10 Best Famous Buildings In Morocco

famous buildings in morocco
Stephen
Stephen 
Published
| 5 min read

Standing at the northmost part of the African continent and neighboring the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, Morocco is a beautiful country that acts as a melting pot for different cultures, including both Arabian and European cultures. With spectacular coastlines with pristine beaches and popular tourist attractions such as the famous Marrakesh’s medina, the blue-washed town of Chefchaouen, and the attractive Fes, it is easy to understand why tourists love this country so much. Explore the priceless art, museums, watersports, and the beautiful scenery that this destination offers. To understand the place better, check out this list of the best famous buildings in Morocco.

1. Hassan II Mosque

Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
Source: Photo by user Andrew E. Larsen used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Erected on Boulevard de la Corniche in the capital of Morocco, Casablanca, Hassan II Mosque is a sight to behold and one of the main reasons the city is a popular tourist destination. Apart from being the largest mosque in the entire continent of Africa, it is also ranked the 10th largest across the four corners of the earth. Only the minaret of Djamaa el Djazair in Algeria rivals this 210-meter-tall (689 ft.) tall minaret on the Atlantic coast. Its architecture and design are that of Moroccan origin, which is mind-blowing. It’s one of the few mosques where non-Muslims are allowed.

Hassan II Mosque

Address: Boulevard de la Corniche, Casablanca

Website: Hassan II Mosque

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2. Kasbah Mosque

Mezquita Mulay Al Yazid 04
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Yastay used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Situated in the old Kasbah of Marrakesh and with a capacity to accommodate tens of thousands of people, Kasbah Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the area, believed to have been built around 1185 - 1190 CE. This Friday mosque is one of the major historical monuments that are responsible for the large number of tourists flying to the country. The local community comes together at midday on Fridays to say their prayers, but other non-Muslim people are not allowed to step inside. The structure has a nicely decorated interior and very attractive exterior with gorgeously decorated walls and a breathtaking minaret.

Kasbah Mosque

Address: Old Kasbah, Marrakesh

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3. Taourirt Kasbah

Taourirt Kasbah
Source: Photo by user Anthony Tong Lee used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Travel back in history to the time of the French rule and slave trade when you explore one of Morocco’s major tourist attractions and a historical landmark sitting in the city of Ouarzazate, popularly known as the gateway to the Sahara Desert—Taourirt Kasbah. This structure was once a palace of the powerful el Glaoui clan that used to control caravan routes to West Africa. Constructed in the 19th century with about 300 rooms, today the site remains partly ruined, but it’s still occupied on one side by some locals. To preserve its aesthetic value, the place has been restored with some assistance from UNESCO.

Taourirt Kasbah

Address: Avenue Mohammed V, Ouarzazate

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

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4. Koutoubia Mosque

Mosquée de la Koutoubia - marakesh
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Baca12 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Tucked away in a peaceful charming neighborhood in the southeast medina district of Marrakesh is the largest monument and sanctuary in the entire Marrakesh—Koutoubia Mosque. Referred to as Jami al-Kutubiyah, this mosque is one of the most eye-catching structures in the entire city due to its mind-blowing exterior decoration and a lush, green garden that is blossoming with beautiful flowers. It depicts one of the most impressive Islamic architectural designs, with magnificent decorative arches and a thrilling 773-meter-tall (2,536 ft.) minaret that is visible from all across the entire city. It’s so beautiful that it has stimulated the rise of other similar buildings.

Koutoubia Mosque

Address: Rue el Ksour, Derb Sabai, 13, Marrakesh

Website: Koutoubia Mosque

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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5. Mausoleum of Mohammed V

Mausoleum of Mohammed V Rabat Morocco
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jorge Lascar used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Located at the heart of the city of Rabat and facing the breathtaking Hassan Tower, Mausoleum of Mohammed V is a historical landmark and a popular tourist attraction in Morocco. Perched on the vast Yacoub al-Mansour promenade, the site forms the resting place of the prominent Moroccan monarch and his two sons. Locals and other Muslims visit to pay their homage to these members of the royal family, while tourists travel from all parts of the continent and the world to admire the magnificent architecture of the mausoleum. It’s one of the few worship places where the public is allowed.

