"Meknes" Top 5 Page for this destination Meknes by grets

Meknes Travel Guide: 111 reviews and 238 photos

The Versailles of Morocco

When Moulay Ismail beame Sultan of Morocco in 1672, he moved his capital to Meknes, from where he ruled the country for 55 years.

Moulay Ismail's excesses were notorious. 500 women served him and of the many hundred children he fathered, he had the girls strangled at birth and was known to slice off the limbs of any son who did not behave!

He built a 25km long wall around the city as part of his grand plan. 30,000 Sudanese soldiers were gathered together as a 'peace-keeping force' - roaming the country to ensure the sultan's control was felt.

Back in Meknes, 25,000 slaves were employed to construct palaces, walls and fortresses. When the salves died they were used as building material for the walls, their blood mixed in with the cement.

In total there were 30 royal palaces, 20 gates, mosques, barracks and ornamental gardens. Meknes remained one of the four great Imperial Cities until his son took over the reign in 1727 and destroyed a number of buildings.

Last visit to Meknes: May 1992
Intro Updated May 30, 2005
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Reviews (5)

Wool market Things to Do (5)

At one end of the souk is the wool market, where you can see baskets upon basket of wool waiting to be prepared into... more travel advice

Moulay Ismail's Tomb Things to Do (5)

The walls and courtyard (the only places to be open) are highly patterned and has some striking stucco work. Many... more travel advice

Bab Mansour Gate Things to Do (5)

Moulay Ismail commissioned the gate himself, but it was not completed until after his reign in 1732. The gate is... more travel advice

Horses Things to Do (5)

Just a few horses ar kept in the Royal Stables these days, and mainly as a tourist attraction. As part of our tour we... more travel advice

Comments (4)

barryg23 Jan 6, 2007 at 1:59 AM Report Abuse

Missed the Royal stables on my last trip, hope to see on my return in March.
Paul2001 Aug 3, 2006 at 5:18 PM Report Abuse

Meknes is a lovely city, often overlooked by travelers. Nicely done page.
kyoub Jun 26, 2005 at 7:56 AM Report Abuse

Interesting page, Grete. Very pretty stucco. Great photos
freya_heaven May 30, 2005 at 12:25 PM Report Abuse

Nice chap Moulay Ismail! Bab Mansour Gate is very ornate. Interesting little page Grete (~_~)