"Keeweechic's Meknes" Wilaya de Meknes by keeweechic

Meknes is a fairly large town or maybe even city which you can pass through enroute from Fez to Tangier. Founded during the 11th century the area became the grain store of Morocco but always took second place to Fez. Moulay Ismail made it city the capital of Morocco during the 17th century and the city grew to the ranks of an imperial city although not quite the greatness that Moulay Ismail envisaged. Palaces, ramparts and mosques were built and the population grew.

Today as the 5th largest city in Morocco, Meknes has a population of around 450,000. The city is divided by a valley which separates the new city from the old. Industry includes olives, cereal, citrus and wine and is renowned for its mint tea. Close by as its twin city is Volubilis which has important Roman ruins to visit. Not far is also the holy city of Moulay Idriss. An important pilgrimage occurs in August and September each year.