Historic City of Meknes
Morocco ·
Description
Meknes is megalomania made medina. Moulay Ismail, Morocco's 'Sun King,' built 25 km of walls, monumental gates and stables for 12,000 horses. Bab Mansour, the kingdom's most beautiful gate, opens to a medina less touristy than Fez or Marrakech but equally authentic. Roman ruins of Volubilis are nearby.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
Meknes represents the capital created by Moulay Ismail as a rival to Versailles. The walls, monumental gates and Sultan's Mausoleum are exceptional examples of Hispano-Moorish style. The city combines Islamic and European influences.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
For being the capital created by Moulay Ismail as Versailles' rival, with exceptional Hispano-Moorish architecture.
It was inscribed in 1996 under criterion (iv).
Yes, much quieter and authentic; ideal to escape crowds.
Volubilis (Roman ruins) and Moulay Idriss (holy city) 30 km away.
Morocco's most monumental gate, decorated with tiles and reused Roman columns.