With intricate architectural features and a towering height, the Koutoubia Minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque stands out as the most prominent structure in Marrakech. The mosque and minaret were built at separate times in the 12th century. Capture photos of this emblematic tower against the clear blue Moroccan sky.
Note that non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque or its spectacular minaret. The tower is almost 230 feet (70 meters) tall and can be seen from most parts of the city. Gaze up at this lofty minaret and notice the ceramic tiles and pointed battlements. Hear the entrancing sound of the muezzin (Muslim cleric) five times a day, as he calls the faithful worshipers to prayer from the minaret.
The intricate carvings that make patterns and mosaics along the sides have influenced the décor of buildings across the city and country. Appreciate how other sites have been influenced by this design, including La Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat.
See the stacked bright metal balls of decreasing size that top the tower. Minarets usually hoist only three balls. Legend suggests that a former ruler’s wife gifted the extra one as penance for breaking a fast during the Muslim holiday of Ramadan.
Stroll through the pleasant gardens and relax in the plaza adjacent to the mosque. Come to the tower in the evening, when it is illuminated against the night sky. After its construction in the 1100s, about 100 booksellers were stationed around its base, leading to the structure’s nickname of the Mosque of the Booksellers.
The Koutoubia Mosque and Minaret are near the historic center of Marrakech. Take a bus to the Terminus Arsel El Bilk or the Sidi Mimoun Terminus 2 and walk several minutes to get here. Go to other popular spots in the area, such as the popular Jemaa el-Fna square, the Cyber Parc Arsat Moulay Abdeslam and the Ensemble Artisanal Marrakech.
