Epic journeys
Private transport
A Moroccan Guide
History, Culture & the Present Day
Exciting Explorations
Tour Overview
INTRODUCTION
This prosperous city was the Imperial City of Moulay Ismail.
This prosperous city was the Imperial City of Moulay Ismail. Under the reign of Moulay Ismail (1672–1727), Meknes grew from a small town to a very grand capital city.
The two main areas of interest in Meknes are the Ville Impériale (Imperial City) and the Medina.
In the Ville Impériale area, you can explore gardens, palaces, the impressive gate of Bab al-Mansour (very photogenic), the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail (an architecturally stunning shrine) and the vast Royal Stables of Mouay Ismail.
The Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is a palace-tomb and the only mosque in Morocco, other the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, that non-Muslims are allowed to enter. The tomb illustrates grand architecture.
The Moulay Ismail Royal Stables (El Heri es-Souani) are close by the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. This massive stable was built to hold no less than 12,000 royal horses. Ismail had a great respect and admiration for horses. The stables were designed extremely well to ensure the temperatures were kept cool and that the air was constantly renewed; no expense was spared to ensure that Ismail’s horses were given the best possible living conditions.
As well as the Medina souks (a Medina that is less busy than some and where shopkeepers are not quite as pushy!), you may also wish to visit:-
The Medersa Bou Inania (built in 1358, with its splendid rooftop views)
The Dar Jamaï, a beautiful palace built in 1882.
The two main areas of interest in Meknes are the Ville Impériale (Imperial City) and the Medina.
In the Ville Impériale area, you can explore gardens, palaces, the impressive gate of Bab al-Mansour (very photogenic), the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail (an architecturally stunning shrine) and the vast Royal Stables of Mouay Ismail.
The Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is a palace-tomb and the only mosque in Morocco, other the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, that non-Muslims are allowed to enter. The tomb illustrates grand architecture.
The Moulay Ismail Royal Stables (El Heri es-Souani) are close by the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. This massive stable was built to hold no less than 12,000 royal horses. Ismail had a great respect and admiration for horses. The stables were designed extremely well to ensure the temperatures were kept cool and that the air was constantly renewed; no expense was spared to ensure that Ismail’s horses were given the best possible living conditions.
As well as the Medina souks (a Medina that is less busy than some and where shopkeepers are not quite as pushy!), you may also wish to visit:-
The Medersa Bou Inania (built in 1358, with its splendid rooftop views)
The Dar Jamaï, a beautiful palace built in 1882.
