Tetouan

Our programme this afternoon consists of a walk to Tetouan, which dominates the green valley of the Martil river. A town with seven magnificently sculpted gateways to choose from as you pass through the ramparts and enter the medina. And now, you can follow your inclination. Explore the delightful coolness of this narrow little tree-lined street. Look at the ceramics decorating the buildings. Then look up! The wrought iron balconies on these white houses are typically Spanish. Not surprising, since Tetouan is famous for its Hispano-Moorish architecture, a fine example of which is the Khalifa Palace, built in the XVIIth century in the reign of Moulay Ismaïl. New step into this patio bathed in the scent of jasmine, listen to the music of the fountain and drink in the tranquillity before plunging into the hustle and bustle of the El Fouki souk. What a hive of activity! People from the city in white jellabas or dressed European-style, mountain people in grey burnous and farmers in striped foutas all giving in to the thousand and one temptations displayed on the stalls. And what a pleasure it is to follow their example!

 

Be sure not to miss Chefchaouen, 60 km (40 miles) south of Tetouan. It must certainly be one of Morocco's most delightful spots. The blue and white town appears at a turn in the road, with its two-storey houses and round roofing tiles, and with its twenty odd mosques and sanctuaries. The holy town of Chefchaouen breathes an atmosphere of profound serenity. After the pleasures of the beach at Cabo Negro, it is a delight to stroll through these cobblestoned streets and idly dream in a peaceful, shaded square as you sip your coffee in a Moorish café!

THE MEDINA
A maze of twisting and intricate alleys which sometimes pass under houses only to reappear in the open. Every street is dedicated to a particular activity. On the Hassan II square, you can see the Royal palace, the former residence of the Sultan’s representative under the protectorate.

THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Famous for its Lixus mosaics : You can see here the Three Graces between the Four Seasons, Venus, Adonis, March and Rhéa (the parents of Romulus and Remus). On the first floor, you will discover currency and pottery of the Roman era from an ancient site near "Tamuda".

THE JEWISH CEMETERY
Among thousand of tombs, a peculiarity : tombs engraved with pre-Colombian designs. These could be from Spanish Jews who, returning from South America, may have been inspired by these themes in order to decorate their tombs, however it is not done in the Jewish religion.