How to Explore Morocco's Imperial Cities: Fes + Marrakech + Meknes + Rabat
- Malika
- Oct 2, 2024
- 11 min read
Updated: Jun 3
Sometimes I find it hard to wrap my head around Moroccan history, with so many different rulers and dynasties throughout the centuries. I understand the Amazigh are the original inhabitants and the French established a colony here in the early 20th century. But who was responsible for building the ancient medinas and architectural marvels that are synonymous with Morocco today?
It's when I'm visiting Morocco's Imperial Cities that the answer to this question becomes a little clearer.
Morocco’s Imperial Cities represent the country's most historically significant urban centres, each one offering a unique glimpse into the nation's storied past. Fes, Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat have all served as the capital city of Morocco at various points, acting as the political, economic and spiritual hearts of the kingdom.
Having explored all four Imperial Cities, I can safely say they are "must-visit" destinations for history buffs heading to Morocco. Not only are they home to some of the country's most impressive landmarks but there are telltale signs around every corner of past dynasties and rulers.
On a tour of the Imperial Cities, you’ll not immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of Morocco but encounter architectural beauties, lively souks and incredible people along the way. While wandering the labyrinthine medinas, you'll discover how each city has shaped the country's fortunes and witness their evolution into 21st-century urban hubs.
In this article, discover the fascinating history of Morocco’s Imperial Cities, from the ochre-hued streets of Marrakech to the modern capital of Rabat. I’ll also share tips for visiting all four destinations during your trip to Morocco, which is made easy by the country’s efficient rail network.
If you want to explore Morocco's Imperial Cities independently, check out my suggested one-week itinerary from Fes to Marrakech.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission when you make a purchase. Affiliate links cost you nothing and ensure my content stays free!
BEST IMPERIAL CITIES TOURS IN MOROCCO
Don't have time to read the whole article? These are my top Morocco Imperial Cities tour recommendations:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What are the Imperial Cities of Morocco?
Morocco's imperial cities - Fes, Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat - were constructed to serve as the grand seats of power for Morocco's ruling dynasties. Built to impress and inspire awe in all who set eyes upon them, they featured sprawling palace complexes that housed the king or sultan and his entourage of courtiers, viziers and advisors.
The ambition and scale of these imperial capitals is impressive, as each was designed to project the wealth, might and grandeur of the monarchy to the world.
Founded in the 8th century, Fes is the oldest of the imperial cities and is known for its UNESCO-listed medina, home to the world’s oldest continuously operating university, Al Quaraouiyine. Marrakech, founded in 1062, is famous for its bustling souks and stunning Islamic architecture like the Koutoubia Mosque and Bahia Palace.
Meknes became an imperial city in the 17th century under the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail and is renowned for its impressive gates and the grand Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Rabat, the current capital of Morocco, is a more modern city but still has an ancient medina and is home to the atmospheric Kasbah of the Oudaias.
How to visit Morocco's imperial cities
Fes
Fes has played an important role in Morocco's illustrious history, serving as the capital city during numerous dynastic reigns over the centuries. Founded between 789 and 808 AD by the Idrisid ruler Idris I, Fes went on to become the seat of power for the Idrisids, Marinids, Wattasids, Saadians, Dila’ites and Alaouites.
This ancient imperial city, which boasts the oldest and largest medina in Morocco, has been a hub of culture, commerce and learning for over a millennium. Its more than 1,000 alleyways are now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and bear witness to the diverse influences that have shaped its architectural and cultural identity.
Exploring Morocco's imperial cities
While visiting Fes, you can explore lavish palaces, intricately decorated madrasas and one of the world’s oldest universities, all while soaking up the sights, sounds and smells of the medina, Fes el Bali. Get up close to centuries-old artefacts at the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Crafts and photograph the legendary Choura Tannery or learn about the city's Jewish cultural heritage in the Mellah quarter.
At the end of the day, you can relax amidst the tranquility of a beautifully restored riad, with Fes boasting some of Morocco’s best. Whether you’re travelling on a budget or looking to indulge in a little luxury, these oasis-like accommodations are a uniquely Moroccan experience.
Top tip: Be sure to visit the newly restored Dar Batha Museum, which features a timeline of Morocco's successive rulers and dynasties. It's located just to the left after the entrance!
For more information about visiting this ancient city, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Fes.
Discovering Morocco's imperial cities
Marrakech
Now one of Morocco's most popular tourist destinations, Marrakech has played a pivotal role in the kingdom's history for centuries. Emerging as the capital under the rule of the Almoravid sultan Youssef Ibn Tachfin in 1062, it went on to serve as the seat of power for several successive dynasties, each of which left an indelible mark on its architectural and cultural landscape.
