Menzeh Dalia

Moulay Idriss

by barryg23

Containing one of the most important religious sites in Morocco, Moulay Idriss was for many years off limits to non-Muslims, and, according to one guide book I read, even until a few years ago non-Muslims were not permitted to stay overnight here. That seems to have all changes nowadays as we were offered rooms and tours of the medina by lots of locals.

The main site in the town is the shrine and zaouia of Moulay Idriss, great-grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and the founder of the town. This remains closed to non-Muslims though you can approach the entrance to the shrine and take pictures. Also worth seeing are the views from the terraces on the highest points on either side of the town. Locals will offer to show you the way and probably follow you for a short distance but the path is easy to find. From the top you get an excellent view of the shrine and of the rest of the town.

Moulay Idriss is about 25 km north of Meknes and there is regular public transport between the two. A popular day-trip from Meknes combines a visit to Moulay Idriss with nearby Volubils, 4 km further north.

A Moment in Time: The Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail

by Bernhadette

The "Mausolée Moulay Ismail" is one of the main tourist attractions in Meknès.
As it can be visited also by non-muslims, there are few Meknès visitors who miss taking a look.

A visit offers you the chance to see another facet of the grand myth of Moulay Ismail: the salutary, healing powers attributed to the revered Sultan. Many Moroccans visit the sanctuary in order to receive their share of this "baraka": health, well-being and luck.
But not only the famous Sultan Moulay Ismail is buried here. You will find likewise the tomb of his son Sultan Moulay Ahmed Ad-Dahabi, Sultan Moulay Abderrahman Ibn Hicham as well as the grave of his first wife Lalla Kantha.

The Mausoleum consists of three courts, a mosque and the tombs. After entering through the gate you get into an entrance hall, decorated with beautiful "zellije" (hand cut tile) works, followed by the three courts. In the third court there is a beautiful "mihrab", the cupola is carried by twelve pillars. Behind the courts lie the tombs of Moulay Ismail and the other members of his family.
The sanctuary's beautifully carved and painted ceilings shall make visible the splendour of paradise - "al-djanna" - to beholder.
Don't forget to take a look at the longcase clocks. The horologes are a present of Moulay Ismail's contemporary, the French king Louis XIV.

The building of the Mausoleum was begun in Moulay Ismail's lifetime. In the 1950ies it was restaurated by Mohammed V.

Opening hours:
Every day from 9 a.m. to noon (except Fridays) and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The entrance is free.
(Don't forget to get to take of your shoes before entering the rooms in front of the tombs.)

Opposite to the Mausoleum, along the Palace walls, you will find serveral little shops with postcards and touristic souvenirs.

Imperial City

by iaint

"well, here I am..."

...after a 7 hour train journey from Marrakesh. Comfortable enough in ONCF's 1st class, but 40 minutes late.

I was starting to get the screaming heeby jeebies after 5 hours. It was dark by then. Battery flat on the laptop, nothing to look at. Just my book to read.

It was 9pm by the time i got to the hotel - just time for dinner and a couple of beers - then heavy duty sightseeing in the morning.

"then..."

...refreshed by a decent night's sleep and Ibis breakfast I set to work on the medina etc.

Well, seemed to knock that on the head by 2pm! I could have lost myself in the souks, but I'm not a shopper and they all look the same. Plus I was tired by then. Highlight was definitely the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail - stunning!

I had a great chicken tajine in a tourist trap on the main square - even had a large lump of chicken breast in it. Maybe I landed on my feet there.

"and on Sunday..."

...had a magical trip out to Volubilis & Moulay Idriss Zerhoun in the morning. Great fun. Way to see the surrounding country, as well as a glimpse into small toen life.