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.
On a tour of the Imperial Cities, you’ll not immerse yourself in the history of Morocco but encounter architectural wonders, lively souks and incredible people, all while discovering how these urban hubs have evolved in the modern world. I’ve been lucky enough to extensively explore all four of these destinations and always leave with new insights into Morocco’s past.
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.
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BEST IMPERIAL CITIES TOURS IN MOROCCO
Don't have time to read the whole article? These are my top Morocco Imperial Cities tour recommendations:
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. From the towering minarets of Fes to the monumental gates of Meknes, these historic urban centres still stand today as enduring monuments to the vision of Morocco's legendary rulers.
Fes
Fes has long been a prominent fixture 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.
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 Dar Batha and the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Crafts, then photograph the iconic 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.
For more information about visiting this ancient city, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Fes.
Marrakech
Marrakech has long been considered the jewel in Morocco's crown, a city that 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 would go 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 such as El Badi Palace and the Saadian Tombs, as well as a wealth of engaging museums. At the very heart of Marrakech’s historic medina is Djemaa el-Fna, 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.
As one of Morocco’s most popular tourist destinations, Marrakech offers a wealth of accommodation, from humble riads to luxury resorts and all-inclusive stays. It 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.
For more information about visiting the "Red City", check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Marrakech.
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. 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.
To learn more about visiting this imperial city, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Meknes.
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, with the centuries-old architecture of the Kasbah of the Oudaias juxtaposed against the elegant buildings of the Ville Nouveau.
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
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 the 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. Rabat-Sale 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.
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 is a great starting point 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.
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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.