Morocco's architectural heritage reflects the country's diverse geography and rich history, woven together through successive waves of settlement and military conquest. From the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis to the historic Islamic architecture that has come to define much of the nation's built environment, Morocco's architectural legacy is a testament to its many cultural influences.
Most prominent is the architectural style that emerged during the Islamic period, beginning in the 7th century. Often referred to as “Moorish”, it was part of a broader regional tradition that spanned the Maghreb region of North Africa, as well as the Iberian Peninsula, known as Al-Andalus. In Morocco, it blended indigenous Amazigh architectural traditions with pre-Islamic Iberian influences from the Roman, Byzantine and Visigothic eras, as well as contemporary artistic currents from the Islamic Middle East.
Over centuries, this fusion of traditions coalesced into a distinctive Moroccan architectural style, notable for its iconic horseshoe arches and serene riad gardens. It is also clearly visible in the geometric and arabesque motifs that adorn buildings (religious, commercial and residential) in carved stucco, wood and zellije tilework.
Morocco’s architectural heritage has continued to evolve over time, with the later addition of French colonial architecture in the 20th century and the emergence of modern, contemporary design. That being said, the enduring influence of Morocco's Islamic architectural tradition remains a defining feature of the country's villages, towns and cities, making it a treasure trove for architecture enthusiasts.
In this introductory guide to Moroccan architecture, I'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Moroccan design and share examples of architectural icons to add to your itinerary.
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What is a riad?
A riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace that is built around an interior garden or courtyard. These beautiful buildings are a hallmark of Moroccan architecture, offering a serene and private oasis amidst the bustling streets of cities like Marrakech and Fes. In my opinion, staying in a riad is a highlight of visiting Morocco, particularly for architecture fans.
At the heart of a riad is an open-air courtyard, often adorned with a fountain or reflecting pool (many of which have been transformed into hotel swimming pools). These courtyards are often lushly planted with greenery and sometimes decorated with intricate tilework or carved plasterwork along the walls.
The rooms of the riad are arranged symmetrically around this inner sanctum, providing a sense of harmony and flow. Ornate wooden doors and archways lead from the courtyard into the various living spaces, which may include bedrooms, sitting rooms and hammams (traditional baths). Atop most riads is a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views across the surrounding medina - this is the place to listen to the call to prayer ring out around sunset.
Riads were historically the private residences of wealthy Moroccan families and designed to provide respite from the desert heat, with high ceilings, thick walls and shaded lounge areas. As previously mentioned, many have been converted into boutique hotels and guesthouses, allowing visitors to experience the beauty and serenity of this iconic Moroccan building style firsthand.
If you’re visiting Fes, here’s my pick of the top 8 riad hotels in the city, with something for all budgets. If you’re seeking a luxury stay in Marrakech (and a swimming pool) head here. Essaouira also boasts its fair share of gorgeous riad hotels, with these romantic options ideal for couples.
Introduction to Moroccan architecture
What is a kasbah?
A kasbah is a type of fortified citadel that is commonly found in North Africa, particularly in countries like Morocco. These impressive structures often sit atop hills or mountains, with high, thick walls and towers that were designed to protect the inhabitants from invaders and provide a secure, defensive position. In Morocco, kasbahs can be broadly grouped based on their geographical location and cultural influences.
In northern Morocco, the kasbahs are sturdy, castle-like buildings that once served as homes for governors and officials. Notable examples are the Kasbah of the Oudaias in Rabat and the Alcazaba in Chefchaouen, both crucial for the control and safety of these cities. These kasbahs resemble the "alcazabas" in Spain, showcasing their deep connections to Islamic culture and Moorish heritage.
The kasbahs in southern Morocco have a totally different character and purpose from those of the north. Instead of being fortified centres for administration, they were mainly built as homes for affluent families and meeting spots along key trade routes. Made mostly from adobe bricks, these kasbahs showcase a deeper connection to Amazigh cultural heritage. While the northern kasbahs were designed to be enduring foundations for future cities, the southern kasbahs were placed in strategic spots but weren't necessarily meant for long-term expansion.
