This imperial Moroccan city has grand gates, intricate mosaics, and a lively medina. Visit the vast royal granaries, explore the covered food market, and see Roman ruins at nearby Volubilis.
Meknes, one of Morocco's imperial cities, is home to grand gates like Bab Mansour, intricate mosaics in the Dar Jamai Museum, and a lively medina. With fewer tourists than Marrakesh or Fez, you can explore Moroccan history at a relaxed pace. Visit the ornate Bab Mansour gate, walk through the vast royal granaries, and take a day trip to the nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis.
The Medina's Main Sights
Place el-Hedim forms the center of old Meknes and serves as the entrance to the medina. In the evenings, food stalls and street performers fill the square. The square faces Bab Mansour gate, completed in 1732. You'll see detailed tilework, marble columns, and Quranic inscriptions on this impressive structure.
As you walk through the medina's narrow streets, you'll find markets selling spices, carpets, and local crafts. Visit the Dar Jamai Museum, housed in a 19th century palace, to see displays of Moroccan arts. The 14th century Bou Inania Madrasa showcases religious architecture, especially in its decorated courtyard.
Sultan Moulay Ismail's Projects
Several sites demonstrate the ambitions of Meknes' most well-known ruler. Visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail to see the sultan's tomb in a calm complex open to non-Muslim visitors. Nearby stand the large Heri es-Souani granaries and stables, built to supply food for 12,000 horses. The roofless arched rooms give you an idea of the scale of this project.
Volubilis Day Trip
About 30 km north of Meknes are the ruins of Volubilis, the most intact Roman site in Morocco. You can walk among stone columns and see detailed floor mosaics depicting mythological scenes. From the hilltop location, you'll have a view across the surrounding landscape. Many visitors combine Volubilis with a trip to the nearby town of Moulay Idriss.
Local Food
Sample regional dishes at the covered food market in the medina. The area around Meknes is known for its olives. For a full meal, try pastilla - a pie containing pigeon meat, almonds and cinnamon, mixing savory and sweet tastes. Enjoy mint tea poured in the Moroccan style from a height above the glass.
Transportation
Trains and buses connect Meknes to other major Moroccan cities. The trip from Fez takes less than an hour. In Meknes, use petit taxis for short rides. For a different experience, take a horse-drawn carriage tour of the main sights, starting near Bab Mansour.
One or Two Day Visit
If you have one full day, focus on the medina. Start at Place el-Hedim, then explore the markets, Bou Inania Madrasa, and Dar Jamai Museum. In the afternoon, see the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail and Heri es-Souani. With two days, spend the second morning at Volubilis, then return to watch the sunset from the medina walls.
Meknes in the 17th Century
Meknes rose to prominence in the 17th century when Sultan Moulay Ismail made it his capital. He transformed the city with extensive construction, including 45 km of walls and large gates. Though it later lost its capital status, Meknes retained much of its imperial architecture. The old medina and former royal palace are now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
