3 Reasons to Visit Meknes, One of the Four Imperial Cities of Morocco

Meknes, Morocco.
Meknes, Morocco. Image by Verox66/Wikipedia

From Casablanca and Fez to Marrakesh and Rabat, Morocco is home to some pretty spectacular cities, and Meknes happens to be one of them. Located in the north of the country, this city has many amazing attractions in store. Here are three reasons why it deserves a spot on your bucket list.

Imperial Past

Meknes is best known for being one of the four historical Imperial cities of Morocco, along with Fez, Marrakesh, and Rabat. It was the capital under the sultan Ismail Ibn Sharif, the founder of the Alaouite dynasty, who was responsible for building its monumental walls and gates.

Amazing Architecture

Like most major cities in Morocco, Meknes is worth the visit for its architectural beauty alone. From mosques and palaces to fortifications and gates, it’s home to more beautiful buildings than we can count including the Kasbah of Moulay Ismail with the monumental gate Bab Mansur.

Roman Ruins

If you have enough time to embark on an exciting road trip while in Meknes, make sure to check out the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. Volubilis used to be one of the flourishing centers of late Hellenistic culture in North Africa, and you can still find many a basilica, temple, and triumphal arch on its grounds.