Meknes City: The Underrate Gem Of Morocco

Introduction to Meknes City

Meknes City, the underrated Gem of Morocco, is one of the four Imperial cities, alongside Rabat, Marrakech, and Fes. Located in the Saïss Plain between the Middle Atlas and the pre-rifan massif of Zerhoun, characterized by its vast defensive walls, monumental gates, and a remarkable fusion of Islamic and European urban design principles, stands as a testament to Morocco’s rich historical tapestry. Founded in 1061 A.D by the Almoravids as a military stronghold.

Today, Meknes has transitioned into an important economic pole in the Fès-Meknès region, boasting a population of 576,827 as of 2023, a growth underlined by its historical allure and evolving socio-economic fabric.

The blend of history, culture, and modern vibes. It invites people to discover Morocco’s royal history while showing its growth towards becoming an important economic area today.

Meknes Tour Guide

Meknes, a city embellished with historical grandeur and architectural wonders, provides a fusion of the old and the new for every explorer. Here’s a peek into what lies in store for you in this city of a hundred minarets.

A. Major Attractions:

Volubilis

Situated roughly 29 kilometers from Meknes, the ancient Roman remnants of Volubilis narrate stories from a forgotten epoch. It’s a sanctuary for history aficionados, offering a window into Morocco’s Roman legacy.

Moulay Idriss 

Adjacent to Volubilis, Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is a crucial segment of a historical day excursion from Meknes. This town, housing the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss I, stands as a notable pilgrimage site.

Bab al-Mansour

Meknes is home to the most magnificent ancient door in Morocco, Bab al-Mansour, reflecting the city’s architectural elegance during the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail.

Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail 

The Mausoleum serves as a tranquil resting abode of one of Morocco’s most infamous sultans, presenting a peaceful haven amid the city’s bustle.

Meknes Medina

A maze of tradition, the lively Meknes Medina is where the city’s heartbeat resonates, offering a mix of cultural, historical, and retail adventures.

B. Best Time to Visit Meknes:

Spring (April to May) and Fall (September to October) emerge as the prime seasons to traverse the Meknes. The climate during these months is agreeable with mild temperatures, rendering it ideal for outdoor exploration and reveling in the city’s historical landmarks. Some sources also broaden the comfortable travel span to June and early November, extending a more extensive window for an enjoyable visit.

Meknes Transportation System / Connectivity

Meknes, a city imbued with a rich historical tapestry, offers seamless connectivity to both its residents and visitors through an impeccably maintained network of roads coupled with dependable train services. The infrastructure of roads and railways in the city serves as a linchpin, connecting Meknes to several key cities across Morocco including Casablanca, Rabat, and Fes, thereby enabling effortless and efficient transit.

Rail Connectivity:

Under the aegis of Moroccan Railways (ONCF), the train services within Meknes stand out for their timely operations and robust connectivity. For instance, trains ply on an hourly basis from Marrakech to Meknes, covering the journey in roughly 5 hours and 40 minutes. In a similar vein, trains operate between Meknes and Fes, and vice versa every hour, offering a swift and convenient transit option for both locals and tourists alike.

Road Connectivity:

The well-structured road network in and around Meknes is part of Morocco’s extensive highway system that stretches over 1,630 kilometers, augmented by an additional 751 kilometers of toll-free expressways/freeways. The highways, with a cruising speed limit of 120 km/h, are particularly beneficial for those keen on exploring the stretch between Rabat and Casablanca.

Additionally, regular bus services run by operators such as Supratours and CTM, ensure Meknes stays connected to various cities. For example, buses operate on an hourly schedule from Marrakech to Meknes and from Meknes to Fes, offering an economical and reliable mode of transport.

The availability of these transportation modes not only eases travel within Meknes and to the adjoining cities but also enhances the overall experience of delving into the rich cultural fabric of Morocco.

The systematic road and rail networks in Meknes are vital in ensuring that explorers can navigate the city and its neighboring regions with ease, thereby enriching the journey through Morocco’s historical and cultural allure.

Meknes Economic Overview In Morocco

Meknes plays a pivotal economic role in the Fez-Meknes region, enriching the larger economic landscape of Morocco. Here’s a breakdown based on various economic dimensions:

1. Regional Input: 

The Fez-Meknes region, with Meknes as a key player, notably boosts Morocco’s national GDP, standing fourth in economic output among Moroccan regions in 2018.

