very welcoming and the electro music that furnishes this place is a real invitation to delectation.
• CAFÉ EL KHMISSA, Rue Talaa Kebira Fès. It is a very appreciated café-restaurant where different concerts are organized. The atmosphere is friendly and it is not surprising to see musicians and customers on the terrace around a drink. Moreover, it is one of the few addresses to offer alcoholic drinks in the heart of the medina.
• MB-LOUNGE BAR, 12, Ahmed Chaouki Fez. A very select lounge bar, with its huge leather sofas. It is a perfect place to have a drink in the city in a very lively atmosphere.
• FEZ LOUNGE, street 95, Zkak Rouah, a small and discreet street between talaa Kbira and talaa Sghira.
• This lounge bar in the heart of the medina is quite pleasant, although the lighting is a bit too muffled. They serve alcohol or milkshakes with some tapas, sausages or fish Briouates. If you wish, you can even dine and enjoy Moroccan cuisine for a very affordable price.

Is it better to visit Fez or Marrakech?

It is difficult to answer this question, because there is no such thing as a perfect destination, there is always the other side of the coin. How can we help you in this case?

What we can already say is that it all depends on your objectives, your ambitions and your dreams. If you are looking for authenticity, originality, a destination off the beaten track, perhaps, in this case, Fez lends itself best. Moreover, you have certainly seen, detected here, that the medina of Fez is extraordinary, authentic, where you can meet real craftsmen. There are also beautiful Riads, even if they are not enough. But the quality is there.

Now if you are looking for nightlife, trendy and cozy bars (there are a few in Fez) then, in that case, it would be better to visit Marrakech, but maybe, you will not discover the deepest Morocco.

So everything is relative and depends on your choices. Fez is a more peaceful city, less tumultuous, while in Marrakech, also a beautiful city, there are too many things to see, but too many people.

Marrakech is one of the most famous cities in the country of Morocco. so what are the top things to see and discover in the red city of Marrakech?

Jemaâ el-Fna Square

It is one of the things to see in Marrakech. When you arrive there, the first thing to do is to go to “The Square” as you will hear Moroccans say. Jemaâ el-Fna is truly the heart of Marrakech, the crossroads of the city where everything is concentrated. No matter where you are, you will regularly come across a Marrakchi to ask you “are you looking for the Square my friend? It’s over there”.

Right after I put my bag in my hotel, I immediately went to the Jemaâ el-Fna square to get in the mood. In the morning, it is quite deserted, then, as the day goes by, the stores and fruit juice stands open one after the other… At 1 pm, the traffic becomes forbidden to leave the place to the shows. Other exhibitors start to make Marrakech live with the sound of instruments and the colors of the Berber costumes.

The terraces of the cafes and restaurants fill up. Historically, the “Place of the Dead” was the place of court decisions (12th century). Then, making the link between the cities of the West and the lands of the Atlas and the desert. It quickly became the place of trade and entertainment in the city. Since 2008, it is even registered with the Intangible Cultural Heritage by Unesco. More info and pictures are in my article on Jemaâ el-Fna square.

Jemaâ el-Fna at night

But it is at night that Jemaâ el-Fna takes all its intensity. The square is swarming like an anthill! From foreign tourists on a trip to Marrakech to Moroccan families visiting for the weekend to simple locals strolling around, everyone meets here at night. The atmosphere is completely hallucinating! And I weigh my words. We are taken in a lot of stands where everything is agitated. We talk about shows of any kind (falcon trainers, snake charmers, traditional dancers, henna tattooers, fortune tellers, water carriers, fairground games…). And all this in the din of multiple bands playing their ecstatic music next to each other. You are literally washed out when you come out of there. If you are agoraphobic, run away!

The Koutoubia and its gardens

Located right next to the Jemaâ el-Fna square, the Koutoubia Mosque is emblematic with its large minaret over 70 meters high (77 m with the spire). Built-in the 12th century, it inspired the architecture of the Giralda in Seville. Access to the interior is forbidden to non-Muslims. It is therefore necessary to be satisfied with the external architecture. If the whole is rather sober, the minaret, surmounted by a lantern, has been finely sculpted with interlaced arches (sebka), merlons, and bands of blue faience. Its golden stones receive the sun as the day goes by.

