Visiting Morocco: février 2010

mercredi 24 février 2010

Things to do and places to visit in Asilah,Morocco

Things to do and attractions to visit in Asilah,Morocco.

Asilah (pronounced Azila by Moroccans)

Asilah is a small atlantic coastal town between Tangier(50kms) and Rabat with predominantly Portuguese influences.

Asilah has come to gain a reputation as the City of Artists. It is the preferred destination for artists to hang out and organize their art exhibitions and festivals. Being a relaxed place and a break from the bustling cities of neighboring Tangiers and Tetouan is one reason. The other is its beautiful frescoes painted on its house walls. Blue and white paintings on house walls is one of the artisitc activities.

The best time to visit Asilah is in summer time to enjoy its hot sandy beach. Also most festivals are held during July-August in particular Artwork,music and dancing(the International Cultural Festival,Flamingo,etc).

Points of Interest

The 15th century Portuguese Ramparts

With a view looking out over the shore, these ramparts were designed by the Portuguese military architect Botacca in late 15th century.

The Old Medina Gates

Worth a visit if you're in Asilah are Bab el-Kasaba and Bab el-Homar(the old medina's old gates).

El Kamra Tower
Another Portugese Military Defense Base. It is the highest point in the medina.

Palace of El Raisuli the Bandit

Raisouli, the Lord of the Rif, Sultan to the Berbers and the last of the Barbary Pirates, did not like the Spaniards and the Portugese. Not much is known for the reason. Let's not forget Asilah became a springboard for Portuguese attacks on Moroccans.

The southern cliffs and the 15th century fortifications attest to the Portuguese presence. It may also be he was a descendant of those ancestors tortured and exiled from Spain during the Spanish Inquisition.

But Raisouli, increasingly feeling the sadistic joy out of power and wealth, went overboard and turned from a pirate into a bandit capturing any foreigners in exchange for ransoms. Raisouli did not know of travellers but invaders. One of his victims was British writer Walter Harris.

The El Raisuli story inspired the American director John Milius for his famous adventure film "The Wind and the Lion" starring Sean Connery as "the last of the Barbary Pirates".

Church of Saint Bartholome

Just outside the medina, on Ave de la Liberte lies Church of St Bartholome,a reminder of the Iberian influence, and is still in use by local christians. One of the few churches in Morocco that still ring their bells every sunday. The church is open to visitors.

Hassan II Cultural Centre

Has an art gallery and holds various events during the year.

Place Abdellah Guennoun

Things to do and attractions to visit in Tetouan,Morocco

Things to do and places to visit in Tetouan, Morocco.

Tetouan is another Moroccan city on the Mediterranean Sea, near Tangier, that was established back in 1305.

Just as Marrakech is referred to as the Red City. Tetouan is known as "The White Pigeon".
A largely white painted medium-sized city with dominantly Andalusian Flavor.

Moroccan, Islamic, Phenician, European and Spanish (Andalusian) architecture are harmoniously merged together. The Big Mosque, Spanish Cathedral, Babu Saidi, The Kasbah The Medina and Hassan II Square are proof examples that make of Tetouan a historical melting pot of cultures.

The old Royal Palace, a 17th century building, at Place Hassan II(Hassan II Square) is itself a reflection of the Hispano-Moresque architecture. The palace is closed to public entry but its main ornate gate Bab Er-Rouah can give you a mental idea of what it's beyond and photos are allowed to be taken. Place Hassan II,where the old and new town meet, is the dynamic heart of tetouan . It's a square so grab a coffee at a nearby restaurant(reported to have the best coffee flavor in morocco) and do some people watching.

Tetouan,too, has retained its old medina part(a UNISCO world heritage site) that is rich of history. It was a pirates hub and once the capital of Spain's colony. The Romans destroyed the city at some point then was repopulated in the 16th century. Tetouan was the refuge for Jews, the Moors and the Moriscoes who escaped the Spanish inquisition.

