Meknes is one of the four major imperial cities of Morocco founded by the Almoravids during the 11th century. The city began as an outpost and later transformed into a capital city of Morocco by Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century. Sultan Moulay built the city surrounding it with high walls and imposing gates. Most of the structures built at the time including mosques, mausoleums, and Royal stables feature traditional Moroccan and Islamic architecture. These buildings are found in the Medina of Meknes which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an example of a preserved fortfied city with historical monuments dating back to the 17th century. The Medina of Meknes is famous for Damascene, an ancient decorative art technique used for decorating metals. The old city also includes a main square known as Al-Hadeem Square and souks where you can experience the local culture during day and night. In addition to the medina, Meknes has a modern side called Ville Nouvelle which was established after the French colonized Morocco. The modern part of Meknes contains gardens, bars, and restaurants and offers a vibrant nightlife. Exploring the city of Meknes can take 2 days with day trips to the nearby attractions such as the ancient archeological site of Volubilis.
Things to do in the city of Meknes
The city of Meknes offers a wide range of things to see and do both in the old Medina and in the new city explained as follows:-
Explore Meknes in a horse-drawn carriage
A horse-drawn carriage is a slow travel experience that takes you back in time when touring the old city of Meknes. These carriages are available for hire at several points including the monumental Bab Mansour gate.
Marvel at the Bab Mansour gate
Located on El-Hedim Square, the main public square in Meknes, Bab al-Mansour is a major historical gate that serves as the entrance to the old part of Meknes. The gate was completed in 1732 by Sultan Moulay Ismail’s son Moulay Abdallah. The artistic features of the gate include Moroccan zellige tile work, stone carvings, making for one of the spectacular gates of the medieval era that still stand today.
Stroll around Al-Hadeem Square
Located close to the Bab Mansour gate, Place Hadeem is the main square in the Medina of Meknes. Visiting it offers an opportunity to experience the local culture. The square turned into a market place is where people gather to shop, dine, and stroll along looking for foodstuffs and souvenirs. In addition to food and souvenirs, there are also street performers that bring animals for entertainment and photoshoots including horses, ostriches, snakes and monkeys. The activity of Place Hadeem can be experienced by just watching from a rooftop of the surrounding cafes.
Visit the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail Ibn Sharif
Ismail Ibn Sharif was a former Sultan of Morocco famous for establishing the imperial city of Meknes. He founded the Alaouite dynasty of which the present Moroccan king Mohammed VI belongs and reigned for over 55 making for the longest reigning Sultan in history. He ruled from 1672 until his death in 1727 and made Meknes capital city. During his reign he built a large army known as black guards with up to 150,000 men which helped him to centralize power and expand the territories of Morocco and fought against the invading Ottoman Empire. Before his death, the foreseeing Sultan built a mausoleum in 1703 where he was buried which later became a pilgrim site for muslims. In addition to being a pilgrim site, the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, with a beautiful blend of traditional Moroccan and Islamic architecture is a tourist attraction open to all visitors. The mausoleum is adorned by intricate zellige tilework, geometric patterns, and elaborate carved woodwork. No flash-photography is allowed in the mausoleum which consists of a reception hall, three open courtyards, an indoor patio and a burial chamber.
Visit the Great Mosque of Meknes
The historical Grand Mosque of Meknes is one of Morocco’s largest mosques. Built in the 12th century, the mosque has 11 impressive gates and a towering minaret that dominates the skyline of the old madina of the city of Meknes. Originally founded during the Almoravid dynasty, the mosque has undergone several expansions and renovations under successive rulers. In the 14th century, the Marinid dynasty enhanced the complex by adding the Bab al-Kutub library and dedicating new spaces for scientific studies. Tragically, during that period, the mosque’s minaret collapsed, causing multiple injuries and fatalities. In the 17th century, under the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail of the Alaouite dynasty, the mosque saw further restoration and beautification. He introduced several architectural features, including elegant fountains and a Mihrab, a niche in the wall indicating the direction of Mecca, which Muslims face during prayer. Today, the Grand Mosque of Meknes is not only a place of worship but also a historical landmark reflecting Morocco’s rich dynastic heritage. Visitors can admire its intricate design, explore its storied past, and experience the spiritual ambiance that continues to inspire locals and travelers alike.