Nicknamed the "Red City," Marrakech flourished as the capital of the Almoravid dynasty from 1071 to 1147, followed by the Almohad dynasty from 1147 to 1244. It later became the seat of the Saadi dynasty and even the Alaouite dynasty, the current ruling royal family of Morocco.
Today, there are plenty of opportunities to discover the city's glorious past at sites like El Badi Palace and the Saadian Tombs, plus several engaging museums. The beating heart of Marrakech’s historic medina is Djemaa el-Fnaa, a bustling square filled with snake charmers, storytellers and food stalls. Radiating from this central meeting point are the city’s legendary souks, overflowing with textiles, spices and handicrafts.
Aside from its historical significance, Marrakech boasts a wealth of inspiring accommodation, from humble riads to luxury resorts and all-inclusive stays. Many of these occupy beautifully preserved buildings that will immerse you in the city's glorious past.
Marrakech also serves as the main departure point for overnight journeys into the Sahara Desert and as a gateway for exploring the gorges and oases of the Atlas Mountains. Its airport, Marrakech Menara, is well-served by international flights, making it a logical arrival and/or departure point on an Imperial Cities tour of Morocco.
For more information about visiting the "Red City", check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Marrakech.
How to visit Morocco's imperial cities
Meknes
Founded in the Middle Ages as a modest settlement, Meknes saw its fortunes radically changed when Sultan Ismail decided to make it the capital of his kingdom in the 17th century. During his reign from 1672 to 1727, the city underwent a dramatic transformation as he ambitiously tried to remodel the city in the image of a "Moroccan Versailles".
Inspired by his admiration for King Louis XIV, the sultan set about rebuilding and greatly expanding the old kasbah into a monumental palace-city, located to the south of Meknes' historic urban core. Grandiose royal residences, soaring gates and landscaped gardens were established, all reflecting Ismail's vision of creating a capital that would rival the splendour of his French counterpart.
Tragically, Meknes' period of glory was short-lived. Successive invasions and a devastating earthquake in 1755 took a heavy toll, leaving much of the sultan's efforts in ruins. Today, only fragments of Ismail's grand architectural legacy remain, such as the immense royal stables that were said to have housed up to 12,000 horses at their peak. A glimpse of the city's former opulence can be seen at the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the final resting place of the sultan and his family.
Nicknamed the "City of a Hundred Minarets", Meknes remains a fascinating city to explore, not least because of Bab Mansour - considered one of the most impressive gates in Africa. An exquisite collection of Moroccan arts and crafts await at Dar Jamai (together with an Andalusian-style garden) while the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and the holy town of Moulay Idriss are within easy reach.
At less than an hour by train from Fes, Meknes is a popular day trip destination, even if you don't want to spend the night. Most guided tours from Fes to Meknes include a stop in Moulay Idriss and time to explore the crumbling remains of Volubilis.
To learn more about visiting this imperial city, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Meknes.
Discovering Morocco's imperial cities
Rabat
In the 12th century, the Almohad caliph Yaqub al-Mansur envisioned Rabat as the capital of his empire and initiated an ambitious construction project to transform the city into a fortified seat of power. However, his untimely death shortly after the project began led to its abandonment. It wasn’t until centuries later that the Alaouite sultan Muhammad ibn Abdallah would again designate Rabat as an imperial city, constructing the impressive Dar al-Makhzan palace as a secondary seat of power.
Rabat was established as an administrative centre under French colonial rule and was designated Morocco’s capital following independence in 1955. Located where the Bou Regreg meets the Atlantic Ocean, it’s a wonderfully relaxed city to explore and one of my favourite urban destinations in Morocco. I love wandering between the elegant buildings of the Ville Nouveau and soaking up the sweeping views toward Salé from the Kasbah of the Oudaias.
On the outskirts of the city, you’ll find the ancient remains of the Chellah necropolis, a royal burial complex enclosed by towering walls. Rabat also boasts some of Morocco's best museums, including the Museum of History and Civilizations. You can marvel at the grand facade of the Royal Palace, shop for antiques and jewellery along the Rue des Consuls or browse cutting-edge creations at the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
Ultimately, Rabat is a city where old meets new, with its atmospheric medina giving way to leafy boulevards lined with modern boutiques. When it comes to accommodation, there’s an excellent choice of gorgeous riads that exemplify Moroccan design, as well as cosmopolitan hotels and restaurants serving the city’s business professionals and expat community.
To learn more about visiting the Moroccan capital, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Rabat.
How to visit Morocco's imperial cities
How to visit Morocco’s Imperial Cities
All of Morocco’s Imperial Cities - Fes, Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat - are connected by rail, making it easy to access them independently. Buses also travel between each of these destinations but tend to be slower than trains.
Currently, the high-speed train, Al Boraq, is available only as far as Casablanca but there are plans for its extension to Marrakech and eventually to the beachside resort of Agadir.
