Fez Travel Guide

Meknes

Meknes, located just 37 miles (60km) from Fez, is the least-visited of Morocco's Imperial Cities - and this is exactly what draws discerning travellers to discover its considerable charms. A city brimming with history but mercifully short on chaos, Meknes is the ideal destination for those looking to explore Morocco's rich imperial past at a reasonable and measured pace. The city of Meknes was the brainchild of Moulay Ismail (ruler of Morocco for an incredible 55 years between 1672 and 1727), who sought to construct a city fine enough to rival any in Europe. Although not the most sympathetic of rulers - most of the construction was done by Christian slaves kidnapped by Moroccan pirates from far afield as Iceland - Ismail's vision was impressively followed through, and modern-day visitors to Meknes can revel in the sights of more than 50 palaces, 20 beautifully-carved gates and a city wall that stretches for 28 miles (45km). Meknes has a wonderfully preserved medina area and a colle