Tour the Museum of Indigenous Arts
Dar Jamai museum has a display of one of the best collections of traditional musical instruments in Morocco from string and fretted to wind, percussion, and lutes. Among the instruments preserved at Dar Jamai include Rhaita, Nai, Oud, Sintir, Lotar, Bendir, Goblet drum, and Rebab.
Take a day trip to the Archeological Site of Volubilis
Volubilis is 31 km (1-hour drive) north of the city of Meknes and 90 km (2-hour drive) north west of Fez. Day trips from either town are available for booking through a tour operator. Volubilis is thought to have been an ancient city developed during the 3rd century BC. According to UNESCO, the site covers 42 hectares and was enclosed by a 2.6 kilometer wall circuit and contains structures of various shapes and sizes including a Triumphal Arch, a basilica, thermal baths, and remains of private houses. There are also stone engravings and artifacts that belong to various historical civilizations including African, Berber, Moor, Carthage, Libyan, Roman, Punic, Mediterranean, Arab, Islamic, and Christian. The occupation of the Volubilis spans 10 centuries until it was abandoned in the 11th century AD due to the rise of Moulay Idris I, a descendant of prophet Muhammad who is responsible for founding the Idris dynasty and the first Islamic Moroccan kingdom. As a result, Volubilis was abandoned in favour of new cities including Meknes and Fez developed by Idri’s son Moulay Idris II.
Before the arrival of Romans in North Africa, the area where Volubilis stands had already been civilized by the indigenous Berbers followed by Carthaginians. However, the Romans are credited for building the structures seen at Volubilis today which include as follows:
The Civil Basilica of Volubilis
The most outstanding structure at Volubilis is the Civil Basilica of Volubilis which measures 42.2m long and 22.3m wide. According to historical archives, the original structure had two storeys built with corinthian columns and a paved forum in front during the Severan dynasty between 193-235 AD. The Basilica served as a court of law and a seat of magistrates during Roman Africa.
The Triumphal Arch
Standing at 8 meters (28 feet) tall, the Triumphal Arch at Vulubilis was built between 216-217 CE during the reign of Roman Emperor Caracalla. As a result, the arch is named after him, known as the Arch of Caracalla. He was famous for making a judicial decree that granted all free men citizenship of Rome.
Capitolium of Volubilis
The temple of Capitolium was built during the reign of Emperor Macrinus in 218 CE. He dedicated it to three religious and political deities of Juno, Minerva, and Jupiter. The Capitolium temple served as a seat of councils where advisors would meet to make decisions. Such temples symbolized power and authority within the Roman Empire.
Baths
The Archeological Site of Volubilis also contains ruins of a complex system of both private and communal baths that were built with underground heating systems. Among other facilities included steam rooms and public toilets. Such baths can be related to today’s health clubs given that some were built within houses such as the Bath in the House of Orpheus.
Olive oil presses
Volubilis also contains several remains of structures and objects that were used in olive oil production. There are olive oil presses, settling tanks, mills, and it is thought that large-scale production took place and Volubilis served as an important center of olive oil production during the Roman Africa era. Some of olive presses were restored.
Private houses
The main ancient city of volubilis was surrounded by defensive walls. Inside the walled city were residential areas containing private houses adorned with spectacular floor mosaic artwork depicting various themes of Roman mythology. Remains of these houses have been preserved in their original form which offers an opportunity for visitors to see how wealthy people lived in the ancient city. The House of Orpheus contains various artworks including Dolphin, Orpheus and Chariot of Amphitrite Drawn by Seahorse mosaics.
Due to the vast size of the site, touring some of the structures at Volubilis on foot may last 2 to 3 hours depending on route selection. Visitors should carry drinking water and protection against the scorching sun, as the site virtually has no shade.