10 of the Most Beautiful Buildings in Morocco to Add to Your Itinerary
- Malika
- Sep 9, 2024
- 11 min read
Updated: Jun 26
Morocco is renowned for its architectural treasures, with strikingly beautiful buildings and monuments scattered throughout the country. From the opulently decorated mosques and madrasas of the imperial cities to the earthen-walled kasbahs and ksours of the south, the country’s diverse architectural traditions reflect its cultural, geographical and religious heritage.
If you’re a fan of architecture (like I am), Morocco is a destination to add to your bucket list, with an abundance of inspiring buildings and monuments to explore.
In this article, I’ll introduce 10 of the most beautiful buildings in Morocco to help you plan an architecture-focused itinerary around the country.
More information about Morocco's unique architecture can be found in this detailed article.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Bahia Palace, Marrakech
Blending elements from Islamic and Andalusian design, Bahia Palace is a one-of-a-kind palatial residence in Marrakech. It was originally established by the grand vizier Su Musa in the 1860s and was expanded by his son Si Ba Ahmed ibn Musa in the late 19th century.
Bahia Palace is notable for its arched entryways, intricate stucco latticework and ornate tiling, as well as its peaceful gardens and courtyards. A highlight is the harem courtyard with its central basin, surrounded by rooms where the women of the house once lived.
As you wander through the palace's enchanting corridors and rooms, you can't help but be awestruck by the artistry and craftsmanship that have gone into creating this Moroccan gem. In my opinion, Bahia Palace is a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts visiting Marrakech - there is so much beauty to take in here, it’s hard to know where to look!
Entrance fee for Bahia Palace: 100 dirhams per person
Opening times of Bahia Palace: 9 am to 5 pm daily
To learn more about visiting the "Red City", including things to do and the best places to stay, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Marrakech.
Most beautiful buildings in Morocco
Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca
Towering majestically over the coastal city of Casablanca, the Hassan II Mosque is one of the largest functioning mosques in Africa. Completed in 1993 after more than six years of construction, the mosque was the vision of King Hassan II himself, who collaborated closely with renowned French architect Michel Pinseau to bring this grand project to life.
The mosque's design is a mesmerising blend of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and modern engineering, topped by a 210-metre-high minaret. Skilled artisans from across the kingdom were enlisted to handcraft the marble walls, imbuing the structure with an unparalleled level of elegance. The crowning touch is the retractable roof, which allows worshippers to pray beneath the stars on clear nights.
With the capacity to accommodate up to 105,000 worshippers at a time, the Hassan II Mosque is a staggering architectural marvel - its scale is hard to describe in words! Its strategic location on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic further enhances the experience, with awe-inspiring views of the ocean from its exterior.
Entrance fee for Hassan II Mosque: 140 dirhams for adults, 30 dirhams for children over 6 years
Opening times of Hassan II Mosque: Tours run hourly between 9 am and 4 pm from Saturday to Thursday and from 9 am to 10 am and 3 pm to 4 pm on Friday.
To learn more about visiting Morocco's biggest city, including things to do and the best places to stay, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Casablanca.
Most beautiful buildings in Morocco
Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech
Dating back to the late 12th century, the Koutoubia Mosque is a striking architectural treasure and the largest mosque in Marrakech. It’s really hard to miss, with its soaring minaret towering over the southwest corner of the medina, adjacent to the leafy walking trails of Parc Lalla Hasna.
The Koutoubia Mosque was originally founded in 1147 by the Almohad caliph Abd al-Mu’min and was entirely rebuilt around 1158. As a whole, the mosque is a quintessential example of the Almohad architectural style, which blended Moorish, Amazigh and Islamic elements into a visually striking whole.
Although non-Muslim visitors are not permitted to enter the mosque itself, there are plenty of opportunities to admire its red sandstone architecture and minaret from outside. My favourite spot to soak in its beauty is Parc Lalla Hasna - there are several benches here beneath the green space's orange trees.
Rising 77 metres in height, the minaret is adorned with geometric arch patterns and crowned by a spire and metal orbs. Look closely, and you'll notice that the opposite sides of the minaret feature alternating decorative motifs, adding an extra layer of complexity to this already breathtaking structure.
If you’re particularly keen to get an up-close view of the mosque, I’d recommend staying in a riad nearby with a rooftop terrace where you can listen to the call to prayer. Also, be sure to admire the centuries-old foundations visible on the mosque's northern side.
Koutoubia Mosque is one of 8 stops on my recommended one day Marrakech itinerary.
