It is often said that the best money invested is the money spent on travel, and it's probably true. Exploring new cultures, landscapes, and lifestyles enriches us as individuals and helps us define what we desire for the future.
Some countries leave a deeper mark than others, and if you want to study in Morocco, it might be one of them.
1. The Kingdom of Morocco
Morocco is that magical and astonishing country that never fails to impress its visitors. The country in Africa closest to Europe, bridging the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, is capable of transitioning from the mountains of the Atlas Range to the Sahara Desert. Morocco hides captivating architecture, astonishing nature, and a rich heritage.
It is a millennia-old kingdom with an undeniable historical footprint, featuring significant cities, four of which are the so-called Imperial Cities, and the various capitals the country has had throughout its history.
But there is much more to discover and experience. Below, we detail some places you cannot miss if you spend time in this fascinating country.
2. Marrakech, the liveliest city
Marrakech is an essential city for all school trips to Morocco. Founded in 1062 by the Almoravids, it was the capital between 1071 and 1244, as well as between 1511 and 1554, during the Almoravid, Almohad, and Saadian dynasties. Marrakech, the Red City, is the southernmost of the major Moroccan cities. Away from Europe, inland, and close to the Sahara, it was a privileged transit point for Berber caravans and a military camp that eventually became the capital.
But if there's one thing Marrakech is known for, it's its Medina. The heart of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of bustling streets where traders, artisans, mosques, palaces, and walls converge. Getting lost in its alleys is the best way to experience this incredible place.
Marrakech has many other attractions, such as the Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the Menara Gardens. In short, visiting Marrakech will help you understand why, for many people, it's the most beautiful city in Morocco.
3. Fez, the cultural capital
In the heart of Morocco, on the route connecting Rabat and Algiers, lies Fez, the so-called cultural capital of the country. Fez was the capital of Morocco several times, between the 9th and 10th centuries, from 1244 to 1554, in the 17th century, and between 1727 and 1912.
To visit Fez, you will need two or three days, as it boasts a significant legacy declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Undoubtedly, its main attraction is the Fez-el-Bali Medina, a large 9th-century medieval neighborhood with a network of 9,000 streets. It is considered the largest pedestrian area in the world.
Fez has countless attractions: the Al Karaouine Mosque, the Attarine Madrasa, the Royal Palace, the various souks, the city gates, and the fountains. Additionally, from Fez, you can venture into the Merzouga Desert to spend a night in a traditional Berber tent, the tents of the nomadic peoples of North Africa.
4. Meknes, the beautiful unknown
Meknes, or Mequinez, is 60 kilometers west of Fez, on the way to Rabat. It was the capital between 1672 and 1727, leaving behind an architectural and urban legacy that earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. The city's rise was orchestrated by Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made Meknes the capital and ordered the design of the city according to his wishes. Forty kilometers of walls, palaces, and gates. It also features the mausoleum with the tomb of Ismail.
Unlike the other imperial cities, Meknes is more tranquil. But if there's something that stands out, it's the Bab el-Mansour Gate, from 1732, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Meknes is another must-stop for school trips to Morocco. It's a living history that deserves to be known and studied.
5. Rabat, the capital of Morocco
Rabat has been the capital of Morocco since 1912 when the French Protectorate began. Despite being the country's capital and having the allure of the Atlantic Ocean, Rabat is less touristy than the other imperial cities.
Rabat combines antiquity and modernity. Its main monument is the Hassan Tower, a 12th-century minaret intended to be the tallest tower. Next to it is the Mohammed V Mausoleum, a royal marble pantheon where the remains of Mohammed V and Hassan II, the current king's father, rest. The Kasbah of the Udayas and the Medina, with its famous walls, are also two places of special interest in the Moroccan capital.
6. The Mosque of Casablanca
Certainly, it is the most majestic mosque in Morocco. The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is impressive in size, being the second-largest in the world after Mecca. It has a 200-meter minaret with a laser beam pointing toward the holy city. Inside the temple, there is a hall with a capacity for 20,000 worshippers and a retractable roof that allows viewing of the sky.
The Casablanca Mosque (1993) is the only one in Morocco that allows entry to non-Muslims, a magnificent opportunity to immerse oneself in a place so emblematic of Islam and to understand its devotion from the inside. Its location, right by the sea, is striking.
7. Tangier, at the Strait of Gibraltar
Tangier is the northernmost city in Morocco and, therefore, the closest to Europe. In the middle of the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier was a coveted city throughout history and has been in the hands of different empires and European countries.
Its proximity to Spain, with international port and airport facilities, and its long coast make Tangier a tourist city with multicultural touches, thanks to its European past. Among its essential landmarks are the Great Mosque, the Medina, the April 9th Square, Cape Spartel, and the Caves of Hercules.
As you can see, there are many essential places to explore in Morocco, a country with a culture and traditions very different from Western ones but with a fascinating beauty and history. A destination that captivates anyone upon arrival and from which you will return completely renewed.
