Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakesh
Panoramic view of the Koutoubia Mosque. Photo
Patrick Mayon.
Photos by Jon Keegan.
Koutoubia minaret from the Djemaa el Fna. Photo © Sacred Destinations.
Photos
Bryce Edwards.
View of the Koutoubia Mosque and minaret. Photo
Jim Callender.
Copper balls atop the Koutoubia minaret. Photo
dannebrog.
Location map and aerial view of Koutoubia Mosque. For a larger interactive view, see our Marrakesh Map.
Located near the Djemaa el Fna, the Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakesh. It is famed especially for its magnificent minaret, the oldest of the three great Almohad minarets remaining in the world.
History
Construction on the Koutoubia mosque began shortly after the Almohad conquest of Marrakesh, around 1150. Built on the site of an 11th-century Almoravid mosque, it was completed during the reign of Sultan Yacoub el Mansour (1184-99). Its name comes from the Arabic for "book" (koutoub), because there was originally a book market nearby.
What to See
The highlight of the Koutoubia mosque, which non-Muslims may not enter, is the beautiful minaret. Rising almost 70m, it dominates the Djemaa el Fna square and can be seen from much of the city.
The design of the Koutoubia minaret was highly influential on later towers (notably the Hassan Tower in Rabat and the beautiful La Giralda in Seville) and on Moroccan architecture in general. The wide band of ceramic tiles at the top, the pointed battlements (merlons), the alternate patterning on each side, and various other decorative motifs can all be seen on various buildings across the country.
The minaret is topped with copper balls of decreasing size, a traditional design in Morocco. There are usually only three orbs; legend has it the fourth was a gift from the wife of Saadian ruler Yacoub el Mansour, as penance for breaking her fast for three hours during Ramadan.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Koutoubia Mosque |
| Location: | Marrakesh, Morocco |
| Category: | Mosques |
| Faith: | Islam |
| Status: | active |
| Date: | 1150 |
| Architecture: | Almohad |
| Size: | Height: 70m |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 31.623764° N, 7.993798° W (view on Google Maps) |
| Hours: | Not open to non-Muslims. |
Travel Resources for Marrakesh
- Marrakesh Map - our detailed interactive map of Marrakesh, plus hand-picked links to more
- Marrakesh Guided Tours - book sightseeing tours and activities in Marrakesh
- Marrakesh Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Marrakesh Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Marrakesh Flight Search - compare multiple travel sites to find the lowest airfare to Marrakesh
- Marrakesh Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Marrakesh tourism
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Personal visit (April 9, 2007; exterior only).
- Koutoubia Mosque - Fodor's Morocco
- The Rough Guide to Morocco, 7th ed. (October 2004).
Article last updated: 08/18/2009.