Most beautiful buildings in Morocco
Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate
Strategically located along the trans-Saharan trade route, the ancient fortified settlement of Ait Benhaddou was first established in the 11th century. It was designed to serve the caravans of merchants and travellers journeying from the Sahara Desert to Marrakech while protecting its inhabitants from attack.
Today, this remarkably well-preserved ksar is one of the finest examples of pre-Saharan earthen construction in Morocco and has been rightly designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architectural and historical significance.
The buildings that make up this adobe citadel largely date back to the 17th century, when Ait Benhaddou reached the height of its prominence and influence. The primary construction material was rammed earth, a remarkably effective and sustainable building method that involved compacting a mixture of earth, clay, sand, straw and water. Though porous, the solid walls of the ksar provided excellent insulation and shelter from the harsh elements.
Ait Benhaddou’s labyrinth of maze-like laneways weave through a collection of mud-brick kasbahs and hidden houses. Since it's an active village, there are no gates or set visiting hours, allowing you to explore whenever you want. While there's no formal admission charge, you might be asked for a small donation to help with the maintenance of the site and support the local residents.
To learn more about exploring this ancient ksar, including things to do and the best places to stay, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Ait Benhaddou.
Most beautiful buildings in Morocco
Bab Mansour, Meknes
Located in the historic city of Meknes, this monumental gateway is considered one of the most impressive in Africa. It was originally designed as the ceremonial entrance to the royal citadel of Sultan Moulay Isma’il, with construction beginning in the late 17th century and completed in 1732. Its name pays homage to the architect and designer, Mansour al-'Alj, a former Christian slave who converted to Islam.
Bab Mansour's architecture is based on Almohad designs, featuring a horseshoe-arch opening flanked by square bastions. However, it also incorporates several unique and innovative elements, such as the hollow loggia and the ornately carved marble columns, which were likely sourced from the nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis.
Perhaps Bab Mansour's most striking feature is the intricate decoration that covers nearly its entire facade, including a repeating darj-wa-ktaf motif, arabesque-painted tiles and an Arabic inscription. This dazzling display of artistry and craftsmanship is best viewed from Place el-Hedim, a lively public square known for its market stalls and food vendors.
To learn more about visiting this fascinating imperial city, including things to do and the best places to stay, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Meknes.
Most beautiful buildings in Morocco
Grand Mosque, Chefchaouen
Overlooking Place Outa Hammam, this magnificent mosque dates back to the founding of Chefchaouen in the 15th century. While the exact date of the mosque's construction remains a point of debate, it has long served as a central gathering place where local rulers and governors would pledge their allegiance to the Sultan of Morocco.
The Grand Mosque also housed a madrasa, where students would study subjects like Islamic jurisprudence, further cementing its role as an important hub of religious learning and scholarship.
Over the centuries, the mosque has undergone several restorations and is most notable for its octagonal minaret and distinctive red-tiled roof - this makes it instantly recognisable amidst Chefchaouen’s blue-hued buildings. With its hypostyle layout featuring eight parallel aisles divided by rows of horseshoe arches, the unadorned interior stands in contrast to the elaborately decorated exterior entrance.
While the Grand Mosque is closed to non-Muslims, you can admire its octagonal minaret from various points through Chefchaouen or get a close-up view from the steps at its base. Take note of the three tiers, each of which features blind arches, with the highest also decorated with square panels filled with zellije tiles.
To learn more about visiting the "Blue Pearl" of Morocco, including things to do and the best places to stay, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Chefchaouen.
Most beautiful buildings in Morocco
Kasbah Taourirt, Ouarzazate
This former palace of the powerful Glaoui clan stands as a testament to the strategic importance this region held along the lucrative Saharan caravan routes. During the French colonial era, the Glaoui family was granted extensive authority in exchange for keeping the southern tribes subdued, with Kasbah Taourirt reaching the pinnacle of its influence in the 1930s when the clan's power was at its peak.
Though the Glaoui chiefs themselves never actually resided within its walls, the kasbah served as the base of operations for the dynasty's second-tier command, housing the sons, cousins and entourages of servants, builders and craftspeople.
Today, you can explore the partially ruined yet still inhabited kasbah, wandering through the former reception rooms, harem and palace kitchens that radiate out from the main courtyard (once a bustling souk). From the upstairs vantage points, there are wonderful views of the kasbah's remaining structures, as well as the Oued Ouarzazate and the High Atlas mountains in the distance.
While much of the kasbah has fallen into disrepair (and further damage occurred during the 2023 earthquake), UNESCO-assisted restoration efforts have preserved its most impressive sections.
Entrance fee for Kasbah Taourirt: 30 dirhams (+ 100-150 dirhams for a guide)
Opening times for Kasbah Taourirt: 10 am to 5 pm
To learn more about visiting this desert city, including things to do and the best places to stay, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Ouarzazate.
