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Meknes, Marrakesh
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Meknes.jpg
Bernard Gagnon
Meknes (Arabic: مكناس, French: Meknès, Spanish: Mequinez) is a city in northern Morocco between Rabat and Fez. The city has a population of around 985,000 people (2011 estimate). Its old town is a World Heritage Site, inscribed under the title, "Historic City of Meknes".
With its position close to the Atlas Mountains, Meknes experiences a seasonal climate. Summers here are hot while winters cool. Warmest month is July, with average high temperature of 32.7°C (90.9°F). Coldest month is January, when the average low temperature drops to 5.2°C (41.4°F). Winter is also the wettest time in Meknes, with January rainfall averaging 89.4 mm (3.52 in).
The city of Meknes was established by a Berber tribe called Miknasa which came from southern Tunisia in the 9th century. The area may have been inhabited when they arrive, as a 8th century Kasbah, or citadel, was already erected. The Almoravids conquered the area in the 9th century, and built their own fortress.
Bab Mansour, the Gate of the Victorious Renegade, Mekneshttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bab_Mansour_gate.jpgJerzy Strzelecki
Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, Mekneshttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mekn%C3%A8s_-_Mausoleu_de_Mulay_Ismail.JPGJosep RenaliasMeknes entered its golden age under Moulay Ismail, who relocated the capital of the Sultanate of Morocco from Marrakesh. The city today retains many of its medieval structures, including its city walls, gates and gardens, although there is a concern from UNESCO (via ICOMOS, the International Council on Monuments and Sites) that the old quarters of Meknes are deteriorating under insufficient drainage.
Visiting Meknes
Most visitors reach Meknes by train or bus. The El-Emir Abdelkader Railway Station is located near the center of the new town. It receives train services from Marrakesh (6.5 hours away), Tangier (4.5 hours), Rabat (2.5 hours), Casablanca (1 hour) and Fes (1 hour).
Haras de Meknes, the royal stableshttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Royal_stables,_Meknes.jpgBernard Gagnon
Places of Interest in Meknes
The Medina of Meknes is a World Heritage Site of Morocco.- Bab Mansour el-Aleuj
Literally the Gate of the Victorious Renegade, this entrance gate was named after the Christian who built it as an entrance to the Kasbah. - Bassin de l'Aguedal
The water tank built by Moulay Ismail within the kasbah. - Bou Inania Madrasa
This Koranic school is right across the Grand Mosque. It was built in the 14th century by the Merinid stultans. - Dar el-Kebira Quarter
This is a neighborhood within the Kasbah of Moulay Ismail, the imperial city. It contains a complex of palaces. - Dar el-Mar
Literally the Water House, this is one of the grand projects of Moulay Ismail to supply water to the population of Meknes. - Dar el-Makhzen
The royal palace complex has stately lines and a compact layout. - Grand Mosque of Meknes
The Grand Mosque was first built in the 12th century and remodelled in the 14th. It is near the souq and Bou Inania Madrasa. - Habs Qara
Prison for the Christians captured by the corsairs of Rabat and were forced to work on the sultan's building projects. - Haras de Meknes
Royal stables established in 1912 to create pure-bred horses. - Koubba el-Khayatine
An imperial pavilion once used to receive diplomats. - Lalla Aouda Mosque
Mosque built by Moulay Ismail in 1680 that is one of his projects that are still standing today. - Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail
Final resting place of the great ruler of Morocco, the mausoleum was built in the 17th century and remodelled in subsequent centuries. - Musée Dar Jamaï
This museum is housed in the opulent residence of Mohammed Belarbi el-Jamaï, the grand vizier to Moulay el-Hassan, built in 1882. It showcases an excellent collection of Moroccan arts. - Place el-Hedime
This is a square between the medina and kasbah of Meknes. - Ramparts of Meknes
The protective walls surrounding the medina of Meknes total 40 km. - Souq of Meknes
A network of labyrinthine alleys lined with shops and workshops in the old city area.
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