While perhaps not as well-known amongst international tourists as its more famous neighbour, Tangier, Tetouan is a destination that is well worth exploring. It flourished in the 15th century with the arrival of Andalusian refugees fleeing the fall of Granada, and this new wave of migrants brought with them architectural and artistic traditions that would shape the city.
Today, Tetouan remains deeply connected to its storied past, and for the architecture aficionado or culture vulture, it is a destination that simply begs to be explored. It also boasts some exceptional museums for such a small city, covering everything from archaeology to art and religious heritage.
In this article, I’ll introduce 5 of the best museums in Tetouan, many of which occupy beautifully restored buildings that are attractions in their own right.
To learn more about visiting this Rif Mountains city, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Tetouan. It details things to do in Tetouan, the best places to stay and tips for getting there.
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Tetouan Archaeological Museum
Dedicated to Morocco’s pre-historic and pre-Islamic periods, the Tetouan Archaeological Museum is an absolute “must” for history buffs. Its collection includes everything from ancient pottery and jewellery to stone engravings and everyday tools, all of which provide invaluable insights into the development of the Roman, Phoenician, Mauritanian and Punic civilisations that once flourished in the region.
Many of the museum's most prized possessions hail from the Roman city of Lixus, a once-thriving hub of civilisation that was located north of the modern seaport of Larache. Additionally, the museum houses artefacts recovered from the Punic-Mauri site of Tamuda, which was excavated by César Luis de Montalbán in the 1920s. Not to miss are the “Three Graces” mosaic and the Sumerian statue discovered near the coastal town of Asilah.
In recent years, the significance of the Tetouan Museum's holdings has been further underscored, with five of its objects being added to Morocco's national heritage list. Its role as a custodian of Morocco's ancient history has only grown, as evidenced by its participation in a binational exhibition at the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid in 2022.
Opening hours of the Tetouan Archaeological Museum: 10 am to 6 pm (closed Tuesdays)
Entrance fee for the Tetouan Archaeological Museum: 10 dh
Best museums in Tetouan
Bab El Oqla Museum
Also known as the Tetouan Ethnographic Museum, this highly-rated cultural institution is named after one of the city’s seven historic gates. It is a captivating repository of Morocco's cultural heritage, exploring the daily lives and artistic traditions of the local people. The museum's exhibits are divided into three distinct sections, with signage provided in both Arabic and French.
The first section delves into the geographical and historical evolution of Tétouan, tracing its reconstruction in the 15th century through the period of Spanish influence and the city's golden age of prosperity during the 16th and 17th centuries. The second section transports you into the very heart of the old medina, with beautiful zellige tilework and carved doors on display. Keep an eye out for the exhibit dedicated to the 'Squndo', a 15th-century water distribution system.
The museum's third and final section showcases examples of Moroccan arts and crafts, including traditional musical instruments, exquisite jewellery and colourful djellabas. A particular highlight is the opulently decorated "El Bahja”. Guides are available at the entrance or you can explore the collection independently.
Opening hours of Bab El Oqla Museum: 10 am to 6 pm (closed Tuesdays)
Entrance fee for Bab El Oqla Museum: 30 dh
Dar El Oddi
This beautiful riad is owned by the wealthy El Oddi family, who have generously opened it to the public as a cultural centre. It houses a permanent exhibition titled “Visions of Tetouan”, which showcases the evolution and unique character of the city from the 16th to 20th centuries. On display are black and white photographs, maps and postcards, as well as vintage stamps and artworks.
At the heart of the experience is the riad itself, a meticulously restored example of Tetouan's Andalusian-influenced architecture, with its ornate tilework, intricate woodcarvings and elegant courtyards. A highlight is undoubtedly the traditional family kitchen on the ground floor, which offers a glimpse into the culinary traditions of Tetouan's residents.
Throughout Dar El Oddi's rooms and hallways, a diversity of artistic perspectives is on display - from the work of local artists to the visions of curious travellers who have passed through the city over the centuries. Before leaving, be sure to climb up to the rooftop terrace for wonderful views across Tetouan.
Opening hours of Dar El Oddi: 10 am to 6:30 pm (closed Tuesdays)
Entrance fee for Dar El Oddi: 25 dh
Best museums in Tetouan
Tetouan Modern Art Centre
Tetouan has long been a magnet for artists, drawn to its creative energy and the breathtaking natural beauty of the Rif Mountains. Home to one of only two fine arts schools in Morocco, the city has nurtured generations of talented painters, sculptors and other visionary artists over the years.
Drawing on this legacy, the Tetouan Modern Art Centre showcases the city's artistic traditions within a 20th-century building that was once the headquarters of the local railway station. Designed in the "New Arab" style by the Spanish architect Julio Rodriguez Roda, it was transformed in the 2000s into the cultural complex seen today.
The Tetouan Modern Art Centre features four permanent exhibition halls that trace the evolution of art in northern Morocco through the work of three successive generations. It includes several works by Mariano Bertuchi, renowned for his paintings of Moroccan landscapes and everyday life. In total, there are more than 200 paintings and sculptures on display.
Opening hours of the Tetouan Modern Art Centre: 9:30 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm Monday to Friday; 9:30 am to 2 pm Saturday (closed Sundays)
Entrance fee for the Tetouan Modern Art Centre: Free
Madrasa Loukach
Constructed in 1758 under the orders of the Alawite Sultan Mohammed bin Abdallah, this religious boarding school was originally designed to accommodate students from surrounding regions who came to study theology. For over two centuries, the madrasa fulfilled this educational purpose, welcoming up to 100 students at a time and cementing its reputation as one of the most renowned religious institutions in the area.
Architecturally, the madrasa is a striking example of the Moorish style, featuring a rectangular layout adorned with columns, arches and a garden courtyard that was added in the early 20th century. The building's two distinct entrances - one central and one on the side - allowed for efficient student traffic flow as they moved between their dormitories, classrooms and communal spaces.
After the madrasa closed down in the 1980s, the Tetouan-based architect Aamiar Mohammed Anass oversaw a comprehensive rehabilitation project, transforming the site into a museum showcasing the city’s religious heritage. In addition to learning about traditional Islamic education, rituals and cultural practices, you can discover how they were cultivated within the madrasa. The Museum of Religious Heritage is a wonderful place to stroll independently and, in my opinion, is an architectural treasure in its own right.
Opening hours of Madrasa Loukach: 10 am to 5 pm
Entrance fee for Madrasa Loukach: Free
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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.