As Fes, Meknes and Rabat are all located in the north of Morocco, it makes sense to visit them together, either before or after exploring Marrakech.
Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport and Fes Sais International Airport are both major aviation hubs in the north, with flights to destinations across Europe. Marrakech Menara Airport is the biggest international airport in Morocco’s south and receives flights from both large commercial airlines and low-cost carriers.
My suggestion would be to fly into Marrakech, then travel by train north to Rabat before riding the rails inland to Meknes and Fes. Alternatively, you could do it in the opposite direction - fly into Fes before travelling by train to Meknes and Rabat, then head down to Marrakech in the south.
If you want to explore Morocco's Imperial Cities independently, check out my suggested one-week itinerary from Fes to Marrakech.
If you don’t feel confident exploring the country independently, there are numerous tours of Morocco's Imperial Cities. Having a local guide/driver at the helm will not only ensure you get the most out of the time you have available but they will offer unique insights into each destination that will elevate the experience.
Viator and GetYourGuide are great starting points if you’re searching for tours of Morocco’s Imperial Cities as you can read the reviews from previous guests to decide if a tour is right for you. This private 6-day tour of the Imperial Cities is highly recommended, as is this week-long adventure from Casablanca. Most of the tours can be customised to your interests and travel plans, with alternative departure/arrival points available.
FAQs about visiting Morocco's Imperial Cities
What are the four imperial cities of Morocco?
The four imperial cities of Morocco are Fes, Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat. Each of these cities has served as the capital of Morocco at various points throughout the country's history.
Centred around a UNESCO-listed medina, Fes is the oldest of the imperial cities (it was established in the 8th century) and houses the world’s oldest continuously operating university, Al Quaraouiyine. Marrakech, founded in 1062, is well-known for its lively souks and Islamic architecture, including the Koutoubia Mosque and Ben Youssef Madrasa.
Meknes became an imperial city in the 17th century during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail and is notable for its magnificent gates and the grand Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Rabat, the present capital of Morocco, is a more contemporary city but still features an ancient medina and the charming Kasbah of the Oudaias.
What is the oldest city in Morocco?
The oldest city in Morocco is the ancient settlement of Fes, which was founded in the late 8th century AD by Idris I, a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. Fes began as two separate settlements along the banks of the Fes River - Madinat Fas on the eastern shore, founded by Idris I in 789 AD, and Al-'Aliya on the western shore, founded by his son Idris II in 808 AD.
The two settlements eventually grew and merged into one city, becoming the capital of the Idrisid dynasty. Over the centuries, Fes developed into a major centre of religion, culture and education. In fact, it is home to the oldest university in the world, Al Quaraouiyine. The city’s medina, Fes el Bali, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and colourful souks.
Where does the king live in Morocco?
The King of Morocco resides in the Royal Palace in Rabat, the current capital of Morocco. Also known as Dar al-Makhzen, the Royal Palace is a sprawling complex of buildings and gardens that serves as the official residence of the Moroccan monarch and the seat of the Moroccan government.
Situated at the heart of Rabat's government district, its architecture showcases a stunning blend of traditional Moroccan and Islamic styles, with beautiful tilework and carved cedar wood throughout. Parts of the palace are used for official government functions and ceremonies, while other areas are the private living quarters of the king and the royal family.
What are the past capitals of Morocco?
Throughout its long history, Morocco has had several capitals that have served as the seat of power for various dynasties and rulers.
The city of Fes, founded in the 8th century by Idris I, was the first capital and is still regarded as the country's cultural and spiritual centre. It reached its height as a political and cultural capital under the Marinid dynasty in the 13th-15th centuries.
Marrakech, another one of Morocco's four imperial cities, served as a capital under the Almoravids in the 11th century and again under the Almohads in the 12th century. The city of Meknes had its turn as the imperial capital during the rule of the Alawites from 1672-1727, reaching its apex under the reign of Moulay Ismail.
Finally, Rabat was established as the capital of Morocco in 1955, following the nation's independence from France. Before this, during the French Protectorate (1912-1956), Rabat served as the administrative capital, even though it wasn't the official capital of Morocco at that time.
Is it easy to visit Morocco’s imperial cities?
Visiting Morocco's imperial cities is relatively straightforward thanks to the country’s reliable rail network. The four imperial cities - Fes, Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat - are well-connected not only by train but also by comfortable buses. In less than an hour, you can travel from Fes to Meknes or be in the capital Rabat. Even the two imperial cities farthest away (Marrakech and Fes) are only 6.5 hours by train.
Additionally, all of Morocco’s imperial cities boast a wide selection of hotels and riads where you can comfortably spend the night. For those who don’t want to travel independently or handle the logistics themselves, there are several highly-rated guided tours that take in all four destinations with a knowledgeable guide at the helm.
