Morocco undoubtedly has the richest and most remarkable urban architectural heritage in North Africa. The shapes and forms found in doors and vaulted ceilings are revealed in the detailed design of mirrors and furniture.
The craftmanship of carvers and engravers is evident throughout Moroccan architecture and design work. Geometric patterns, found elsewhere in ceramic, are transformed into intricate tracery and reliefs. Traditional materials, including stone, plaster, wood and brass are found in homewares as well as the buildings they occupy.
The extraordinary architecture of Morocco express a centuries - long intermingling of influences from both Black Africa and Islam, and from the spectacular cultural alliance of the Moors and the Spaniards. This exotic mixture of heritages - Berber, Arab, French, English, Spanish - combine in a country that remains refreshingly removed from the rest of the world. Traditional Moroccan architectural and artistic craftsmanship continues to flourish .
A region with an ancient history, Morocco has numerous buildings and museums that reflect its rich culture and incredible architecture with influences ranging from Roman and berber to Spanish and Arab-Islamic.
The best museum in Morocco, dealing with the country's ancient past, is the Archeology Museum in Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Some of the displays have materials from ancient civilisations, with a few dating back 350,000 years ago to the Pebble Culture period. There are also a number of finds from the Roman era right through to the Middle Ages. Other interesting cultural sites include Tour Hassan, the grand minaret of a expansive and incomplete mosque, the Mohammed V Mausoleum, a perfect example of Moroccan architecture, the National Museum of Handicrafts, the Royal Palace, the Kasbah des Oudaias and the Chellah with its beautiful gardens and monuments as well as Roman ruins.
When comparing the three Imperial Cities of Fés, Marrakech and Meknés, the ancient Fés is the most impressive. The much untold history and mystery of this city can be traced way back to the 8th century. Some of the city's history can be viewed in the Dar Batha or the Musée du Batha, the Museum of Moroccan Arts, which is situated on the Place de l'Istiqlal. The museum was built as a palace 100 years ago by Moulays al-Hassan and Abd al-Aziz and houses historical and artistic artifacts from old medersas, tribal carpets and fine Fassi embroidery, as well as ceramics from the 14th century.
Marrackech, the former capital of Morocco, is also rich in culture. Attractions include the city's gardens which are still supplied by the water from 11th century canals, the Palace of the Dead (Djemmaa-el-Fna), the city square which is a must-see at night, Koutoubia which is the 12th century minaret, the En Youssef Medersa which is decorated with mosaics, marble and woodwork and is regarded as the largest theological site in the Mahgreb, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs which protect the remains of the rulers of the Saadian Dynasty, the well-known camel market, and the Menara and Aquedal gardens.
You can most clearly see the Spanish influence on the country in the wonderful architecture of some of the towns] in the north. Amongst these Chefchaouen is the most renowned with its blue and white buildings, while Tetouan, set against the Rif mountains also exudes a definite Spanish atmosphere.
Morocco is a country of immense diversity and natural beauty; a blending of vivid sensuality and intense spirituality. This visually sophisticated the country and made it possess a highly distinctive,ultra-modern yet deeply traditional architecture .
Sources :
http://www.mincom.gov.ma
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