Also, note that each of the four sides is decorated with a different motif. The copper balls of the arrow are said to symbolize the three mosques of Islam. Kaaba (Mecca), Medina, and Al Quds. Legend has it that they were originally made with melted gold from the jewelry of the Caliph’s wife. Because she had eaten during the day in Ramadan.

Adjacent to the Koutoubia, one can discover the ruins of the old mosque in the north, which were uncovered during archaeological excavations. This one was destroyed and rebuilt identically (current Koutoubia). And that is because the Mihrab (prayer niche) was not perfectly oriented in the direction of Mecca. If, like me, you feel at some point the need to take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the Medina, go and sit in the gardens of the Lalla Hasna Park. Here, the nerves are relaxed by the sound of flowing water. The smell of orange blossoms perfumes the park.

The souks of Marrakech

This is the other place to fully immerse yourself in the life of Marrakech. And it is true that in the souks, it is a brothel! (well without the girls of joy obviously, you understood me!). The fantasy of the Arabian souk is the colors, the spices perfumes… Well… almost but not quite! For my part, I had a hard time with the bikes and especially the mopeds that pass by. Honk if you don’t walk on the right and smoke you with their exhaust. Then, we are constantly accosted with more or less insistence. As a result, you end up being more and more psychologically allergic.

The word souk means “market”, and each has its own specificity in Marrakech with dedicated shopping streets. There is the souk of ironmongers, tanners, leatherworkers, fruit and vegetables, butchers, sellers of babouches and djellabas… The streets are mostly covered with metal sheets to protect passers-by from the rain and the sun (it is far from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II). One has the impression to wander in a labyrinthine underground gallery. Even after 3 days of visiting Marrakech, getting lost more or less voluntarily, passing and passing again in the same places. I almost never managed to know precisely where I was and to find the way I wanted. It was as if I was teleporting in spite of myself, or as if the city was being redesigned as I went along, like a Cube. And yet I think I have a pretty good sense of direction.

What to visit in Marrakech?

The Medersa Ben Youssef

When you visit Marrakech, discovering the Medersa is one of the must-see things Marrakech. Well, it seems so because when I went to Morocco, it was closed for restoration (until the end of 2019 / beginning of 2020). I confess that I was quite disgusted when I learned that on the spot. Because, from the pictures, it really looks splendid! This Koranic school was founded at the beginning of the XIVth century. Then enlarged and redecorated by the Saadians in the XIVth century. It became then the biggest school in North Africa with its 900 students who came to study law and theology (competed by the one of Fez, it closed in 1962 then became a museum).

Even if you are not Muslim, you can (normally) visit the Medersa, a remarkable symbol of Arab-Andalusian aesthetics. After passing through the bronze door, adorned with beautiful wooden sculptures and mosaics, you arrive in a splendid courtyard of Carrara marble, surrounded by walls finely decorated with reliefs and colors. On the first floor, you can see the 132 student cells arranged around a large patio. A prayer room with three marble columns and a magnificent cedar dome.

The Majorelle Garden

The Jardin Majorelle is announced as the other things to see in Marrakech. I must admit that I had some serious preconceived ideas about it… Looking at the pictures on the internet, I thought that it looked very western and that it wasn’t what I came to see in a Maghreb city.

Then, after thinking about it, I had come here to do things and so I said to myself “well, ok, we’ll see after all! “To visit the Jardin Majorelle, you have to leave the Medina and go to the North, in the New City of Marrakech (very badly indicated, 1/2h on foot from the Jemaâ el-Fna square). Once there, it was a nice queue that… was waiting for me. Plan cap and bottle of water because we are in full sun until 2 pm! You surely have to see this garden as it is considered one of the top things to see in Marrakech.

What to see in Majorelle garden:

After more than an hour in line and 70 dirhams paid for the entrance (only, not the Berber Museum), I enter this oasis in the city that the orientalist painter Jacques Majorelle created in the 1920s: a garden of 8000 m2 where he planted hundreds of different species of exotic plants. It was Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé who made the place famous by buying it back in 1980, after years of abandonment.

