Morocco
Morocco is a country in North Africa with a long and rich history. It has been home to Berbers, Arabs, and many old empires. The country was once part of the Roman Empire and later became an important Islamic kingdom. Morocco became independent in 1956 after being a French and Spanish protectorate. Today, it is known for its culture, old cities, mountains, beaches, and the Sahara Desert.
Fes
Fes is the oldest imperial city in Morocco. It was founded in the year 789 by Idris I, who came from the family of the Prophet Muhammad. His son, Idris II, made Fes the capital of Morocco in 808. Fes is known for its old medina, Fes el-Bali, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also home to the University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859, the oldest university in the world still working today. Fes is full of history, culture, and traditional crafts.
Marrakech
Marrakech was founded in 1062 by the Almoravid dynasty. It became the capital of Morocco and a very important city for trade, religion, and learning. The city has red walls built in the 12th century, which is why it’s called the Red City. Marrakech is famous for Jamaa el-Fna square, palaces like Bahia Palace, and beautiful gardens. It is a mix of history, art, and energy.
Casablanca
Casablanca is a modern city, but it also has history. It was a small Berber village in the 7th century and later became an important port. The city grew during the time of the French protectorate in the early 1900s. Today, Casablanca is the biggest city in Morocco and home to the Hassan II Mosque, built in 1993, one of the largest mosques in the world. It is the center of business and travel.
Agadir
Agadir was destroyed by a strong earthquake in 1960, but it was quickly rebuilt as a modern city. Before that, it was a small fishing town and a Portuguese trading port in the 16th century. Today, Agadir is known for its long beach, warm weather, and modern hotels. It is also a starting point for day trips to places like Paradise Valley and the Anti-Atlas Mountains.
Tangier
Tangier is an old port city with a special place in history. It was settled by the Phoenicians around the 10th century BC and later ruled by the Romans. In the 20th century, Tangier became an international zone shared by many countries between 1923 and 1956. Today, the city is a mix of Moroccan, European, and Mediterranean cultures. It is known for its medina, kasbah, and views across the sea to Spain.
Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen was founded in 1471 by Moulay Ali Ben Rachid to protect the area from Portuguese invasions. Many Muslim and Jewish families came here after being forced to leave Spain. The city is painted in shades of blue, a tradition started by Jewish residents. It sits in the Rif Mountains and is known for its calm streets, mountain air, and beautiful views.