One of the most impressive examples of a kasbah in Morocco's south is Kasbah Taourirt near Ouarzazate, which was once owned by the powerful Glaoui family and was strategically positioned at the confluence of several rivers. It’s one of many kasbahs that can be visited along the Route of 1000 Kasbahs, which is an essential Moroccan driving route for architecture fans.
Introduction to Moroccan architecture
What is a ksour?
A ksour is a traditional fortified village or settlement that is commonly found in the Saharan and pre-Saharan regions of North Africa. These unique structures were typically built upon a raised platform or hill, with high defensive walls and towers surrounding a cluster of mud-brick or stone houses, markets and other communal buildings.
The ksour (plural of ksar) were originally constructed as a means of protection, serving as strongholds against the harsh desert environment and potential threats from rival tribes or invading forces. The compact, densely-packed layout of the houses and alleyways was designed to conserve water and provide shade from the scorching sun, while the thick earthen walls and strategically-placed towers allowed the residents to monitor the surrounding landscape and mount a defence if needed.
Over centuries, these fortified villages evolved into vibrant cultural and economic hubs, with the ksour serving as important trading posts along historic caravan routes that connected the Sahara to the Mediterranean coast. Today, many of these ancient ksour still stand as impressive reminders of North Africa's rich architectural heritage, with some having been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites due to their historical and cultural significance.
Among the most famous is the ksar of Ait Benhaddou, which is located a short drive from Ouarzazate. Here, visitors can wander the maze-like alleyways, marvel at the designs adorning the mud-brick buildings and gain a deeper appreciation for the ways in which Morocco’s desert communities adapted to their harsh yet breathtaking environment.
Introduction to Moroccan architecture
What is a madrasa?
A madrasa is a type of educational institution that is primarily focused on the study of Islamic theology and religious sciences. These schools have a long and rich history, tracing their origins back to the medieval Islamic world, where they played a vital role in the dissemination of Islamic knowledge and the training of religious scholars and leaders.
At madrasas, students engage in a comprehensive curriculum that delves deep into the Quran, the hadith (the recorded sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad), Islamic jurisprudence, Arabic language and grammar. Beyond just imparting religious education, madrasas served as hubs of intellectual discourse, where students participate in rigorous discussions to deepen their understanding of Islamic thought and its application to various aspects of life.
Today, visitors to Morocco can still experience the grandeur and significance of these institutions by touring the awe-inspiring remains of some of the country’s most spectacular madrasas. Of particular note are the Bou Inania Madrasa in Fes, the Ben Youssef Madrasa in Marrakech and the Abu-al Hassan Madrasa in Salé.
At the heart of these scholarly sanctuaries lies a design that echoes the elegance of the riad, with a spacious inner courtyard at their heart. Here, you’ll often find a serene fountain or pool, inviting students to gather and immerse themselves in the study of the Quran. The high walls that enclose these courtyards, sometimes rising multiple stories, create a sense of seclusion and contemplation, allowing those on the upper levels to peer down into the space below.
Beautifully carved archways often connect the various chambers, while wooden-latticed balconies offer privacy and a unique architectural element that adds to the overall visual splendour. It is within these halls of learning that the true artistry of the madrasa comes to life, as the harmonious blend of form and function creates an environment that is both intellectually stimulating and aesthetically captivating.
Introduction to Moroccan architecture
What is a minaret?
Minarets are the towering structures that grace the corners of mosques, serving as elevated platforms from which the muezzin, or call-to-prayer caller, summons the faithful to worship. These slender towers are not merely functional but also showcase the artistic prowess of Islamic architecture.
Elaborately decorated with calligraphic inscriptions, geometric patterns and terracotta tiles, Morocco’s minarets stand as visual testaments to the rich cultural heritage of the Muslim world. They usually boast a single, arched window near the top and a crowning dome that is capped with a decorative finial.