Once inside, I immediately appreciated it (and not only for the shady coolness of the bamboos after the hot weather). In spite of the crowd, a perfume of serenity emanates from the site. Along the alleys, we walk among cactus, palm trees, banana trees, coconut trees, bougainvilleas, agaves, and cactus… A discreet monument, modest (although phallic?) pays tribute to the late owners. Among the places to stop, there is the small water lily pond with frogs and carp (you will have to be patient to get there in front of the hordes of self-centered people who squat to take pictures of themselves).

The iconic Art Deco house with Majorelle blue does not fail to make the place aesthetically pleasing. It is the gathering place of the garden. Its deep and intense blue color “contrasts harmoniously” with the yellow parts and finally fits very well in its vegetal environment. If you have not bought a ticket for the Berber Museum, only two interior spaces are accessible (the souvenir store and the fashion store).

The Museum of Marrakech

My second day in Marrakech was the day of the big spring rains and therefore, I went to see one of the admired things to see in Marrakech, this museum… of the museums. As the Medersa was closed, I “fell back” on the Marrakech Museum that I had spotted the day before while walking in the souks. Built around 1900 by Medhi Mnebhi, then Minister of Defense, the palace was then the residence of the pasha el-Glaoui before Omar Benjelloun, a great collector and patron of the arts, created a museum there (admission 50 dirhams).

One is greeted by a quotation from Voltaire and a statement by the widow Benjelloun on art and tolerance. This immediately sets the tone. The first rooms tell the story of the place and the founder through archival documents (photographs, newspapers, objects …). After the douiria, we arrive at the splendid patio, marked by its masterly suspended wrought copper lamp. That imposes!

The decoration of the Museum of Marrakech

Beyond the fact that I really liked this museum, the visit, in my opinion, is already worth it just for this room! The zelliges decorate the floor, the walls, and the columns while the fine woodcarving of the arches impresses and seduces. The two doors on either side of the inner courtyard are sumptuous with their painted wooden panels! On the sides, small rooms serve as galleries with display cases showing various collectibles. Don’t forget to look up to admire the decorated ceilings.

Strolling through the corridors at the back of the palace, you will discover the three rooms in the former hammam that now house temporary exhibitions. On your way back to the exit, if you haven’t already done so at the beginning, take a little tour of the old kitchen. The douiria is “a space within a space” with its small rooms around another courtyard, soberly decorated with green ceramics on white walls. It is now a gallery exhibiting works by contemporary Moroccan artists.

The el-Badi Palace

I went to visit the el-Badi Palace… no mistake! I had planned to go there but I was in the wrong place. In fact, I was wandering around the neighborhood looking for the Bahia Palace without really looking at the tourist map of Marrakech and I stumbled upon it a bit by chance. Badi… Bahia… in its cradle: there is only one step to confusion! Especially since in fact, the name of this monument is written here “Badia Palace” on the signs. The two almost homonymous palaces are located a few hundred meters from each other. You can see that it’s almost not all my fault!

Once inside, the tour of this ruined palace begins with the old prisons and tells its history. Then, you get to the huge courtyard (135 meters long and 110 wide) with its big basins and its gardens that breathe the orange blossom (the plan would have inspired the one of the Alhambra of Granada). One can imagine the splendor it must have been when it was built in the 16th century, but here it is almost desolate. The story goes that its owner, Sultan Ahmed el-Mansour, had covered the floor with gold, crystals etc… and that the palace was looted just… 75 years later. Furthermore, this thing to see in Marrakech is best for those who love gardens and nature.

Around 1696, the Alaouite Sultan Moulay Ismaïl ordered its demolition (the materials would have been reused in Meknes for the construction of his royal city). From now on, the current residents are… storks! You can see a lot of them nesting on the towers and the adobe walls.

A walk around the Badi palace

The rest of the visit to the Badi Palace consists essentially of walking through the remains, a stroll between the walls still standing with, sometimes, some remains of zelliges in a more or less dilapidated state. If like me, you have paid the extra 10 dirhams, you will have access to a small room where the “masterpiece” of the palace is exposed, the old minbar of the Koutoubia Mosque dating from the 12th century. A feat of marquetry and ornamentation, it is a symbol of Andalusian-Arabic art.

