Meknes, Morocco (pt 2/2)

Spending a day or two in Meknes is sufficient to see all the sites. You can either travel by taxi, car, or simply on foot. If you need any help sorting out directions, the people are friendly and more than willing to help point you or lead you in the right direction. You’ll notice that the atmosphere is less commerce oriented and hassle is nonexistent when compared with some places in the Fez medina.

Meknes, Morocco (pt 1/2)

After exploring the hills of the Middle Atlas around Ifrane and Azrou, and before being lured into the impressive Fez medina, don’t overlook Meknes. The city has its own impressive monuments and sights for a variety of travelers to Morocco. Known as the Moroccan Versailles, it is not outwardly apparent what makes this city so special. But, because Moulay Ismail fortified it as Morocco’s capital, some of its magic has stood the test of time.

Rabat: Chellah Gardens and Oudayas Kasbah

Rabat, the capital city of Morocco, is a popular destination for tourists who want to see some of the country’s main sights. Rabat replaced Fez as the official capital of Morocco, and is now the official home to King Mohammed VI’s Royal Palace. This attraction is a major draw, and you can view parts of the palace’s courtyards from an outside vantage point, but get too close and the guard’s will shun any attempts.

Ouezzane, Morocco – Holy City of Hills and Hashish

On the same road from Meknes to Chefchaouen in Morocco, a historically significant destination often overlooked is Ouezzane. A sprawling town positioned just at the southern border of the Rif Mountains, it was once a place for Andalusian Jewish refugees and criminals to escape to in the mid to late 1400s. The religious overseer for Muslims of note was named Moulay Abdullah ben Brahim, who actually attempted becoming Sultan over Morocco in the 1700s.