Meknes, Morocco

Meknes is one of the four ruler cities in Morocco, which developed thanks to the fruits, vegetables and cereals grown in its surroundings. It has about 550 thousand inhabitants. It is situated halfway between Fez and Rabat.

Meknes is a quiet city, with huge architectural monuments built by the cruel and megalomaniacal Sultan Moulay Ismail. He emulated the French King Louis 14 in his construction and even went so far as to ask for his daughter's hand in marriage, but did not get the King's consent. Moulay Ismail ascended the throne in 1672 and decided to make Meknes the new capital of the country. An army of 50 thousand slaves worked to make his wish come true.

During his 55-year reign, numerous palaces, gardens, mosques, ponds and warehouses were built in the city. The stables of his time accommodated 1,200 horses. The massive walls surrounding the city were so thick that real streets were formed along them in more recent times. The monumental Bab Mansour Gate, which is passed through on the way out of the royal city, evokes the grandeur of that distant era.

In the expansive El Khedim Square, storytellers and snake charmers create entertainment for locals and tourists alike. An interesting landmark in Meknes are the ruins of the Roman city of Volubilis.

The fantasy festival in September is a beautiful and exciting thing. The Dar Jamai Museum and the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, are worth a look. Meknes is a beautiful, green and peaceful city.