About
The Historic City of Meknes, also known as the Imperial City of Meknes, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Meknes, Morocco. It is the place to visit for the architecture of a royal city, which in the 17th century served as the capital of Morocco under Sultan Moulay Ismail.
What to see
The site is known for its impressive gates, palaces and fortifications. Walking through the walls and entrances gives a clear sense of how the imperial city was laid out and defended, and of the scale of the court that once worked within it.
Planning your visit
- Location: Meknes, in Morocco, Africa. The street address is Meknes 50000.
- Best suited to: visitors interested in history, heritage architecture and the story of Morocco's past capitals.
- Pace: allow time to move slowly between the gates, palaces and walls, and to take in the wider sweep of the old city.
The city around it
Meknes itself is a useful base for exploring the region. Pairing a visit to the imperial city with time in the surrounding streets and neighbourhoods gives a fuller picture of how the historic capital still fits into daily life today. Check ahead for current opening arrangements and any guided options before you set out.
