According to itypeusa, the city of Rabat, built in the 12-13th century, on the site of the ruined Roman city of Sala, is currently the center of culture and science, as well as the residence of the king and one of the largest cities in the country. The architecture of the city consists of a mixture of Moorish and modern elements that look very harmonious with the local landscape. The city is full of interesting places, especially in the old part of the city “medina” in which the main attractions are concentrated. You should definitely see the oldest Arab mosque in the city – the “Great Mosque”, built in the 12th century, which is located on Jemaa Street, as well as the ruins of the Yakub al-Mansour Mosque, which at one time was the largest mosque in the East, it included 19 halls, four hundred columns and 14 gates, and near the ruined mosque rises the “Tower of Hassan” 44 meters high. In addition to mosques and interesting historical monuments, many museums are concentrated in Rabat: the Museum of Moroccan Art, the Museum of Antiquity and the original postal museum. The popular center of tourism in Morocco is the city of Marrakech. This city is characterized by the fact that it has two clearly separated parts: Medina (the old part of the city) and Geliz (residential areas). The center of Marrakesh is the Koutoubia Mosque with a 77-meter minaret, and in front of the mosque there is Djemaa el-Fna Square, from which the main streets of the city “grow”. The most interesting places of the city seem to be united into a single complex. Behind the mausoleum of the founder of the city, there is the gate of Bab-Agvenau, which opens the way to beautiful places: the mosques of the Golden Apples, the kasbah of the Almohads and the tombs of the Saadis. The main attraction of Marrakesh is the city markets, knowing how to bargain, you can not only buy a huge number of interesting souvenirs at a very low price, but also get to know the customs and life of this country more closely. The markets are open from 08.30 to 20.00 and are divided into several types: the spice market, the music market, the dyers’ market, the blacksmith’s market, etc. Most of them stretch in a long line along the Djemaa el-Fna square. Not far from Marrakesh, there is a well-known ski resort in the country, where the snow lies for almost half a year. In addition to skiing, hiking, horseback riding and golf are possible here. Casablanca is the business capital and largest seaport of Morocco, located on the Atlantic coast. This ancient city of the country houses the offices of major companies in the country. The turbulent centuries-old history has left its mark on the city. The old city is an endlessly stretching narrow labyrinth of streets lined with adobe houses made in the traditional Arab style. The hallmark and main asset of Casablanca is the second largest mosque in the world – the Hassan II Mosque. The center of the modern part of the city is the United Nations Square, which, in fact, is the intersection of major city streets. The most prestigious restaurants, shops, banks and cinemas are concentrated in this area. At the Strait of Gibraltar is the most famous resort in Morocco – Tangier. In addition, Tangier is considered the coolest resort, it is warm here at any time of the year, but ocean breezes bring coolness to this place. The appearance of the resort is typical for most Mediterranean resorts, but there is a difference in it, and at the same time an attraction, namely numerous bazaars. In the center of the city is the Grand Bazaar (“Gran Sokko”), which is crowded until midnight with noisy merchants, snake charmers and magicians. Tourists also like to visit the Kasbah antique market, where you can buy interesting souvenirs. The surroundings of the city are occupied by very clean beaches and cozy bays.
National cuisine of Morocco
Moroccan cuisine has absorbed the culinary achievements of many peoples of the world, among which Arab, Berber, Jewish and Mediterranean cuisines stand out. Meat, seafood and fruits are widely used, but in the first place here are spices, which are skillfully used by local chefs. Traditionally, at the beginning of dinner, spicy and hearty soups, as well as meat are served on the table. There are a huge number of recipes for meat dishes here, and local herbs are an indispensable ingredient, which are used not only as a seasoning, but also as a snack. The most famous meat dishes are a variety of kebabs, pastilla, baked lamb meat, lamb with raisins and pine nuts. As in any Arab country, desserts are also popular here. Moroccans perfectly prepare pies with a variety of sweet fillings, delicious cookies “beshkito” and much more. Of the drinks, mint tea is the most preferred, served in a ceremonial atmosphere. Coffee with cardamom is also common, which is served very hot and strong.
