Morocco offers amazing World Heritage Sites that are believed by UNESCO to be extremely important national treasures. The value of these historical sites is a window to the past and are worth preserving. Most of the traditional heritage sites are ancient in nature and deliver a glimpse of our ancestor’s philosophies and how they lived their day-to-day lives. Without these historical sites much of world history would remain unknown and gone forever were it not for the efforts of UNESCO and other organizations who study archaeological ruins. There are as many as eight elected World Heritage Sites in Morocco. Here are a few that we at Virikson Holidays really enjoy.
Archaeological Site of Volubilis
These antique Roman remains were originally part of the Mauritanian prosperity that was well-known in the area in 3 BC. Volubilis was a spectacular city featuring many buildings and markets and although today all that remains are some ruins, the enduring buildings and complicated mosaics have been well-looked-after as a souvenir of a city that once prospered.
Historic City of Meknes
Created in the 11th century as a military fortress, this great city advanced into a place of great loveliness, filled with superb examples of Spanish-Moorish fashioned architecture, much of which is still current today. Portions of the city, such as the massive doors of the city, were built from materials plundered from Volubilis.
Mazagan
One of the country’s more current engravings is that of the Portuguese City of Mazagan. According to UNESCO, this antique city was constructed to encourage gathering and trade during the 16th century. It helped as a Portuguese port on the Atlantic coast and is an outstanding example of how European and Moroccan philosophies were often mutual during town planning. Today Mazagan is a fragment of El Jadida, which is not too remote from Casablanca.
The Medina of Essaouira
This once unassuming fishing village was transformed into an industrialized and important seaport which was also used by pirates in the 1500s. Within the city’s fortified walls, the antique Medina of Essaouira has been preserved and many buildings remain much the same as when they were built back in the 18th century.
Medina of Fez
With a history that drives right back to the 9th century, the Medina of Fez is Morocco’s cultural and spiritual center. The Medina involves of plenty of stunningly well-maintained historical buildings, including the beautiful mosques, palaces, residential home and rectangles with fountains, all set in a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways which are fascinating to explore.
Medina of Marrakech
Marrakech is probably the most well know city in Morocco. The old Medina of Marrakech dates back to the 11th century with each generation of occupants leaving their mark on the captivating architecture of the city. The Almoravids constructed some of the most inspiring constructions in the ancient Medina, including the old Kasbah, a number of wonderful mosques and an open-air playhouse which still positions today. The tombs of numerous protuberant figures are positioned in the Medina of Marrakech and fascinate visitors from all over the world in their Morocco holidays.