Top Wilaya de Meknes hotels
The beautiful Zellij tiles decorate the Almohad influenced gate which is right across from the main square - Place el Hedim. The marble columns of the gate came from the ruins of Volubilis and there is an inscription which celebrates the achievement of Moulay Ismail.
Regarded as one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco, the Bab el Mansour is certainly the most important gateway in Meknes, it opens into mechouar where you will find the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. The gate was named after El-Mansour, the architect and was completed in 1732. El Mansour was a Christian rebel who converted to Islam.
The main gate was built for Moulay Ismail, is supported by two large bastions and a smaller gat to the side. The surrounds of the entrance are rich in green decoration and Kufic characters. The inscription says “I am the door open to all people, whether West or East”.
Bab el-Khemis was build between 1061 and 1147 and is known as the Thursday Gate. The name came about because of its proximity to a nearby camel market which was held on Thursdays. It was also the entrance to the old Mellah or Jewish quarter and gardens.
To the side of the square is a covered food market – a must for locals and a highlight for tourists who are definitely targeted by the street sellers. There are also café’s selling kebabs and bbq chicken. You will also find entertainers and snake charmers as well as local physicians handing out medicines.
El Hedim square or Place el Hedim connects the Kasbah and the medina. Literally meaning ‘Square of Ruin’s or another version ‘Square of Demolition and Renewal’, it has been laid out on the ruins of the Merinid Kasbah which was razed to the ground by Moulay Ismail in order to build palaces and grounds.
Ville Nouvelle is the new town of Meknes – also known in Arabic as Hamrya. The bus and train stations are in this area. Also in the new town are modern hotels and café’s as well as one of the city’s main attractions, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.
A common gathering spot for locals in the evening and at night is a lake by the city walls. It's worth the excursion if you like to experience local customs and culture first hand. Buy some food at the marche if you wish and head over around dusk. It will no doubt be crowded with people, but the ambiance is quite nice.
The medina in Meknes is very pleasant, and has plenty to offer. It's rather small, so there isn't the fear of wandering around lost and confused (unlike the labyrinth in Tetouan).My roommate's cousin took me to an 11th century madrasa and several small museums containing old artwork and artifacts from Meknes. Entry to these places does cost, but not more than 10 dh per person.It won't take long to see the entire medina, so take your time, practice your bartering skills, enjoy the sights and smells (avoid the meat market areas in this respect.... you certainly won't be enjoying those smells...)
Koubbat as-Sufara was once the reception hall for foeign ambassadors. There is not much to see inside. Admision DH10. (March 2006)There is shafts that descend into a hugh crypt outside the entrance. It is an enormous vented, underground granary. Free admission.
Riad Felloussia Meknes
4 Reviews and 98 Opinions We stayed with five persons in three rooms of this excellent Riad. We were greeted at the main...
Ibis Moussafir Meknes
2 Reviews and 98 Opinions So far so good...booked in for 3 nights and I haven't been here for 24 hours yet! Paying 440 MAD...
Hotel Majestic Meknes
2 Reviews and 49 Opinions After a few nights in a budget hotel in Fes, I decided to treat myself to something of an upgrade....
Reviews and photos of Wilaya de Meknes attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Wilaya de Meknes sightseeing.
Q: Hi, I will be travelling to Morocco soon and was thinking of visiting Meknes, Volubilis and Moulay Idriss as I will be visiting...
A: I vote for staying Fes....
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