2. Economic Diversity: 

Meknes exhibits a multi-faceted economy encompassing agriculture, industry, and services, enhancing its stature as an economic nucleus in Morocco.

3. Agrarian Hub: 

Recognized as Morocco’s agricultural heartland, Meknes is intrinsic to the fertile Saïss plain, annually hosting the renowned International Agriculture Show since 2006.

4. Industrial Expansion: 

The region harbors diverse industrial entities, with Meknes featuring light industries chiefly in food processing, chemical sectors, and emerging fields like automotive parts production.

5. Competitive Edge:

A 2015 World Bank report heralded Meknes among Africa’s three most competitive cities, highlighting its economic vitality and investment allure.

6. Strategic Economic Ventures: 

Fez-Meknes region is the epicenter of numerous strategic economic endeavors including the State-Region Program Contract 2020-2022, fostering high value-added sectors like offshoring and Industry 4.0, with favorable repercussions on Meknes.

7. Manufacturing Nexus: 

Being a vital manufacturing hub in Morocco, the Fez-Meknes region houses numerous industrial units, employing a considerable portion of the national workforce, reflecting significant industrial vigor in Meknes.

These facets elucidate Meknes’ substantial economic contribution not just within the Fez-Meknes ambit but also in the broader economic framework of Morocco.

Meknes City, The Historical Overview

Meknes is a city rich in history and architectural grandeur, tracing its origins to notable historical eras and influences. Here’s an overview based on the requested aspects:

A. Prelude to Meknes:

1. The Berber Legacy:

The historical tapestry of Meknes is intricately interlinked with the Berber Tribe Meknassa, which held sway over eastern Morocco as early as the 8th century.

2. Zenète Meknassa’s Foundation:

The 10th century saw the city’s establishment by the Zenète Meknassa, a notable Berber tribe from eastern Morocco, christened as Meknassa Ezzeitoun.

3. The Idrissid Dynasty Emergence:

The 8th century marked the emergence of the Idrissid dynasty (786 to 917) in the Meknes province, signifying the dawn of Morocco’s first dynastic chapter, under the stewardship of Moulay Idriss the 1st, a descendant of the Prophet Mohammed.

B. Meknes Architectural Imprint:

1. Monumental Marvels:

Meknes flaunts an opulent architectural legacy, personified by monumental structures like Bab Mansour, Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the Royal Stables of Moulay Ismail. These edifices echo the majestic reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail during the 17th century, constituting a vital part of Meknes’ historical skyline.

The city was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Urban Aesthetics:

The city’s architectural blueprint is a synthesis of Islamic and European elements, harmoniously amalgamating diverse conceptual and planning perspectives from both cultures. The fortified allure of the city, with its robust ramparts and grandiose gates, underscores a regal urbanism evoking the magnificence of its erstwhile rulers.

C. Roman Footprints:

1. Volubilis Vicinity:

The Roman-era settlement of Volubilis, situated betwixt Fez and Meknes, stands as a testament to the Roman imprint in the region. This ancient Berber-Roman city possibly once reigned as the capital of the Kingdom of Mauretania during King Juba II’s rule.

2. Architectural Remnants:

Volubilis showcases well-maintained Roman ruins, featuring architectural feats from the Roman epoch like temples, a basilica, and a triumphal arch, unveiling a rich Roman architectural narrative around Meknes.

3. Cultural Confluence:

The archaeological enclave of Volubilis exemplifies a fusion of diverse cultural traditions and migrations across the Libyco-Berber, Mauritanian, Roman, Christian, and Arabo-Islamic phases, thereby enhancing the historical and cultural narrative of the adjoining regions, including Meknes.

The intertwined historical narratives and the architectural splendors of Meknes and the nearby Volubilis offer a deep dive into the rich and layered past of this region in Morocco.

Conclusion

In encapsulation, Meknes is more than just a city; it’s a living museum that seamlessly melds history, culture, and architectural marvels into an authentic Moroccan experience. It invites travelers to step into a realm where the past and present coalesce, promising an unforgettable journey into the heart of Morocco’s enchanting history.

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