Well, worth a visit is the Archeology museum located at Algeria avenue. Through its beautiful relics,artefacts and mosaics, the Archeology museum is a contemporary memory of the roman ruins of Lixus and Jewish ancestory. You may need a guide to accompany you through the city's winding streets and alleys and to go see the old fort,walls and the well preserved fences.

Tetouan enjoys an abundance of natural organic produce - Fresh meat from healthy-diet fed livestock,poultry,eggs,vegetables,fruits,olives,gains fill its markets from surrounding agricultural areas.

If you are a fan of a cloth and linen, ask for Souq El Hout and shop away.

If you're on your way back to Europe, Ceuta(Sebta) is just nearby for a ferry crossing.

A list of some hotels to stay in once in Tetouan:

Hotel El Yacouta (3 stars)
Address: Km 2 Route de Tetouan-Ceuta

Hotel Golden Beach(Three stars)
Address:Route de Sebta

Hotel Chams
Address:Avenue Abdelkhalek Tores

mardi 23 février 2010

Things to do and places to visit in chefchaouen, Morocco

Chefchaouen (also called Chaouen) is located at the heart of Morocco's Rif Mountains.

It's a quite and peaceful place with natural beauty. While marrakech is a red-painted city, Chefchaouen's old medina is a sky blue one.

From the bus station, take a taxi to drop you in the heart of medina (that's their terminus anyway). If you don't have a return ticket. it's a good idea to book one in advance whilst at the bus station (CTM is the recommended bus company).

Accomodation is both readily available and affordable. Mint tea may not be your favorite if you're coming from North America (I know what you're thinking, yes it's sweet). Tea is good for your colechstrol and blood circulation. And Chefchaouen is the place to get over it and try it.

Women can also try a henna artist to decorate their hands and feet with beautiful tattoo desings.

The Plaza Uta el-Hammam,at the center of medina, is the ideal place to relax in your first day, drink some mint tea and do some people watching.

Remember, small of a place is morocco, the people at each city are different in their manners, lifestyles and even looks. Being at the mountain and close to Spain accounts in part for this diversity.

Most hotels can organize or customize guided hiking trips for visitors (you may have to ask). Both traditional Moroccan cuisine and European food is plentiful at the nearby cafes and restaurants.

The outskirts of the medina where the Defense Walls still stand to tell their stories can be tempting to backpackers for a stroll. Be careful not to stroll too far though as beyond those walls is where Hashish and marijuana are grown.

If your trip does not include going to Fes or Marrakech, Chefchaouen's trinkets and other souvenirs are a savior for budget travelers for their cheap prices yet great designs.

Casa Hassan Hotel is one of the nicest hotels to stay in chefchaouen. Not the only nice one, but one of them.

lundi 22 février 2010

Things to do and places to visit in Merzouga,Morocco

Things-to-do-visit-in-Ouarzazate-Morocco

Things-to-do-visit-in-Essaouira-Morocco

Things to do and places to visit in Meknes,Morocco

Things to do and attractions to visit in Meknes,Morocco

If you are planning a trip to Fes and can afford some time, stopping by adjacent Meknes, an overlooked gem, is well worth the visit.

Meknes (also spelt Meknès) is located between Fes(60 kilometres) and Rabat(130 kilometres) along the N13 road.

Like other Morocco's imperial cities, it hosts quite few interesting attractions.

Meknes was named after a Berber tribe called the Miknasa(Imknasn in Berber).

Today, it has gained another tourist label "the Versailles of Morocco".

Volubilis (Walili in Arabic).

Situated close to the town of Moulay Idriss, 30 km north of Meknes, Volubilis, an amazing world heritage archaeological site. It features the most preserved ancient Roman ruins. Stunning mosaics, relics, basilica, baths, temples, victory arch.

In recent years, the site has become almost deserted and neglected by local tourism authorities.

Not many tourists are visiting it mostly due to its discouraging detour location. Those into history and archaeology will find it well worth the visit.

