Open the Mellah's Door (Jewish Heritage)
Casablanca – Fez – Merzouga desert – Skoura – Asni – Marrakech – Essaouira
Explore the Morocco’s Imperial Cities and Jewish Culture
Jewish Culture is present throughout Morocco and it offers the opportunity for tourists to discover the stories of Jewish Mellah, the vibrant Jewish community, historic synagogues, stunning landscapes and Andalusian gardens and the only Jewish museum in the Islamic world. All Jewish heritage sites in Morocco are either UNESCO World Heritage sites or protected by the Moroccan King and government and are regularly under renovation and preservation to ensure they remain a part of Morocco’s Jewish heritage
Casablanca’s Jewish Cemetery, Mellah & Synagogues
Synagogue Beth El, the main synagogue among one of the 30 throughout the city merits a stop.
Inside you will find beautiful Marc Chagall-inspired stained glass where the sunlight pours in, tinted in multicolor from the stained glass, and radiates off an enormous crystal chandelier, creating a rainbow-like effect across the entire synagogue. There are ancient Hebrew scrolls on display and gilded quotes from the Torah inscribed on the walls
Temple Beth-El, the Jewish Synagogue in Casablanca. Beth-El, is considered the mainstay of a once vibrant Jewish community. Its stained glass windows and other artistic elements, is what attracts tourists to this synagogue.
To gain a glimpse into the community’s history, you can visit the Jewish Cemetery of Ben Msik. It is open and quiet, with well-kept white stone markers in French, Hebrew, and Spanish. Once a year, Moroccan Jews celebrate a Hilloula (anniversary of a revered rabbi’s death), at the tomb of Rabbi Eliyahu HaCohen, also known as Qandil El Blad (the land’s lamp), who was previously buried at the heart of Casablanca’s ancient medina.
Mosque of Hassan II's promontory offers lovely views overlooking Casa in the residential Afna quarter. After touring the Mosque, head over to the New Town of Casablanca also designed by the French architect Henri Prost.
Historical Tour & City Visit en route to Fes
Fes is the country's spiritual capital, and despite the encroachment of modernity, it has maintained its authentic appeal down through the ages, holding onto its stately bearing as an Imperial City. Its minaret and dome-punctured skyline and timeless, crumbling Islamic architecture are top things to see for tourists.
Tourists will have a field day along the narrow alleyways at all the monument attractions. With historic buildings across Fes, this is a Moroccan metropolis that shouldn't be missed. Following are the places you must visit.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites & Jewish Heritage Sites
During tour of UNESCO Fes you will visit the Jewish Heritage Sites and Cultural Sites of Fes which include site seeing at Synagogues, Universities, Mosques, Cemeteries, the Mellah along with gardens and palaces.
Fes (referred to as Fes El Bali) is among the best known cities in medieval Jewish history. Fes is the leading spiritual center and the former artistic and intellectual capital in Morocco well respected for its former historic and significant population that celebrated Jewish life.
Places to visit.
- The Jewish Mellah
- The Jewish Cemetery
- Maimonides
- The Danan Synagogue
- Synagogues of Fes
Fes Guided Excursion to Jewish Seffrou
Sefrou, south of Fes, was known as Little Jerusalem due to its high percentage of Jews and its well-developed religious life. Sefrou's mellah makes up half of the old city.
Bhalil, a cemetery is good stop en route to Sefrou
Sefrou was once a major center for Morocco's Jews and its walled white pedestrian medina is still characterized by their houses with wooden balconies.
