Morocco has diverse culture and the country boasts of Nine cultural sites that are considered as world heritage by UNESCO sites in Morocco. These are sites with remarkable architecture, history as well as those having archaeological importance. They reflect the country’s heterogeneity and remain relevant up to the present time.
There are such sites as the Medina of Fez and the ancient village of Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou. All of them has their own history of the colourful past of Morocco. They can swim into the traditions and the history of the country at these places while your Morocco private tours.
Introduction to Iconic UNESCO Sites in Morocco
Morocco is in the central part of North Africa; this region has an outstanding historical background. Some of which places as Moroccan cities of Fes and Ait-benhaddou open the era of the intolerant and active history of the country.
It was such a splendid experience to be in such places that look like part of ancient world owing to the UNESCO status. The outside has the imprints of the old commercial centres of Islam, reduced dynastic periods, and the Roman period. These places also demonstrate Morocco’s lovely cylinder glass and vase work as well as sturdy fortification walls. They allow the visitors to reveal the traditions that have been passed for generations.
Whether it is the vibrant markets of Marrakesh or the serene structure of Meknes all the UNESCO sites in Morocco will Leave You Spell Bound and therefore make your Moroccan tour a one to remember for a life time. Such sites as Volubilis make people familiar with the history and Culture of Morocco . It makes them crucial for anyone who wants to have a true feel of trips to Morocco.
1.Medina of Fez: Architectural Marvel of Islamic World
Morocco located in the Maghreb region of North Africa and named for the native Moroccan population. It has 9 WORLD HERITAGE SITES which depicts its history, architecture and impact. Historial places like the Medina of Fez and the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou open Morocco historical performance to the public.
When in these UNESCO sites, one would feel they are in a different era all together. You will find impressions of trade, the Islamic dynasties and Roman period here. The mentioned places reveals some of the great architectural design in Morocco including tiles and strong walls of forts. By so doing the preserved structures allow the visitors to see the traditions that have been practiced for an extended period.
When it comes to those markets you are eager to get lost all the UNESCO sites in Morocco interest, whether you prefer the crowded desert tours from Marrakech or the quiet charm of Meknes. Moroccan landmarks that I have mentioned earlier to include Volubilis are good examples of communicating history and culture. They are strategic centers for anyone who desires to be a point of contact with the natural Morocco.
2.Marrakesh’s Historic Medina: A Vibrant Living Gem
The Medina of Marrakesh is living history located in the center of the Kingdom of Morocco. It placed on the list of the UNESCO World Heritage in the year 1985. This section makes it possible for visitors to submerge themselves in the preserved Moroccon customs which have stood the test of time.
It established as the capital city in the 1070s by the Almoravid dynasty. After that it was the capital of the Almohad dynasty up to the 13th century. And is now home to things such as the Koutoubia Mosque and the Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
It also has El Badi Palace as well as Bahia Palace and the Tombs of the Saadians. These places are cultural dumping grounds indicating the rich culture of Morocco.
Today, Medina still preserves most of its antique structures of architecture, crafts and trades. The town feels like having a visit in a completely different period when having a walk through its supple alleyways. You’re in the presence of visual immensity of history, the sound of heaven and the smells of existence.
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3.Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou: Fortified Village on Ancient Trade Route
In the southern part of Morocco the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou holds significance to that area. This made it to the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the year 1987. That is why this fortified village is the hidden gem to appreciate beauty of the ancient trade routes and constructions.
It was last remodeled in traditional Moroccan architectural style. Its buildings are constructed of earth and they have neighboring structures. They are enclosed by fences additionally they are protected by towers placed at the corners. Some of these structures date back to 17th century and they have wonderful clay brickworks done on them.
This village has earlier featured as one of the halting points for traders using the ancient desert route. It had facilities for the caravans moving in the sahara desert tour to make a stop over.
Being one of Morocco’s numerous Kasr, Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou is one of the finest exemplars of a classic old-world architecture. It enables the visitors to have a glimpse of activities that used to transpire in the past. Morocco’s importance reflected by the fact that the site forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage site list.
In general, those interested in history, architectural design or private desert tours in Morocco, should visit the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou. It is a romantic sight in UNESCO Morocco that demonstrate the beauty of the past.
4.Historic City of Meknes: Alawi Dynasty’s Architectural Legacy
Meknes listed as the Historic City of Meknes in UNESCO World Heritage since 1996. This one illustrates astonishing architecture of the Morocco’s Alawi dynasty. Almoravids founded the city in the 11th century and hence that is the time when it was established. It was later the capital of a small kingdom which was ancestral to the Alawi dynasty in the seventeenth century.
This the time Sultan Moulay Isma’il ibn Sharif launched big construction projects. All these projects altered the face of the city to the present look.
Meknes contains both Islamic as well as European architecture in its structure. Such a mix is evidence of the cultural history of the city. Alawi historians sate that the city reveals the greatness of the era with the big walls and ramparts of the city and the Kasbah of Moulay Ismail. These sites enable people to view the works of architecture left by the Alawi dynasty.
The Historic City of Meknes is one the most engaging attractions in Morocco. It allows the visitors to view the prowess of the Alawi dynasty in construction and Moroccan history. Due to different architectural styles, most of the buildings are in very good condition, making it one of the main attractions that would attract anyone interested in Moroccan culture.