A nearby hotel, Restaurant Panoramique, is reported to serve the most delicious tagine in Morocco. This region is also famous for the best olive oil quality. For more information on Volubilis click here for a wikipedia article

Old Medina

Meknes medina is more relaxed and less bustling than Fes and Marrakech's. But it shares a lot in common with the latter.
The winding alleys,narrow streets and closed markets.

No wonder, Meknes was built by the same person who built Marrakech-The Great Moravid Sultan Yousef Ben Tashafin.
You can find good quality artwork in its bazaars and boutiques.

Lhdeem square

Similar to Tangier's The Grand Socco, Lhdeem is a nice relaxed place to get a feel of life in Meknes and its people. Drinks and snacks are tasty and galore.

The Grand Mosque

For muslims, this is a good site to visit. It was built by Sultan Yousef Ben Tashafin and renovated during Mohammed Alnasser reign in 1199.
The entrance of the mosque is a reflection of the Islamic and Andalusion architecture with a Moroccan flavor.

Madrasat Abou Inan

Just close by The Grand Mosque is Madrasat(school of) Abou Inan. An old Moroccan school built in 1345. Those passionate about old craftsmanship,this is a perfect place to visit
It is open for visitors in most days for a small fee.

The Walls of Meknes

Meknes old walls and gates are more than 25 kms long. Among them Bab Mansour, more than 250 years old,stands out. Supported by marble columns and decorated with zellij mosaics,green and white ceramic tiling. It is now used as an arts and crafts gallery. A small taxi (petit taxi) drive is well worth it.

An old gate is referred to as Bab (the same word for door).
Bab Almansoor,Bab Alnoor(the Gate of Light), Bab Alkhamis(Thursday Gate),Bab Jdid (The New gate). These gates are accessible from the place called Lhdeem(the 'h' sound is pronounced as in French and German)
The gates are entrances to many souks,bazaars and markets,so it's also another shopping or simply people watching opportunity.

Dar Aljamee museum

built in 1882 Aljamai who was then prime minister later to be turned into a hospital by the French.
Accessible from lhdeem, this place still features almost intact furnished rooms,ceramics and other interesting stuff. Well worth the visit.

Kubbat lKhayateen

Not known why this name is picked since it was used as a reception hall for foreign ambassadors. Another more pertinent name is Kubbat A Sufara( of ambassadors).

Hri Souani
Hri is Moroccan Arabic for barn. It was built by Moulay Ismail and served as a stable for his 15.000 horses(mostly original Arabian horses donated by horse breeders as gifts to the sultan). The place was also a barn for grain and wheat storage,granaries.

Unfortunately, this building was destroyed by the famous 1755 earthquake that destroyed most of Meknes. It is said that the 1755 earthquake was so powerful it brought the centre of Lisbon down.

Some remaining columns and channels have been restored.
This place is the very setting for the 1988 popular movie "The Last Temptation of Christ" by screenwriter Paul Schrader and Martin Scorcese. The film was based on a novel by Nikos Kazantzakis.

Dar El Makhzen (House of the Governor)

This is one of Moulay Ismail's old palaces that are still being used for the rare occasions the current king visits the city.

Agdal Lake

This a stone-lined basin used by the locals as a weekend retreat and holidays picnics in particular during summer time.

The shrine of Mouly Ismail

located south of the place called Lhdeem, is the Tomb of Mouly Ismail. Tombs in morocco are built in a unique design. Moroccans visit the tombs of their late kings for a mixture of spiritual and nationalistic reasons.

Moulay Ismail is the founder of the current Alwaite Dynasty who made of Meknes the capital of Morocco during his reign(1672–1727). Visitors of all nationalities are allowed in but respectful clothing is required-No shorties or cleavage.

