Tetouan's treasures
The town, and its surrounding area, has successfully kept intact its rich past, from the ingenious running water system to the know-how of the master craftsmen.
In the medina
The medina, which is of both Mauresque and Andalusian inspiration, is a labyrinth of alleyways, protected from the sun and encircled by ramparts. The wrought iron is reminiscent of Spanish architecture. The mellah, one of the largest Jewish quarters in the country, also shows signs of the European influence with its houses equipped with balconies and large windows. Here, the souks are in succession and are clearly distinguished from each other. The El Fouki market sells vegetables, the El Houts souk rugs and pottery, and Gherza el Kebira clothes. Created in 1919, the trade school, which is opposite Bab el Oqla, dispenses training to maintain craft know-how. Mosaics, embroidery, leatherwork, carving, various types of sculpture, each specialty is taught by a master craftsman.
In the surrounding area
From Djebel Dersa, aqueducts converge on Tetouan. They provide the town with a free supply of source water. This is achieved thanks to an ingenious, and still secret, system of pipes, the skundu, designed by Ali Al Mandari. 19 km to the north, the small fishing port of M'diq can be found on the coast. The town, which is very lively in the summer with its numerous restaurants with sea view from the medina, reveals its traditional charm right from the very first exploration of its alleyways. 45 km to the south, visit the impressive Oued Laou gorges, with their villages perched on the summits.
To remember
A stay at Tetouan is a voyage into the traditions of yesterday and today.
