Koutoubia Mosque (Marrakech)

The largest and most impressive mosque in Marrakech, Koutoubia Mosque is an imposing sight that can be viewed right across the city. Located close to Djemaa el Fna square, it is famed for its magnificent minaret which rises over 220 feet and has influenced design throughout the Muslim world. It is filled with decorative motifs and topped off with four copper globes, once reputedly made of solid gold. Although its interior is reserved for Muslims only, short breaks in Marrakech can sense its sheer scale from the outside, a monumental building that can accommodate over 25,000 people.

 

The interior has 17 aisles and over 100 columns covering an area of over 50,000 square feet and still retains its original minbar, or Islamic pulpit, which dates from the 12th century. Despite its age, the Koutoubia Mosque is a wonderfully preserved historic structure and can be viewed from most points during a stroll through Djemma el Fna square. Marrakech cheap city breaks will be able to admire its exterior walkways, intricate curved windows, decorative arches and tiling. There are also delightful rose gardens just to the west of the mosque which afford the perfect photo opportunity.

 

The echo of the Muezzin call to prayer resounds from the six storey minaret across the city each day and long weekend breaks in Marrakech will see the pace of life grind to a halt as the faithful arrive for Friday lunchtime prayers. Koutoubia Mosque is gloriously illuminated after dark, accentuating its carved pink stonework and decorative archways and is a popular spot for an evening stroll. Originally named after the busy booksellers’ market which was once held here in the middle ages, the immediate surrounding area of the mosque still sees feverish commercial activity day and night and affords a dramatic backdrop for a spot of browsing or people watching.