Koutoubia Mosque★★
The Koutoubia Mosque is the landmark of Marrakech — its 77-meter-high minaret is visible from almost everywhere in the city and has served as a point of orientation for 850 years. Built under the Almohad dynasty (1147–1199), it is the model for the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat.
The Minaret
The minaret is a masterpiece of Almohad architecture: a square tower, each side differently decorated with arched windows, ceramic tiles, and stone reliefs. At the top are four golden spheres — legend has it they were forged from the golden jewelry of Sultan Yacoub el-Mansour's wife as penance for breaking the fast during Ramadan.
Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque — this applies to all active mosques in Morocco (exception: Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca). However, you can enjoy the exterior architecture and the beautiful garden surrounding the mosque. Especially in the evening, when the minaret is illuminated and the muezzin calls to prayer, the Koutoubia reveals its full magic.
The Gardens
The gardens south and west of the mosque are the perfect place for a break: orange trees, rose bushes, benches in the shade. Locals gather here in the evenings for a stroll. The view from the garden of the illuminated minaret at sunset — with the souks and the Atlas Mountains in the background — is one of the most iconic sights of Marrakech.
💡 Tipp
The best view of the Koutoubia is from the rooftop terrace of the "La Mamounia" hotel (go for tea at the hotel, even as a non-guest, tea from 120 MAD) or from the Lalla Hasna Park west of the mosque. At sunset, the light is perfect for photos.
