Marrakech, a former imperial city in western Morocco, and a major economic center home to mosques, palaces and gardens. The medina is a densely populated, fortified medieval city dating back to the Berber Empire, with intertwining maze-like alleys, where bustling souks (markets) sell traditional fabrics, pottery and jewelry. Symbol of the city, the minaret of the 12th century Koutoubia Moorish mosque is visible for miles.
Fez is a city in northeastern Morocco often considered the cultural capital of the country. It is mainly famous for the fortified medina of Fez El Bali, with medieval Merinid architecture, lively souks and an old-fashioned atmosphere. The medina is home to religious schools such as the Bou Inania and Al Attarine medersas dating from the 14th century, both decorated with carved cedar panels and delicate mosaics.
Casablanca is a port city and a commercial center located in western Morocco, facing the Atlantic Ocean. The city's French colonial heritage is reflected in the Moorish architecture of the city center, combining Moorish style and European Art Deco. Partially erected over water, the huge Hassan II Mosque, completed in 1993, features a 210-meter-tall minaret with lasers pointing towards Mecca.
A Moroccan port located in the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier has been a strategic point between Africa and Europe since the time of the Phoenicians. On the hillside, its medina with whitewashed buildings includes the Dar el Makhzen, a former palace of sultans that has now become a museum of ancient Moroccan objects. Occupying a former Moorish-style consulate dating from 1821, the American Legation Museum, also in the medina, traces the history of early diplomatic relations between the United States and Morocco.
morocco day trip from marrakech & fes to explore the cities of morocco