Category: Morocco

Colonisation of Africa

The Partition of Africa The Scramble for Africa, occurring in the late nineteenth century, saw European powers divide and claim nearly the entire continent. Formalized during the Berlin Conference of 1884-85, European nations established rules for colonization without African representation, leading to arbitrary borders that ignored indigenous cultures and political landscapes. This period transformed Africa, […]

Fez, Morocco

Fez is the oldest city in Morocco, located in the northern part of the country on the banks of the Wadi Fez. The old town was originally composed of two fortified quarters divided by the river.

The Roman Ruins of Volubilis: Morocco’s Lost Imperial City

The Roman Ruins of Volubilis: Morocco’s Lost Imperial City Hidden in the fertile foothills of Morocco’s Zerhoun mountains lie the Roman ruins of Volubilis, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Africa. Once a thriving frontier outpost of the Roman Empire, its excavated streets, mosaics, and triumphal arch reveal a fusion of Berber, Punic, Greek […]

Pillars of Hercules: History, Location, and Myth at the Strait of Gibraltar

The Pillars of Hercules is the ancient name referring to the two promontories at the eastern entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, a narrow opening 14 kilometres wide between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean separating the continents of Africa and Europe.

The Phoenicians and Purple Dye

The most expensive and treasured product of the Phoenician civilization was the famous Tyrian purple dye (also known as Phoenician purple, royal purple, imperial purple, or imperial dye) extracted from the mucus of the murex shellfish.

Continental Crossroads: Discover Morocco

Continental Crossroads: Discover Morocco Morocco is a land of incredible diversity. On an Odyssey Traveller Morocco tour of this magnificent country you will encounter bustling marketplaces, grand and ornate architecture, spectacular deserts, rugged mountain ranges and thrumming African cities.  Situated at the crossroads of two continents, this corner of North Africa been repeatedly conquered and reconquered […]

Caves of Hercules, Morocco

Cave of Hercules, Morocco Located about 14 kilometres west of the city of Tangier, Morocco, you can go tour the Cave of Hercules, (Hercules caveMorocco)a fascinating archaeological cave and cavern (grotto) complex located in Cape Spartel, Northern Morocco, the northernmost point of mainland Africa. Nearby, separated from the caves by a beach, Robinson plage , […]

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Chefchaouen, Morocco Beautiful and otherworldly Chefchaouen in northwest Morocco, inland from Tangier in the Rif Mountains, is also known as the “blue city” due to its buildings and alleyways painted in shades of blue. It was originally known as Chaoeun, “peaks” (Chefchaouen means “look at the peaks”), and founded in 1471 as a kasbah (village) […]

Meknes, Morocco

Meknes, Morocco Meknes is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco–namely, Fez, Marrakech (also spelled Marrakesh), Meknes, and Rabat—but receives fewer visitors compared to the other cities, overshadowed by its neighbours. But Meknes, A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, has its own fascinating history and unique sights to offer curious travellers.   The […]

Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou, Morocco

Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou, Morocco A ksar, a North African term which means “fortified village” (from the Arabic qasar), is a traditional habitat composed of a group of earthen buildings surrounded by defensive walls. The Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou in Morocco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, is the most famous example of this form of […]

Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech’s medina quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a dazzlingly colourful maze of alleyways and shops, the sights and sounds welcoming and enchating travellers.

Around the World in Six Coffees: Italy, France, Japan, China, Morocco & Argentina

Around the World in Six Coffees: Italy, France, Japan, China, Morocco & Argentina Order a cappuccino in Italy after 11am and expect to receive strange looks. In Argentina, don’t be surprised when your coffee order is accompanied by two cookies and a glass of seltzer. And be warned: 2-3 spoons of sugar may be added […]

The Fascinating History of the World’s Oldest Library

Al-Qarawiyyin Library and University, Fez There is something magical about the medina, or old city, of Fez. Many liken it to stepping back in time as travellers get lost amongst the labyrinthine sandstone walls of the world’s largest car-free urban space. Once something of an intellectual mecca, visited throughout the centuries by poets, philosophers, politicians, […]

The Literary Allure of Tangier

Morocco’s Tangier, Europe’s gateway to Africa, has been a haven for artists and writers over the centuries, drawn to its hotbed of culture.