Close
Koutoubia Mosque
4.6/5
Tripaim

The Koutoubia Mosque, the temple of the booksellers.

The city of Marrakech is one of the most important metropolises in the Arab world, as well as one of the most visited towns in Morocco. This iconic city stands out for its many wonders, among which is the Koutoubia Mosque, a one-of-a-kind architectural work that we are going to see today.

Table of Contents

Visit the Koutoubia Mosque

Why is it known as the mosque of books?

Currently, Islam is one of the most widespread religions in the world, and its number of faithful is only comparable to those of Christianity, Buddhism and Judaism. Thanks to this extensive network of followers, Islamic beliefs are present almost everywhere in the world.

 

However, the main axis of this religion continues to be the countries of the Middle East and North Africa, where Morocco is located. A small country famous for its deserts, its Mediterranean coasts, its enigmatic cities and its legendary culture.

 

As expected, its most populated town is Rabat, the capital, but it is Marrakech that attracts the most foreign visitors. This ancient city was founded in the 11th century, and several of the most important merchants in the region settled there.

 

Thanks to its wide commercial range, Marrakech was able to create authentic architectural wonders, such as the Koutoubia Mosque. Originally, this was known as the temple of the booksellers, due to the large number of street stalls, all dedicated to the sale of books, that were around it.

Get to know the Koutoubia Mosque

What characterizes the Koutoubia Mosque?

When you arrive in Marrakech, you will notice the enormous relevance that this mosque has in the city. Not only is it one of its oldest temples, but it is also one of the tallest buildings in the entire place, standing 69 meters tall.

 

The Koutoubia Mosque is located in the Medina of Marrakech, which makes it part of the economic and social heart of the metropolis. In terms of its style, it has a classic Almohad design, with graceful curved windows and a pink-hued facade, which was built with stone and sandstone.

 

Similarly, the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque is one of the most representative symbols of Marrakech, and due to the elevation of the temple, it can be seen from anywhere in the city.

 

In addition, the mosque is surrounded by extensive gardens, which contain beautiful rose bushes, which give this magnificent religious center an air that is as mystical as it is imposing. Similarly, this is a gathering place for the Muslims of Marrakech, so it should be treated with respect and consideration.

Get to know Marrakech

Is it possible to enter the great mosque of Marrakech?

If you like Arab architecture and want to discover one of the most fascinating destinations in Morocco, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit to the Koutoubia Mosque.


But you must keep something in mind, and that is that access to this temple is prohibited for non-Muslims. Despite this, if you can take pictures of its beautiful facade, and visit part of its incredible gardens.


Finally, you can use the Koutoubia Mosque as a starting point to go for a walk in Marrakech, since it is close to other tourist destinations, such as the El Badi Palace and the Saadian Tombs.

How to get

Share it: 

Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
Email

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *