Welcome to The City of Tétouan – A Unique Blend of Moroccan and Andalusian Architecture

Posted on: March 1, 2024 Posted by: Nabeel Rashid Comments: 2

Tétouan is a beautiful city situated in Northern Morocco. The City of Tétouan is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Arab world. Although, it is one of the underrated cities, it is still one of the most attractive tourist destinations for national and international visitors in Morocco for many reasons.

(Photography by IBTIHAL)

Walking through the streets of Old Town and painted walls showing the unique architecture makes you feel that you have entered some historical city centuries back. Tétouan is a city where past meets present, offering a balance between contemporary modern life with cultural heritage.

Tétouan is well-connected to other major Moroccan cities through bus and train services which makes it much easier for the visitors to continue their journey towards the surrounding regions.

If you are fond of exploring art, culture, architecture, history, beaches, delicious food and locations for photography then Tetouan City is an ideal place for you to visit. As the city carries a long history dating back to the 3^rd century B.C, it is an ideal place for the historians and researchers too.

ARCHITECTURE:

Tetouan City is famous for so many reasons among tourists and one of them is the architecture influenced by the amalgamation of Moroccan and Andalusian architecture particularly the “Old Town”. Tetouan City is identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique blend of Moroccan and Andalusian architecture.

There is a saying that 5 centuries ago, the Muslims who migrated from Muslim Spain, most of them settled in Northern Africa. Some of them settled in Tetouan City and brought their culture too. Even today, we can see the little glimpses of Granada and Andalusian architecture in Tetouan City. For instance: marble fountains, design of the ceilings that resemble Al-Hambra in Granada.

GALERIE D’ART EL FENN:

The art gallery in Tetouan known as Galerie d’art el Fenn is the place where art lovers gather together. You can explore beautiful galleries of painting, sculpture, calligraphy and photography.

FILM FESTIVALS AND CINEMA:

Tétouan celebrates the annual International Festival of Mediterranean Film, showcasing the best of regional cinema. The festival attracts filmmakers, actors, and creative people from all over.

The city’s exclusive architecture and lively atmosphere makes it a fascinating destination for film making for both local and international film makers.

MUSIC and FESTIVALS:

(Musicians performing Andalusian Classical Music)

Tétouan is famous for its musical heritage, particularly in the genres of Andalusian classical music and Chaabi. Traditional music performances and festivals are conducted throughout the year in Tétouan.

(Chaabi Music Link)

Tétouan is also known for its lively and colorful festivals. During the festival, locals dress in traditional attire and participate in music, dance, and ceremonies.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM:

The Archaeological Museum in Tetouan is considered as one of the must visit places as a tourist if you are interested in culture, traditions and history. As the city has faced many dark nights and bright days over the centuries. Therefore, you can find the stuff that reminds you of the glimpses of Romans, Phoenicians, Mauritanians, Punic and Islamic history on this land.

The preserved things in the Archaeological Museum provide a good opportunity to the visitors to get knowledge about the rich historical roots in just a few minutes.

ACCORDING TO THE AUTHOR MOHAMMAD MEGRAZI FROM MOROCCO:

BEACHES IN TETOUAN:

There are many beaches in the surroundings of the city which provides an opportunity to the people to enjoy their meal with their family and loved ones in a comfortable atmosphere. Apart from that many visitors come to explore the beautiful moments of sunset at the beach. Highly recommended beaches are Marina Smir Beach, Cabo Negro Beach and Riffien Beach.

(Marina Smir Beach)

(Cabo Negro Beach)

Apart from them, some other famous beaches of Tetouan are Martil Beach, Tamuda Bay Beaches, Mdiq Beach, Kabila Beach, Restinga Smir Beach, Almina Beach, Oued Negron Beach, Beaches South of Martil, Azla Beach and Amsa Beach.

(Kabila Beach)

(Martil Beach)

ARTS AND CRAFTS:

When we talk about the arts and crafts in Tetouan, we can explore the material beautifully crafted by the locals in traditional style. The Royal Artisan School (Dar Sanaa) is itself a precious building full of architectural masterpieces.

The place where young students are blessed with the skilled people who teach them the skills of embroidery, pottery, Sculpting, wood stuff, leather stuff, carpet weaving and metal work that passed on from older generations to the younger generations.

TETOUAN CUISINE:

CREVETTE PIL PIL:

It is a delicious dish prepared from prawns, olive oil, garlic and chili.

(Photography by IBTIHAL)

ZAALOUK AND OLIVES:

Zaalouk is made from Eggplants, tomatoes, garlic, spices, salt and vinegar. It is served with olives and bread.

(Photography by IBTIHAL)

ESPADON PLANCHA:

Espadon Plancha is a delicious dish of sword fish along with French fries served with different sausages. There are many ways to prepare Espadon Plancha by using different combinations of spices and ingredients to give a variety of taste to the visitors.

(Photography by IBTIHAL)

All in all, it can be concluded that Tétouan city leaves a lasting impression on its visitors, with its enchanting beauty, warm hospitality, music and rich cultural heritage.