Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakesh

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.

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History of Koutoubia Mosque

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 at Koutoubia Mosque

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 on Koutoubia Mosque

Site Information
Names:Koutoubia Mosque
Country:Morocco
Categories:mosques
Styles:Almohad Dynasty
Dates:1150
Status: active
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:31.623764° N, 7.993798° W
Address:Marrakesh, Morocco
Hours:Not open to non-Muslims.
Lodging:View hotels near Koutoubia Mosque
Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

  1. Personal visit (April 9, 2007; exterior only).
  2. Koutoubia Mosque - Fodor's Morocco
  3. The Rough Guide to Morocco, 7th ed. (October 2004).

More Information

© Patrick Mayon
© Jon Keegan
© Jon Keegan
© Holly Hayes
© Bryce Edwards
© Bryce Edwards
© Jim Callender
© dannebrog

Map of Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakesh

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