Rich cultural heritage

The city of Tangier is endowed with a rich cultural heritage and with historic monuments, which reflect the history of the different civilisations that have followed one another. The Medina of Tangier contains a valuable patrimonial and architectural legacy.

Herebelow, you will find a brief description of the places that are worth visiting: The Kasbah: Soul of Tangier Separated from the Medina by ramparts, the Kasbah overhangs the port and the city. You may get to it by Bab EL Hassa to admire the beautiful residences, the Palace of Sultan Dar EL Makhzen, the Museum of Moroccan Arts and the Museum of antiques Dar EL Ghorfa, where prehistoric vestiges and Tangier's antiques may be discovered.

The Mechouar: It is considered the main square of the Kasbah; it dates to the XVII century, in the reign of Moulay Ismail. In fact, the Kasbah was the workshop, in the open air, for painters, and the source of inspiration of a large number of writers and artists.

After Alexandre Dumas, Angel Vazquez, Paul and Jane Bowles, Juan Goytisolo, Pierre Loti, Eugene Delacroix, Jean Genet, Yan Fleming, Henri Matisse was tempted by this corner of the East. He has stayed in Tangier on two occasions. The first time, he came with his wife on January 1912, attracted by the descriptions of his friend Marquet. Some months later, in October, he returned and extended his stay until February 1913. It is in the Kasbah that he translated his feelings and exploration into a brilliant picture of Tangier; in his picture, the external view of the Kasbah represents the north entry to the old city.

The theme Marabout was frequent in the works of Matisse. It represented one of the Kasbah monuments: the marabout of Sidi Berraisoul. The mosque of the Kasbah was also a source of inspiration for Matisse, who succeeded in capturing a part of its mystery and power in his works.

Historic monuments

Dar EL Makhzen: Rebuilt in 1740, this Palace becomes the Museum for the Moroccan Arts of Tangier. It contains a refined collection, representing the crafts of Morocco, as a whole. It includes also bronzes and mosaics, coming from roman sites of Lixus, Cotta, Banasa or Volubilis. It is from these sites, where the famous mosaic emerges. The History of Tangier and of its region is reflected in the first floor. In room 3, the model of a Carthaginian tomb stands up in greatness. You may end the visit by admiring the pleasant Andalusian garden. Le Grand Socco (the Big Market): It is located at the entrance of the Medina. You find there the ancient residence of the Mendoub (the Representative of the Sultan).

The German Embassy has also taken up a residence there in the years 1940. At present, it is a Court. Hundred-year-old trees show the historicity of the place. Le Petit Socco (the Small Market): To follow the example of the great celebrities, such as Paul Bowles, Jean Genet, Paul Morand or Pasolini, there is nothing better than a mint tea in the coffee shops of the Small Market. There, you will find also a big Mosque, built in the XVIII on the ruins of an ancient Portuguese cathedral.

The Palace of Guests (Ex. Forbes Museum) Originally, it was the Palace of the Mendoub (Representative of the Sultan). It was transformed into a museum by Malcom Forbes, the Representative of great historical battles (Waterloo 1815, Dien Bien Phû, the battle of the three kings, the armies of the Sultan Abdel Malek). Actually, it is reserved for the important Guests, who are passing through Tangier (Palace of Guests). Saint Andrew Church: During the years 1880, a collection was made to build this church, as this cult place was missing for the British people, who started to settle in Tangier. The Sultan Moulay Hassan the 1st contributed in this collection by giving the land.

In 1884, the church tower was erected. Its arch is engraved in Arabic. The Legation of the United States: It represents the first American monument, situated outside the United States. It is a small palace, located in the heart of the Kasbah, which was offered, in 1921, to James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States, by the Sultan Moulay Suleiman. It used to be called Consulate until 1923; later on, it gets the name of the Legation. At present, you will find a collection of pictures about Morocco and old geographical maps, among which there is that of Jean-Leon the African.

This museum relates the history of Americans-Moroccans relations. You may contemplate a letter from George Washington to Moulay Abdellah, a collection of mirrors, works of Lecouteux, Ben Ali R'Bati… The modern city of Tangier is as attractive and fascinating as its Medina. Boulevard Pasteur: It is the main street in the new city; it is edged with fashionable buildings and residences. In the middle of these buildings, you will have a magnificent view onto the port and the Bay of Tangier.

The Tangerines call it Sour AL Maagazine or Wall of the Idles. Not to forget the ancient Palace of Malcolm Forbes, avenue of Spain. Jebel Lekbir: It is the residential area of Tangier, where you may encounter refined houses and sumptuous palaces in the shade of the forest. Coffee Shop HAFA: This unique coffee shop exists since 1920; it is hanged up on a cliff. The Beatles, Randy Weston, Sean Connery and other celebrities have passed through this place to taste a good mint tea.