Moulay Ismaïl's capital
As a result of its prestigious past, Meknès has a wealth of unexpected surprises to offer those who stray a little from the beaten track. Or those who are able to listen to the stones…
Sacred town
The sacred town of Moulay Idriss lies 22km north east of Meknes. Moulay Idriss converted the local Berber people to Islam before founding Fez. The town of Moulay Idriss comprises stunning white houses arranged around the mausoleum and is still a spiritual center, an unspoilt place with timeless charm.
Horse festival
By heading north towards the end of the summer, don't miss one of the most famous events in the Kingdom, the Tissa horse moussem. This "fantasia" assembles Berber horsemen from the region to the sound of drums, gunfire, rythmic songs and traditional dances. Meknes is also the home of the largest stud farm in North Africa with its 200 acres and 450 horses. In the 17th century, Moulay Ismaïl, who lies in a finely wrought mausoleum which is open to the public, also had enormous stables built.
Underground thrill
Whatever you do, don't miss visiting the Qara prison in Meknes. The arresting atmosphere which rules in the immense low-vaulted rooms of these vast underground holding rooms is just as eerie.
Palace of water
On the edge of the Agdal pond, a gigantic expanse of water which irrigated the harem and gardens, gaze on Dar El-Ma, the palace of water. Its several-meters-thick walls ensure that the supplies stored there in case of siege remain constantly cool.
Meknes by night
From dusk, the Place El-Hedime and its great market welcome a host of merchants, jugglers and fire-swallowers. An intoxicating popular and age-old atmosphere.
To remember
In the city or the surrounding area, Meknes boasts splendid historic monuments. The unmissable Roman ruins at Volubilis and the horse moussem at Tissa.