Mausoleum of Mohammed V

Address: Yacoub al-Mansour Esplanade, Rabat

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 8:15am - 5:45pm

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6. Chefchaouen Medina

Chefchaouen
Source: Photo by user Aleksandr Zykov used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Whether you’re looking for art, history, fun, or love, this photogenic village perched on the Rif Mountains in the northern part of Morocco has got it all. What makes this magical place so romantic is how its winding alleyways, walls, doorways, and popular plazas are all painted in shades of blue. Many believe the blue color keeps mosquitoes away. What’s even more charming is the tranquil, chill vibe and vibrant communities that will welcome you wholeheartedly and even share some hashish. Apart from its enchanting beauty, the destination also has a number of blue mosques and a royal tomb.

Chefchaouen Medina

Address: Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen

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7. Bahia Palace

Bahia Palace large court
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Val Traveler used under CC BY-SA 4.0

As its lovely name might suggest, Bahia Palace, situated along Avenue Imam El Ghazali in Marrakesh, is a brilliant, gorgeous, and heartwarming palace that was erected in the late 19th century. For someone looking to discover some history and traditional Moroccan architectural styles, this place should be on top of your must-visit list. Sitting on a 20-acre (8 ha) piece of land, this is one of the eye-popping sights that bring tourists to the country. It comes with 160 rooms that are all amazing, with ornately carved ceilings and intricately designed walls, along with blossoming courtyards and magnificent gardens filled with beautiful green trees.

Bahia Palace

Address: Avenue Imam El Ghazali, Marrakesh

Website: Bahia Palace

Opening hours: 9am - 4:45pm (daily)

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8. University of al-Qarawiyyin

Var 132
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Khonsali used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Are you a researcher, scholar, academician, or just an adventure-seeking traveler in search of exciting trivia? Then a trip to the cultural capital of Morocco, Fes, would be a major step to finding new and interesting facts about the oldest existing and continually operating higher-education institution globally—as witnessed by UNESCO and Guinness World Records—University of al-Qarawiyyin. Depending on where you’re from, sometimes it may be pronounced as Al-Karaouine. With roots dating back to the 9th century, this historical institution came to be due to the philanthropic and bighearted nature of the daughters of the original owner of the place.

University of al-Qarawiyyin

Address: Qayruwan Quarters, Fes

Website: University of al-Qarawiyyin

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:15am - 4pm (closed on Sat - Sun)

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9. El Badii Palace

El Badi Palace from Wall 2011
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bjørn Christian T... used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Constructed toward the eventful end of the 16th century by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadian dynasty, El Badii Palace is one of the historical landmarks in Marrakesh that carry a big chunk of Morocco’s history. Enjoy an insightful tour of this site and travel back to relive the victory at the Battle of the Three Kings, which was against Portuguese invaders. It was originally constructed using gold, turquoise, and crystal. Tourists visit the ruined site to enjoy eye-catching views of the carved gardens with orange trees and surrounded by high walls.

El Badii Palace

Address: Ksibat Nhass, Marrakesh

Website: El Badii Palace

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

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10. Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail

Meknes (3)
Source: Photo by user elchicogris used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Morocco is a country that boasts a plethora of cultural and historical landmarks throughout, and Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is one of those popular structures that attract tourists to the historic city of Meknes. Learn about the famous sultan who had turned this city to his capital. Later after his passing, this peaceful place is where he was laid to rest. With a tranquil atmosphere, the site also has picturesque pale-yellow courtyards that stretch all the way to the tomb. The structure combines both Islamic and Moorish architectures.

Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail

Address: Meknes

Opening hours: 9am - 6:30pm (daily)

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Explore the dazzling beauty of Moroccan architecture

Apart from boasting two magnificent coastlines on the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, this lovely country hosts a plethora of eye-popping sights that will arouse your curiosity for adventure even more. From places of worship and sacred tombs to royal palaces and academic institutions, the number of iconic buildings with wonderful histories in Morocco is astonishing.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Stephen is an avid content writer with a passion for adventure. He enjoys traveling and has visited several countries around the world. So far, South Africa stands out as his most exciting...Read more

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