Tangier in Morocco carries a colorful past making it a fascinating destination to visit. Its monuments, including Grand Socco, Dar el Makhzen, Church of St. Andrew, and Tangier Grand Mosque, tell bits and pieces of Tangier’s unique background.
More than the amazing, sculptures and antique architectural designs they signify, monuments tell so much regarding the history and richness of the tradition of a certain place. When touring Morocco, you need to look for a hotel or Apartment Tangier to help you watch the wonderful monuments and learn about the the historical past of the location. Here are several of the monuments found in Tangier that are worth exploring and will make your visit to Morocco more fascinating and memorable:
Dar el Makhzen
The Dar el Makhzen found in Kasbah is among the most famous monuments and tourist attractions in Tangier, Morocco. It’s the top point in the city which overlooks the straits of Medina and Gibraltar. It presently stores a great collection of Moroccan artwork, like some pottery, embroidery, metal work, leather work, and also various musical instruments and weapons. Inside the internal courtyard are 2 buildings that show lovely arabesque wood carvings, tile works, and metal works. These kinds of apartments are also surrounded by beautifully preserved scenic gardens and fountains. The Dar el Makhzen was initially designed during the 17th century by Sultan Moulay Ismail of the Moroccan Alaouite Dynasty who attempted to manage Tangier that was then in the management of the English. It used to be the palace where the visiting Sultans stay. The palace was later on developed and made bigger by later sultans.
Tangier Grand Mosque
The Tangier Grand Mosque was developed in 1685 to commemorate the come back of Morocco to the control of motherland and was made bigger by Moulay Sliman in the year 1815. It is located near the Grand Socco, that is the middle of Tangier. The site where it stood was also the place where a Roman temple and a Portuguese cathedral stood many years ago. Currently, the Grand Mosque is one of the popular monuments in Tangier, housing old manuscripts as well as other Moroccan art works. It’s also famous for its beautiful and elaborate structure with tile mosaics and stucco.
The Church of St. Andrew
Otherwise known as Anglican Church of St. Andrew, this popular monument symbolizes colonial and religious historical past in Tangier. In the year 1880, Hassan I of Morocco gave a piece of land to the British community in Tangier to help them develop an Anglican Church. With the raising number of churchgoers, a new church was created on the similar area in the year 1894, which then became the Church of St. Andrew which was consecrated in the year 1905. The church was an excellent mixture of different intricate architectural styles, including British and Moorish. Its most popular feature is the bell tower that appears to be a minaret. Some famous individuals in Tangier were also buried in the church, such as Sir Harry McLean who was a Scottish soldier and also instructor of the Moroccan Army; British writer Wlater Harris; and also British humanitarian Emily Keene.
Grand Socco
The Grand Socco, meaning the Big Square, is one of the most remarkable and important monuments in Tangier. It’s where Muhammed V made his special message favoring the liberty of Morocco on April 9, 1947, so its recognized name-Place du Grand 9 Avril 1947. The Grand Socco is greater than the Petit Socco. It was once the traditional market and a transportation hub, which makes it the heart of Tangier. At the moment, the Grand Socco doesn’t only remain as an amazing monument in Tangier, but also a vibrant evening market where second hand goods, fruits, and speces are sold by women peasants with wide straw caps in their striped horses.
These significant monuments, as well as the other well-known landmarks in Tangier, tell testimonies of the rich past 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.