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The imperial cities of Morocco: Fez, Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat
Four cities served as Morocco's capital at different times. What sets Fez, Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat apart, and how to fit them into a trip.
The imperial cities are the four cities that were Morocco's capital at some point in its history: Fez, Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat. Each reflects a different dynasty and era, and their medinas are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Fez, the spiritual capital
Fez was founded at the end of the 8th and the beginning of the 9th century under the Idrisid dynasty. Its medina, Fez el-Bali, is one of the best-preserved medieval cities of the Arab world and a World Heritage Site since 1981. It holds the al-Qarawiyyin mosque and university, founded in the 9th century, and whole quarters of craftsmen: tanners, weavers, coppersmiths.
Its lanes are a maze, which is why a local guide is worth it on a first visit.
Marrakech, the red city
Marrakech was founded around 1070 by the Almoravids and gave its name to the country itself. Its medina, a World Heritage Site since 1985, revolves around Jemaa el-Fna square and the 12th-century Koutoubia minaret. It is also the usual gateway to the High Atlas and the south.
Meknes, the city of Moulay Ismail
Meknes had its golden age as the capital of Sultan Moulay Ismail, who reigned from 1672 to 1727 and surrounded it with walls and monumental gates such as Bab Mansour. Its historic city has been a World Heritage Site since 1996. The Roman ruins of Volubilis are close by.
Rabat, today's capital
Rabat has been the capital of Morocco since 1912. On the Atlantic it keeps the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower and a calm medina; its modern and historic heritage has been a World Heritage Site since 2012.
How to fit them into a trip
Fez and Marrakech are part of several of our routes: the 9-day imperial cities and desert route and the 7-day north to south route visit both, as does the 5-day south to north route. Meknes and Rabat are not on these itineraries; if they interest you, mention it when you ask for a quote.
If it is your first time in the country, you may find it useful to read why to start your trip in Marrakech.
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