To be honest, the Badi Palace does not have intrinsically much exceptional in itself and its visit seems quite hollow… Nevertheless, one of its interests is, all the same, its terrace. It gives a plunging view of the inner courtyard and especially a panorama on the roofs of Marrakech with the Atlas Mountains in the distance. After that, you have to admit that the entrance fee is really not expensive (≃ 1€). I tell myself that he could double the price to finance the restoration of the place… For info, the Palais Badi is the place where the Marrakech Laughter Festival, created by Jamel Debbouze, takes place every year.

the beautifully decorated room

At the closing time (5 pm), I still hadn’t found the beautifully decorated room I saw in my guidebook. I clearly felt like I had missed THE thing to see in this palace. On my way out, I asked the guard at the entrance who gave me the cold shoulder with all the condescension and disdain one can have towards a western tourist like me: “Excuse me. Do you speak French? “, “No. It’s over, out! “. I let you imagine how it boiled in me at that moment and the effervescence of the sadistic solutions imagined to teach him courtesy! Anyway, let’s move on. It’s just a little later than I realize that the room in question is actually in the Palace… Bahia.

The Bahia Palace

The next day, I (re)set out to visit the Bahia Palace (“Palace of the Beautiful”) which I had missed the day before. This vast residence (8 hectares) was built on the orders of the Grand Vizier Ahmed Ben Moussa between 1860 and 1874 to accommodate his 4 wives and 24 concubines. It was intended to accommodate the world and, the least we can say, it is still the case! All the travelers who come to Marrakech for tourism come here. If you have a lot of time in Marrakech, The Bahia palace is surely a must-see attraction.

The halls and gardens are black with people, with this insatiable tendency to take pictures all the time. You have to be extremely patient if you want to get a window of opportunity where you won’t have your picture spoiled for the traveling narcissists (yes, I have a real annoyance with selfies!). However, that doesn’t take away from the beauty of the place which is absolutely remarkable! The rooms follow one another with the same splendor. The marquetry of the doors, the ceilings, and the lintels are sublime with their multiple geometrical patterns. One crosses several interior courts and gardens with fountains, plants (orange trees, banana trees), and small confidential rooms around. In fact, the palace is a collection of houses and annexes, built next to each other, without any pre-established order.

The decorative styles

The large main courtyard is magnificent. After the small rooms, it’s a breath of fresh air here on the vast tiled floor. After the crowds in the halls (and the return of the sun too!), I really took the time to breathe here and observe the different decorative styles. The ceilings in the side aisles are all colorful, as are the stained glass windows in the back room. The door is also sumptuous and finely carved. I could also rate this site as the best thing to see here in Marrakech for its creative architecture

Just after, we arrive in the “Grand Riad” where the vegetation abounds. The two cedar porticoes are once again of remarkable beauty and finesse. While strolling in the alleys, a soft exotic freshness caresses the shoulders. The rooms that follow are… yes, again! What amazed me also in the Bahia Palace of Marrakech, is that every time you think you’ve arrived at the last part, well no, there is still something after. It feels like it never ends and at the same time, I was never bored. I was amazed every time by the beauty of the rooms and their decorative details.

In the last room (yes, it happens anyway at some point), while I was waiting for a gap in the tourist flow, a guard observes me with sympathy. He greets me (it changes me from the other one of the day before at the Badi Palace) then we start chatting. He explains to me the Arab aesthetics with the ceiling, its symmetry with the ground, the Islamic star with eight branches, and the three recurrent motives (calligraphic, geometrical, and stars) of the history of the Bahia Palace. Very interesting! Nevertheless, the speech had something of the monologue recited with automatism… A doubt was born… And bim, it did not fail, he concluded by asking me for a coin in exchange! “Welcome to Marrakech, my friend!”

The best attraction thing to see in Marrakech!

Visiting the Bahia Palace was a real pleasure! If you had to visit only one tourist place in Marrakech, I would sincerely recommend this one! The entrance fee of 10 dirhams is completely ridiculous compared to all the splendors you can see inside. I spent 2h30 there but took my time a lot (1 hour can be “enough”).

I also wanted to visit another palace that is apparently almost as magnificent, the Dar Si Said Palace. Built by Ahmed Ben Moussa’s brother, it looks a lot like the Bahia Palace which is located a few hundred meters away. It houses the Museum of Moroccan Arts highlighting the crafts.