Most beautiful buildings in Morocco
Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Rabat
Serving as the final resting place for two Moroccan kings is this striking white-marble structure, topped with a green pyramid-shaped roof. It was commissioned by King Hassan II to honour his father, the late King Mohammed V.
The Mausoleum of Mohammed V was designed by Vietnamese architect Cong Vo Toan and skilfully blends traditional Moroccan elements and motifs with modern materials. Armed guards stand at attention outside the mausoleum, underscoring the reverence and significance of this site.
Upon entering, the standout architectural features include the zellige tiles adorning the walls and a mahogany wood dome decorated with coloured glass. The tombs of Mohammed V, his son King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah are bathed in the warm glow of large chandeliers, creating a serene and solemn atmosphere.
Forming part of the Mausoleum of Mohammed V complex is the Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret that was once part of a 12th-century mosque. Rising to 45 metres, it is surrounded by the remains of 348 columns that would have served as the foundations of this monumental building.
Entrance fee for Mausoleum of Mohammed V: Free
Opening hours for Mausoleum of Mohammed V: 8 am to 6 pm daily
The Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Hassan Tower are both stops on my recommended one day Rabat itinerary.
Most beautiful buildings in Morocco
Ben Youssef Madrasa, Marrakech
Named after its adjacent mosque, this stunning Islamic school has borne witness to centuries of cultural and religious tradition, and is now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was initially established in the 14th century and was designed to serve as a centre for the study of Islamic theology and Quranic teachings.
Considered a striking example of Saadian design, the current madrasa was commissioned in the mid-16th century and was once the largest of its kind in North Africa. Beyond its role as a school, the madrasa also functioned as a mosque and a library, making it a hub of spiritual, intellectual and cultural activity in medieval Marrakech.
Despite falling into disrepair in the 18th century, the madrasa was restored in the 19th century by the Alaouite Sultan Moulay Hassan I, who breathed new life into the institution as an active Islamic school.
Today, visitors can admire its magnificent central patio, adorned with stunning tiling and delicate latticework that exemplify Moorish artistry. Be sure to climb to the second story to explore the humble dormitories.
Keep in mind that Ben Youssef Madrasa gets incredibly busy, so time your visit for early morning or late afternoon when the crowds tend to thin out.
Entrance fee for Ben Youssef Madrasa: 50 Dh
Opening times for Ben Youssef Madrasa: 9 am to 7 pm daily
Most beautiful buildings in Morocco
University of Al Quaraouiyine, Fes
Renowned as the oldest continuously operating university in the world, Al Quaraouiyine traces its origins all the way back to 859. After its founding by Fatima al-Fihri, it went on to become one of the leading spiritual and educational centres of the Islamic Golden Age.
Today, it is a functioning mosque and is only accessible to devotees of Islam, although glimpses of the mosque can be had through its open doors.
Though it began in a fairly simple architectural style, the university and its attached mosque have undergone countless transformations and embellishments, resulting in a captivating blend of styles that reflect Morocco’s unique architectural heritage.
Prominent among these is the Andalusian aesthetic, which came to prominence following the arrival of Muslims fleeing the Spanish Reconquista. This presents itself in the use of geometric floral patterns and ancient kufic calligraphy.
The University of Al Quaraouiyine's golden age, however, is considered to be the Marinid dynasty, when a number of grand additions were made to the complex. Towering columns, arched entryways and a massive chandelier were incorporated into the design while the original minaret was preserved beneath layers of plaster and bright white paint.
Adjacent to Al Quaraouiyine is Al Attarine Madrasa, another Fes architectural treasure that is open to non-Muslims. This Marinid beauty centres around an elaborately decorated central courtyard complete with stucco carvings and calligraphic texts.
Both Al Quaraouiyine and Al Attarine are stops on my recommended one day Fes itinerary.
Most beautiful buildings in Morocco
Exploring Morocco's most beautiful buildings
Architectural treasures abound in Morocco and you never have to go far to find beautiful buildings. In most cities, they are concentrated in the historic medinas, with the exceptions being those found in the modern metropolises of Rabat and Casablanca.
While mosques in Morocco are closed to non-Muslims (except those on guided tours visiting Casablanca's Hassan II Mosque), most of Morocco's other architectural treasures are accessible to everyone. If you're not visiting with a guide, it's sometimes possible to hire the services of one at the entrance, with their knowledge specific to the building/site.
If you want a more detailed explanation of the difference between a kasbah and a ksar or a madrasa and a minaret, check out by introductory guide to Moroccan architecture.
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About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.