Among Morocco’s most renowned minarets is that of the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech, where each side features a distinct type of ornamentation. Another standout example is the cylindrical minaret of the Sentissi Mosque in Moulay Idriss, which is sheathed in green-glazed terracotta that gives it an almost iridescent appearance. The tallest minaret in Morocco is undoubtedly that of the Hassan II Mosque, which rises 210 metres above the oceanfront promenade of Casablanca.
Beyond the minarets, Morocco’s mosques themselves are architectural marvels, typically built around a central courtyard with an ornamental water fountain and an arched portico. The prayer hall within is divided into naves, with some mosques featuring plain, austere interiors, while others are adorned with exquisite tiling. At the heart of the prayer hall stands the mihrab, a niche in the wall that indicates the direction of Mecca, towards which worshippers face during their devotions.
Introduction to Moroccan architecture
What is zellige?
Zellige is a type of mosaic tilework and a ubiquitous decorative feature adorning the lower walls and floors of buildings throughout Morocco. It is crafted from hand-cut pieces of faience, a type of glazed earthenware, in a vibrant array of colours that are fitted together to create elaborate geometric patterns.
This unique tilework technique first emerged in the region during the 10th century and became increasingly widespread by the 14th century, especially during the Marinid period when it reached new heights of sophistication. The origins of zellige, however, can be traced back to Byzantine mosaics, which Muslim craftsmen then adapted and transformed using the faience material and their own distinct techniques.
To create zellige mosaics, the individual tiles are first fabricated as square pieces, typically measuring around 10 centimetres per side, and then painstakingly hand-cut into a variety of pre-determined geometric shapes - a skill that has been passed down through generations of Moroccan artisans. This established repertoire of specialised tile shapes, known as the "hasba" method, allowed craftsmen to combine the pieces in countless complex patterns and designs.
Although the specific motifs may vary across different sites and buildings, the core principles and methods behind zellige have remained remarkably consistent for centuries. If you want to see some of the most stunning zellige in Morocco, be sure to visit the Al-Attarine Madrasa in Fes and the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss in Meknes.
Introduction to Moroccan architecture
What is a medina?
A medina is the historic, walled-in heart of many towns and cities across North Africa, including Morocco. Comprised of a labyrinthine network of narrow, winding alleyways and passageways, they stand in stark contrast to the more modern, grid-like layouts of newer urban developments.
The tight, maze-like streets of medinas were intentionally designed to be confusing to outsiders, acting as a protective barrier against potential invaders in years gone by. The buildings lining the streets are typically made of clay, stone and other traditional materials, with their exteriors relatively austere compared to what lies within.
Among the most famous medinas in Morocco are those of Marrakech and Fes, where you can experience the hustle and bustle of daily life. With the shouts of vendors hawking their wares and the aroma of spices wafting through the air, it can be an assault on the senses. That being said, it's also a fascinating insight into a centuries-old way of living and a breathing embodiment of North Africa’s cultural identity.
Introduction to Moroccan architecture
What is a bab?
Many Moroccan cities are ringed by impressive ramparts and gateways (known as “babs”) that were built centuries ago and have stood the test of time. Many of these grand entryways are framed in a distinctive horizontal rectangle shape, with decorative spandrels adorned with intricate floral motifs or delicate shell designs.
One of the most iconic examples of these Moroccan babs can be found in the city of Meknes. Bab Mansour is designed in the Almohad architectural style, with its impressive height and width set between two highly crenellated towers. It originally served as a ceremonial entrance for the Kasbah of Sultan Moulay Ismail and is best viewed from the lively square of Place el-Hedim.
Also of note is Bab Agnaou (one of the 19 historic gateways of Marrakech), which was constructed in the 12th century, also during the reign of the Almohads. Bab Agnaou is renowned for its intricate architectural details, including elaborately carved stone and stucco embellishments that adorn the towering archway.
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