The Saadian Tombs

Finding the entrance to the Saadian Tombs of Marrakech is a little challenge in itself. You have to walk past the entrance of the Moulay El Yazid Mosque and along the wall to the small souvenir store that sells postcards. The entrance is located in the corner on the left, in what looks like a dead end. It is immediately clear why they were only rediscovered in 1917 by French archaeologists (Sultan Moulay Ismaïl had them walled up to lock up the spirits of his predecessors). At the ticket office, the guy has already started to complain because I don’t have the change for the 10 dirhams entrance fee (finally, he will have the change…). You should definitely visit these tombs, they are one of the top things to see in Marrakech.

After skirting the walls in a narrow passage, we arrive at an architectural in-between with about sixty tombs. It is surrounded by colored ceramics with various patterns and shapes. Some are simply placed on the ground (protected behind barriers, visitors stay on the walkways). The small ones are chilling…

Some of them, more prestigious, are housed in open mausoleums. Two rooms are particularly richly and finely decorated. Access to one of them, the Hall of the Twelve Columns, requires to queue (20 minutes in my case) because the access is done by a small cramped passage. You can’t stay there for very long or you will be yelled at by the guard and the others who are waiting for their turn. Nevertheless, observe anyway the ornamental richness with the carved reliefs on the walls, the arches, and the ceilings in cedar. Sumptuous! The Saadians were a rich dynasty established in Marrakech in the 16th century and had a sense of splendor.

The Museum of Photography is one of the must-see things in Marrakech

I didn’t visit it either (no time to do everything in 3 days: visit Marrakech, the souks, all the museums…) but it seems that it is really worth the detour. Created in 2009 on a private initiative, the Museum of Photography of Marrakech tells the story of Morocco through pictures exposed on its three floors: historical images of the beginnings of travel photography (second half of the nineteenth century), portraits, landscapes, scenes of the life of the time … The collection includes nearly 10,000 documents from 1870 to 1960. No doubt that its visit will be on the agenda of my next trip to Morocco.

In all honesty, going through Marrakech was a trying experience for me. Clearly, I rather hated the (tourist) life in the city with its agitation, its noise, its permanent solicitations… It is exhausting! Going to the desert for 7 days afterward did me a lot of good. Nevertheless, I appreciated much more the visits to be made in Marrakech. They were for me refuges in the city, parentheses where time seemed (finally!) to slow down and where I could serenely enjoy the beauties of the Arab aesthetic. Moreover, the prices are very affordable! Now it’s up to you to choose according to your time and your desires! For advice and good addresses, please refer to my practical guide. We hope you like this guide of the top things to see in Marrakech.

The dunes of Merzouga and other nearby oases

At 35 km from Rissani, 50 km from Erfoud and 130 from Errachidia, along the N-13 road, is this impressive dune complex called Er Chebbi. Read more about Things to do in Merzouga in this article.

It is an area with sandy “erg” and stone “hamada” deserts. There are channels of dry rivers on which oases follow each other in which population nuclei are installed. The Erg Chebbi is the most accessible and therefore the best known of the small ergs. It is located between the massif of Taouz and the hamada (rocky desert).

It is about 20 km long and 5 km wide, and some of its pyramidal dunes exceed a hundred meters in height. The sand of its dunes has the typical orange color of Saharan sands and is composed almost exclusively of quartz grains.

It is located to the west next to the low valley of the Ziz, where the river emanating from the Atlas mountain range is swallowed by the desert sands, occasionally floods and lagoons take place. It’s one of the top things to do in Merzouga, standing out during the rainy season (between February and March), the lagoon of Daya Tamda lies 3 km to the west where birds such as the pink flamingo abound. To the east, there is the stony hamada that extends to ‘Algeria.

Next to the dunes, surrounded by palm trees, there are three villages: Hassi Labied, to the east, which is distinguished by its palm grove, 5 km to the south is Merzouga, which has grown in recent years thanks to the development of this type of tourism and agriculture, and Khemliya, 6 km, south of the previous one, which is characterized by its ancient black African population, quiet and warm people, with customs different from the rest of the country, especially their famous Gnawa folklore.

