4 Beautiful Monuments Found in Tangier for an Enchanting Morocco Getaway

Nov 24th, 2011 Jacob Schiffer

More than the amazing, sculptures and antique architectural designs they signify, monuments tell a lot about the history and richness of the culture of a certain place. When travelling to Morocco, be sure to look for Apartment Tangier or a hotel in order to see the amazing monuments and understand the past of the place. Listed below are some of the monuments located in Tangier that are worth discovering and will make your visit to Morocco more enriching and also remarkable:

Dar el Makhzen

The Dar el Makhzen found in Kasbah is one of the most popular monuments and also tourist locations in Tangier, Morocco. It is the highest point in the city that overlooks the straits of Gibraltar and Medina. It already contains a terrific collection of Moroccan art, like some pottery, embroidery, metal work, leather work, as well as various musical equipment and weapons. In the interior courtyard are two structures that display lovely metal works, title works, and arabesque wood carvings. These types of apartments are also surrounded by amazingly preserved scenic gardens and fountains. The Dar el Makhzen was first made during the 17th century by Sultan Moulay Ismail of the Moroccan Alaouite Dynasty who tried to control Tangier which was then in the hands of the English. It was once the palace where the visiting Sultans stay. The palace was later constructed and made bigger by later sultans.

Tangier Grand Mosque

The Tangier Grand Mosque was built in 1685 to commemorate the return of Morocco to the control of motherland and was become bigger by Moulay Sliman in the year 1815. It is found out close to the Grand Socco, which is the centre of Tangier. The location where it stood was also the place where a Roman temple and a Portuguese cathedral stood many years ago. Nowadays, the Grand Mosque is one of the favorite monuments in Tangier, which house historical manuscripts and various Moroccan art works. It is also recognized for its beautiful and elaborate structure with stucco and tile mosaics.

The Church of St. Andrew

Also known as Anglican Church of St. Andrew, this particular notable monument represents colonial and religious history in Tangier. In the year 1880, Hassan I of Morocco handed down a piece of land to the British society in Tangier to help them develop an Anglican Church. With the rising number of churchgoers, a new church was constructed on the same area in 1894, which became the Church of St. Andrew that was consecrated in the year 1905. The church was an awesome combination of several intricate architectural designs, including British and Moorish. Its most popular feature is the bell tower that appears like a minaret. Some renowned individuals in Tangier were also entombed in the church, like Sir Harry McLean who was a Scottish knight and lecturer of the Moroccan Army; British writer Wlater Harris; and Emily Keene, a British humanitarian.

Grand Socco

The Grand Socco, meaning the Big Square, is one of the most remarkable and important monuments in Tangier. It is where Muhammed V delivered his address favoring the freedom of Morocco on April 9, 1947, thus its official name-Place du Grand 9 Avril 1947. The Grand Socco is larger than the Petit Socco. It used to be the traditional market and a transportation hub, making it the heart of Tangier. Today, the Grand Socco does not only stay as a remarkable monument in Tangier, but also a vibrant night marketplace where second hand goods, fruits, and speces are marketed by women peasants with wide straw caps in their striped horses.

These prominent monuments, as well as the other popular landmarks in Tangier, tell memories of the rich background not just of Tangier, but also of Morocco. Aside from learning about the history of the people, Tangier offers a tourist-enticing environment with its beautiful beaches, dramatic sunset, and wonderful people.

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Written by Jacob Schiffer. When you are planning to lease an Apartment Tangier, please visit http://www.immobiliertanger.ma/english/.

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