A list of some hotels in Moulay Idriss(for Volubilis stay):

Restaurant Panoramique:
Address:Rue L N 7 Ain RjaL
Moulay Driss Zerhoun 50350, Meknès.
Tel : (212)3-554-4400

Hotel-Restaurant Diyar Timnay:
Another budget hotel in the area
Address:Rue L N7 Ain Rjal
Moulay Idriss Zerhoun
Tel:(212)535 54 44 00
Cel:661.10.43.18
Site:http://www.diyar-timnay.com/acceuil.html
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Palais Didi (Meknes)

Other information of relevant interest:

Things to do,attractions and places to visit in Tangiers,Morocco

Things to do,attractions and places to visit in Asilah,Morocco

Meknes Restaurants Guide Adresses

Meknes Hotels Riads Guide des hotels

Things to do,attractions and places to visit in Tetouan,Morocco

Things to do,attractions and places to visit in chefchaouen,Morocco

Things to do,attractions and places to visit in Rabat,Morocco

Things to do,attractions and places to visit in Casablanca,Morocco

Things to do,attractions and places to visit in Merzouga,Morocco

Things to do,attractions and places to visit in Ouarzazate,Morocco

Things to do visit in Essaouira,Morocco

Women visiting morocco: Travel tips and advice

Things to do and places to see in Marrakech,Morocco

Things to do,attractions and places to visit in Fes,Morocco

Things to do,attractions and places to visit in Meknes,Morocco

Best time to visit travel to morocco

List of things to do while in morocco

Visiting morocco with children:Tips & Info

Things to do,attractions and places to visit in Merzouga,Morocco

what to wear when visiting morocco

Visiting Morocco From Spain - Transportation Information

Visiting morocco during ramadan

Visiting Morocco in November

visiting morocco in january

Tangermed Passagers - Tangier/Spain ferry crossing

Morocco Travel Guide

Morocco Maps:Detailed city map

Morocco Flights - Flight deals & time

Visiting Marrakech Guide - Travel tips and advice

Tangermed Passagers - Port Tanger Med 2

Morocco Public Transportation Trains Transport & buses

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Visiting Morocco

mercredi 24 février 2010

Things to do and places to visit in Asilah,Morocco

Things to do and places to visit in Asilah,Morocco

Things to do and attractions to visit in Asilah,Morocco.

Things to do and attractions to visit in Tetouan,Morocco

Things to do and attractions to visit in Tetouan,Morocco

Things to do and places to visit in Tetouan, Morocco.

mardi 23 février 2010

Things to do and places to visit in chefchaouen, Morocco

Things to do and places to visit in chefchaouen, Morocco

Things to do and places to visit in chefchaouen, Morocco

lundi 22 février 2010

Things to do and places to visit in Merzouga,Morocco

Things to do and places to visit in Merzouga,Morocco

Things to do and places to visit in Merzouga,Morocco

Things-to-do-visit-in-Ouarzazate-Morocco

Things-to-do-visit-in-Essaouira-Morocco

Things to do and places to visit in Meknes,Morocco

Things to do and places to visit in Meknes,Morocco

Things to do and attractions to visit in Meknes,Morocco

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mercredi 24 février 2010

Things to do and places to visit in Asilah,Morocco

Things to do and attractions to visit in Asilah,Morocco.

Things to do and attractions to visit in Tetouan,Morocco

Things to do and places to visit in Tetouan, Morocco.

mardi 23 février 2010

Things to do and places to visit in chefchaouen, Morocco

Things to do and places to visit in chefchaouen, Morocco

lundi 22 février 2010

Things to do and places to visit in Merzouga,Morocco

Things to do and places to visit in Merzouga,Morocco

Things to do and places to visit in Meknes,Morocco

Things to do and attractions to visit in Meknes,Morocco

Share:

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Travel Guide

Recommend:

Popular Topics

Things to do in Tangiers,Morocco

Things to do and places to visit in Marrakech,Morocco

Women visiting morocco: Travel tips and advice

Visiting Morocco From Spain

Morocco Public Transportation:Transport buses companies & Trains

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