What to see in Merzouga

Merzouga is one of the most important tourist sites in Morocco for Sahara and adventure tourism, with a huge offer of hotels, hostels and Riads.

It is a very well organized destination with offers of excursions in the dunes, in dromedaries, 4×4, quad.

Beautiful tourist camps have been set up in the palm groves of the interior, where you can eat with a show and spend the nights in the sand with a typical dinner and music, with the comfort of a hotel watching the sunrise. There are many fossils in the area. They belong to the Upper Cretaceous and remains of dinosaurs, crocodiles, turtles and fish have been found.

Its fauna is exotic, with birds in the lagoon area, reptiles such as the spiny lizard, horned viper and sand viper and mammals such as gerbils, hedgehogs and desert foxes.

To sleep, among the quality establishments, you will find at the foot of the dunes, the hotels most of the time of 3* or lower, located near the road, next to the dunes and in the area of the villages.

You will find in particular the hotels Timbuktu, Merzouga, the Kasbah Erg Chebbi, the Valleys of the Dunes, Sahara, Kanz Erremal, Kasbah Mohayut and Camel Trekking. There are also Bivouacs, hotels in the typical stores of the Sahara. The best known are Bivouac Merzouga Tours, Radaoin, Sahara. In Khemlya you will also find good accommodations, such as the Nomad Palace 3 *, the Kasbah house Khemlia and Ksar Khemlia. See Khamilya hotels.

To eat, the classic Café Nora…

Other attractions:

International music festival and the Sadaka festival of Gnawa music.

International sports events: Africa Merzouga Rally, Titan Desert cycling race, the Merzouga Marathon and the Marathon de Sables.

Excursions

Ten kilometers to the east are the Mfis mines, once used as work camps by the French.
Here the famous kohl was obtained from ground galena powder used in cosmetics.

Things to do in Merzouga: Taouz

To the south, by the asphalt road N-13, after 25 km, is this oasis in the middle of the hamada, next to the dry bed of the river Ziz, inhabited by the Aït Khebbache, belonging to the confederation of the Aït Atta, nomads of the plains of the Ziz and the Maider.
It was a garrison of the French Foreign Legion, today a local administrative center, with a military surveillance station at the Algerian border located 20 km away.

This small village is composed of adobe houses and offers all services.

Nearby is Jebel Ouafilal, a black rock formation where the old iron mines of Taghalouit are located.

It is a place of passage and rest on the Saharan roads, although without quality accommodation.

Tracks to Zagora

Things to do in Merzouga: Ouzina

From Taouz there is a track for 4×4 vehicles heading west, which follows the Ziz valley until reaching this oasis, 30 km away, located between dark and arid mountains and surrounded by golden dunes, it is a spectacular Saharan landscape.
It has charming hotels (Kasbah Ouzina) next to the dunes, the Albergue Porte du Sahara, the Riad Ouzina and Ouzina Rimal.
See Taouz-Ouzina hotels.
To the north is Jdaid, with the accommodation Auberge Itrane sahara.

Things to do in Merzouga: Ramlia

From Ouzina, the trail continues west to this small oasis, 27 km away, located in a hot arid erg dominated by the great red sand barrier of Jebel Zireg, here is the Hotel Aghbalou Ramlia Guesthouse.

A sandy area where fossils abound, including those of dinosaurs and sometimes the area is flooded by the rivers Ziz and Rheris, which join here before entering the hamada.

From here to the north there are tracks to Alnif and Mcisi on the Rissani-Zagora highway.

The track continues through the oasis of Tafraout Ait Atta, surrounded by arid mountains where you can stay in a Riad or Camping auberge.
Towa the north there are tracks to Mcissi.

Towards the west is the spectacularly beautiful Daya el Maider valley, which floods with rain.

To the north, it is worth visiting the oasis of Found Mharech, 15 km from Ramlya, also called “Bethlehem’s stable” for its beauty, in an area of gorges, an obligatory passage to cross these mountains. It offers incredible desert landscapes and coexistence with the Berbers of this region, the Ait Atta. It is an area of halt on the roads of Merzouga – Zagora and towards the north of Mcissi – Tinguir. To sleep: Riad Nomad.

