How old is Koutoubia?

863c. 1158
Koutoubia/Age

What does Koutoubia refer to?

The name, meaning the Bookseller’s Mosque, reflects the honorable trade that used to be practiced in a nearby souk. The mosque was constructed, and reconstructed, in the 12th century by the Andalusian-conquering Almohad dynasty and lies on the site of a former Almoravid mosque.

Where is the Koutoubia Mosque?

Marrakech
At 70m high, the minaret the Koutoubia Mosque is the highest structure and the largest mosque in all of Marrakech in Morocco. Along with the great square of Jemaa el Fna and The Menara Gardens , The Koutoubia, is a symbol of Marrakech.

How tall is Koutoubia Mosque?

The minaret tower is 77 metres (253 ft) in height, including the spire, itself 8 metres (26 ft) tall. Each side of the square base is 12.8 metres (42 ft) in length. The minaret is visible from a distance of 29 kilometres (18 mi).

How big is the medina in Marrakech?

The Medina of Marrakesh is an old Islamic capital originating from the 11th century. It is enclosed by 16km of ramparts and gates.

How big is Chefchaouen?

1,850 ft
Chefchaouen

Why is Morocco painted blue?

Chefchaouen, or chaouen, was built in the 15th century (early 1400s), but it wasn’t until the the 1900s that it was painted blue. During that time Morocco saw a large influx of Jews as the Second World War started. For the Jews, the color blue represents the sky, which reminded people of heaven and God.

Why are Moroccan houses blue?

The blue is said to symbolize the sky and heaven, and serve as a reminder to lead a spiritual life. However, according to some locals, the walls were mandated to be painted blue simply to attract tourists at some point in the 1970s.

Is dating allowed in Morocco?

Before I forget I should also point out that it’s not just for religious reasons that dating is taboo but it is actually illegal to have premarital sex in Morocco.

Who built Chefchaouen?

Moulay Ali Ben Moussa Ben Rached
Chefchaouen was founded in 1471 by Moulay Ali Ben Moussa Ben Rached El Alami, a distant descendant of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad.

How tall is the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque?

The Koutoubia Mosque is the main landmark in Marrakech. You can see it from almost every square and it’s one of the unmissable Marrakech sights, with a minaret that stands 77 metres tall. You haven’t been to Marrakech unless you’ve seen the Koutoubia Mosque.

Where to see the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech?

The tower of the Koutoubia Mosque can be seen from the Djemma el Fna, the main square of Marrakech, but for the best views visitors are advised to view the tower from the beautiful rose garden just west of the Koutoubia Mosque.

What was the inspiration for the Koutoubia Mosque?

The construction of Koutoubia was largely inspired by the archetypal style of the hypostyle mosque. This is similar to the Great Mosque of Kairouan in Tunisia, which was built in 670 and has long been considered as an architectural reference by the Islamic world.

Which is the most famous mosque in Marrakesh?

Five times a day, one voice rises above the din of Djemaa El Fna as the muezzin calls the faithful to prayer from the Koutoubia Mosque. The mosque’s minaret has been standing guard over the old city since the Almohads erected it in the 12th century. Today it’s Marrakesh’s most famous landmark.