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Meknes Tour
Meknes One-Day Tour: A Royal Jouney through Morocco's Imperial City
Introduction to Meknes: The Versailles of Morocco
Meknes, often referred to as the Versailles of Morocco, is a city steeped in history and grandeur. Located between the fertile plain of Rharb and the Middle Atlas, Meknes rose to imperial status under the reign of Moulay Ismail. Today, it stands as Morocco's fifth-largest Imperial city, boasting a dynamic economic center known for its olives, wine, and mint tea production.
Tour Details
- Duration: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Transportation: Luxury 4x4
- Languages: English, Arabic, Berber, French
- Starting & Finishing Point: Your Hotel in Fès
Majestic Gates and Squares
Bab El Mansour Gate
Begin your journey at the magnificent Bab El Mansour Gate. Completed in 1732, this grand Meknes gate is considered one of the most beautiful in Morocco. It features intricate Almohad patterns, stunning zellij mosaics, and marble columns taken from the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
Triumphal Arch and Place El-Hedime
Pass through the impressive triumphal arch, standing 16 meters high with an 8-meter long arch. Enter Place El-Hedime (Square of Ruins), which connects the medina and the kasbah. This vibrant square is surrounded by modern buildings and a covered food souk.
Museums and Educational Institutions
Musée Dar Jamaï
Visit this museum showcasing modern Moroccan arts, woodwork, ceramics, carpets, and more. The building itself is a masterpiece, once a palace incorporating a mosque, pavilion, courtyard, kitchen, and hammam.
Bou Inania Medersa
Explore this beautiful 14th-century Koranic school established by the Merinids. Opposite the Medersa, you'll find the Grand Mosque with its striking 18th-century minaret and green glazed terracotta roof tiles.
The Heart of Meknes
Rue de Souks
Wander through this bustling street filled with hardware merchants, corn chandlers, and metalsmiths. Don't miss the daily auction at Ed-Dlala Kissaria in the Berber souk.
Dar el-Kebira
Explore this fortified quarter, known as the imperial city. Four times larger than the medina, it features wide avenues and squares protected by a double line of walls and angled gates.
Royal Legacy
Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail
Visit the tomb of the sultan who brought prestige to Meknes. The mausoleum features a suite of three rooms, twelve columns, and a sanctuary, reminiscent of the Saadian Tombs in Marrakesh.
Dar el Makhzen and Bassin de l'Aguedal
See the "Palace of Labyrinths" and the massive water tank built to supply the palace and imperial city.
Jewish Heritage in Meknes
Meknes boasts a rich Jewish history, including:
- An ancient Hebraic epitaph dating back to the Christian era
- A historic Jewish Mellah with streets named after prominent Rabbis
- Eleven synagogues (1-2 can be visited during the tour)
- A Jewish cemetery and school
Imperial Diplomacy and Prisoners
Koubba el-Khayatine and Habs Qara
Visit this imperial pavilion that once received diplomats negotiating the ransom of Christian prisoners. Behind it lies Habs Qara, a former Christian prison.
Equestrian Excellence
Haras de Meknès
Conclude your tour at Morocco's largest national stud farm, home to noble Arabian and Berber horses. Established in 1912, it can accommodate up to 231 horses and promotes the best breeds for fantasia performances and competitive races.
This comprehensive Meknes Tour offers a unique blend of imperial grandeur, religious history, and cultural heritage, providing an unforgettable journey through one of Morocco's most fascinating cities. Book your Meknes tour today and step into the royal legacy of Morocco's imperial past.