The track to Zagora, continues westward until arriving at the Tisserdemine oasis and crosses the mountains of Tadrart, through the difficult passage of Tizi Tafialet, to access later the Draa Valley through Zagora, covering about 200 km. From Tisserdemine, to the north there is a track that takes us to the oasis of Tarbalt, between the mountains of Jebel Sarhro and connects it with Tazzarine.

Another alternative from Tafraout is to take a track further south through the dry hamada to Mhamid. This road is long and dangerous because it crosses unpopulated areas near the Algerian border.

OTHER SURROUNDINGS

Erfoud

Erfoud is located 50 km north by road or by a track that crosses a hamada.
Small town, administrative center and market. We recommend you to visit the circuit of fossils.

It is a tourist center with an excellent hotel offer. See hotels in Erfoud.

From this city, roads follow the palm grove of the Rheris river and lead to the road of the thousand Kasbahs through Tineguir and the Gorges of Todra, or through the palm grove of Ziz, to end in Errachidia.

Things to do in Merzouga: Rissani

Important palm grove that was a base for the ancient caravans that crossed the Sahara to Timbuktu, whose ruins can still be seen.
Birthplace of the current Alaoui dynasty, venerating the tomb of its founder Moulay el Chérif.
Palm trees and Kasbahs abound in the city. You will find a lively souk where you will discover local handicrafts, southern jewelry, rustic objects and a wide variety of fossils.

From this town begins a road N-12 that crosses the Saharan Atlas towards Zagora and the Draa Valley.

The hotel offer is simpler than in the previous cities, you will find the hotels Asmaa and Ennasra.

In Morocco and western Algeria, women prepare a dish for breaking the fast: harira.

In this article, you will get to know about the Moroccan soup. For all practicing Muslims, during the month of Ramadan, the Qur’an is clear: no eating from dawn to sunset. “Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn is distinguished for you from the black thread of night. Then perform the fast until night”, dictates the sacred text. The ordeal is hard… and even harder when, from mid-day, the first smells of coriander escape from the kitchens, coming to titillate the hollow stomachs. During the breaking of the fast, women prepare harira, a soup that is easy to prepare in large quantities, and to share – generosity towards the poorest is one of the rules of the fasting month.

The Moroccan soup or harira is part of an ancient tradition, inherited from an Andalusian soup, the bufertuna (from buena fortuna, “good luck”). The exegetes find mention as early as the ninth century of a soup with seven ingredients that resembles it. Inside, diced beef, mutton or chicken, legumes (lentils and chickpeas), crushed tomatoes, spices, herbs, a dash of lemon juice… And, to bind it all together, a crucial ingredient: leaven. It gives the dish its slightly acidic taste and its slightly thick texture.

Every day, after hours of not eating or drinking, gunfire and calls to prayer mark the end of the effort. Dates, sometimes stuffed with butter, symbol of sweetness, and a glass of milk, sign of purity, are then swallowed. Then, one plunges into the bowl of harira the traditional wooden spoon of lemon tree. Instantly, the soup comforts, quenches the thirst, fills the stomach, restores the balance of the body. And reminds the faithful of the meaning of fasting: food is not a due, but a gift from God.

After the harira, we fill ourselves with dried figs, hard-boiled eggs with cumin, bricks, pastries … And, once sustenance, we go to the mosque for the last prayer. On the way back, a second feast begins, made of salads, meats and sweets. Some, already full, skip this step. They prefer to get up before dawn to swallow a bowl of sweet couscous or a wheat soup. The harira is also served on other occasions, to the newborn or the circumcised child, to the convalescents or to the newlyweds. Always fortifying, generous and fragrant

The recipe of the Moroccan soup

What characterizes the harira, compared for example to the chorba, another Maghreb soup? The leaven, which replaces the vermicelli, and the cooking method, in two steps.

The broth

Brown the meats (mutton neck, beef chuck or diced or shredded chicken after one hour of cooking) with onions, add water, legumes or even a handful of rice, and saffron filaments.

The mixture

Separately, mix the crushed tomatoes, sourdough, lemon juice and lots of herbs (coriander, parsley). Add this mixture to the broth, slowly, to avoid lumps.

At the service

These are some of the Moroccan soup needs: Complete with spices – cinnamon, paprika, ras el-hanout, cumin -, a beaten egg or a knob of rancid butter.