5.Archaeological Site of Volubilis: Ruins of Ancient Roman Outpost
Volubilis another wonderful example of the Moroccan heritage and a world heritage site according to UNESCO since 1977. It was established in the 3rd century BCE as the Mauretanian capital. Much later, it was the capital for a while of the Idrisid dynasty in the first half of the eighth century. However, despite the fact that the site has been left without inhabitants for almost one thousand years, the ruins of the settlement are in rather good condition. It explains how various cultures of the mediterranean region have been able to intermingle at one time.
It has very beautiful and preserved mosaics, buildings and other relics that are eye catching. These items provide us the glimpse of the region’s historical sites morocco . One can observe the ruins of rather large Roman architecture today, such as the Arch of Caracalla, the Basilica, the Capitol. Indeed, these buildings are a clear evidence of the impressive architectural prowess as displayed by the Roman Empire.
The individual floor mosaics at the site are also rather remarkable. They depict mythological events, I and life of the people in this ancient city. When strolling in the middle of the ruins one can easily imagine how Volubilis looked like a prospering commercial city. That is how it connected the world of Rome to the Berber one, sharing the means of exchange. This site indeed can be recommended for all the lovers of the ancient Moroccan history.
6.El Jadida’s Portuguese City: Renaissance Military Engineering
Mazagan was a city in Portugal located on the coast of present-day Morocco; the city is now known as El Jadida. It belongs to the cultural importance of this country. Entered on the World Heritage List in 2004, it displays military architecture and town layout of the 16th century.
Dating back from the early 16th century it a point through which travelers passed on their way to India. For much of its history it controlled by the Portuguese until 1769. This has a Renaissance military style in the contours and shape of the walls and the fort. Looking inside, there one can observe such attractions as the Manueline Church of the Assumption and the obligatory cistern which narrates the history of different cultures.
The standards that this Moroccan heritage site and so many others have been maintained will definitely leave you in amazement. Since the site is a member of world heritage in Morocco it is among the famous tourist UNESCO sites in Morocco.
7.Discover the Medina of Essaouira: A Coastal Jewel
Walled and originally built to face the sea, Essaouira’s Medina is a complex network of narrow streets that harbours plain white, blue shuttered houses. The Souks of the town show the trading aspect of town due to its ancient importance as a trading port and markets where artisans make and sell unique products such as leather products, jewellery and fabrics. Still today outstanding medina gateways, clocking the Morccan and European characters, historical stone walls, and beautiful harbor can be seen. Essaouira has the modicom of a laid back fishing town with vistas of the Atlantic ocean and it is an interesting place to get a flavor of Moroccan history and its naval past.
8.Kasbah des Oudayas: The Natural Rock & a Timeless Fortress in Rabat
Kasbah des Oudayas a fortress situated in Rabat, Morocco ; it built on a cliff at the banks of Bou Regge River that leading to the Atlantic Ocean. The ancient castle that constructed in the 12th century has a peculiar view due to variety of architectural styles and its location. The layout of the kasbah’s streets is also very intimate and tortuous with typical Bougainville blue-and-white houses that look rather harmonious in the scenic context of the sea.
Inside it, there is a beautiful Andalusian style garden, the old mosque and a large gate of the Oudayas that functions as the main entrance to the fortress. Besides the historical importance in Morocco’s history and the properly preserved architecture, the Kasbah des Oudayas also allows for a spectacular view of the surrounding territory, so everyone visiting Rabat must consider visiting this site.
9.Medina of Tétouan: This can be described as a Jewel of Andalusian architecture.
The Medina of Tétouan has not only been renowned for the magnificent quality of the Andalusian-based architecture but as an authentic representation of the classical Moroccan city. This was given a status of a world heritage and is considered as one of the best preserved Moroccan medina where the narrow alleys, the white washed houses and the lively souks depict the truecolour of the place.
Furthermore, according to the historical background and the style of craftsmen of Andalus, the medina has been designed with narrow lanes and the shopping complex.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Morocco
Morocco has the great cultural significance with as many as 9 World Heritage sites in the country. The following sites are the best representation of the nation and are replete with architectural marvels. They also speak about a very active and inspiring cultural presence of the country. Morocco has 13 other places in the list of Tentative Sites for future nomination.
These are the Moulay Idriss Zerhoun and the historic city of Taza with the Great Maksour Mosque. These sites exemplify how Morocco has tried to maintain the colourful and interesting history.
Conclusion
As highlighted by the nine world heritage sites list of morocco, the country is an amazing representation of culture and history. They lead us from the medinas of the two countries’ largest cities – Fez and Marrakesh –to the ancient village of the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou. These places make it possible for one to understand the cultures and modes that characterized the region in the past.
This explains why a visit in these UNESCO sites assists one to capture Morocco’s big part in the Mediterranean sphere. They prove long appearing and let us immerse ourselves to its rich culture.
This can be tour of the ruins in Volubilis which was a Roman city or the Alawi Dynasty monuments in Meknes, or the Portuguese ‘M Hassan’ city of El Jadida. The listed UNESCO sites in Morocco give tourists a wonderful opportunity to acquaint with the history and contemporary culture of the country.