Day 9 of 30 Days of Travel – Learning about Islam in Morocco’s holiest city, Moulay Idriss
A small town located on two hills surrounded by olive groves as far as the eye can see, Moulay Idriss is well off the beaten path for most travelers and well worth the journey to get there. For Muslims, Moulay Idriss is the holiest city in Morocco. In fact, if you can’t journey to Mecca for your pilgrimage, a pilgrimage to Moulay Idriss counts in its place. Idriss I is buried here. He founded the first dynasty in Morocco and brought Islam to Morocco. Moulay Idriss is a classic Moroccan hill town, with quaint twisting lane ways, cute donkeys, and friendly locals.
Travel Tip: Moulay Idriss can be reached by taxi, private car, shared taxi or bus from Meknes or Fez. While most travelers only visit Moulay Idriss as a day trip, the real magic happens in the late afternoon when the tourist buses and daytrippers leave. The small hamlet comes to life with locals sitting at sidewalk cafes enjoying coffee and good company, families stroll the cobbled laneways (less strolling and more like walking up the plethora of stairs that comprise this tiny hilltop town), and rooftops bustle to life with families gathering and watching the sunset over the valley. Moulay Idriss is a place to linger and spend a few days enjoying Morocco daily life.
[Throughout the month of January we will be sharing 30 Days of Travel on our blog, Facebook page, Twitter page, and Instagram. Join us there and let’s inspire each other to fill 2018 with travel plans, inspiration, dreams, visiting travel wish list destinations, and exploring this big, beautiful planet we all share. For 30 days of January (plus one bonus day) we will be sharing an inspiring travel nuggets every day – his may be a photo, video, article, or travel tip. Join us every day here in January for a new inspiring travel nugget and share with us what inspires your travel for 2018.]
Photo credit: Genevieve Hathaway Productions
Visit Morocco: Interested in joining an ArchaeoAdventures Tour to Morocco? Learn more about our Majestic Morocco tour here.