Taza Grand Mosque and Ramparts

Taza is a hilltop town in northeastern Morocco, about 120 kilometres east of Fès, in the narrow corridor known as the Taza Gap between the Rif and Middle Atlas mountains. This corridor has been the main route between Morocco and Algeria for centuries, which gave Taza its strategic importance. The old medina sits on a plateau above the modern town, protected by walls and gates. The Almohad ruler Abd al-Mu'min fortified the town in the 12th century, and the ramparts that visitors see today are largely Almohad, with later Marinid and Alaouite repairs. The Grand Mosque, one of the main monuments of the medina, was built in the 12th century under the Almohads and expanded by the Marinids in the 13th century, who added a new minaret and decorated the interior. Its prayer hall has a forest of columns, a richly carved wooden ceiling and a large chandelier made from a church bell, a feature reportedly donated in the 13th century. Non-Muslims cannot enter the interior, but the exterior and the surrounding lanes can be visited freely. The ramparts, towers and gates such as Bab er-Rih give a sense of the town's military role, and the walls overlook the surrounding valley and mountains. Taza was also a base for several rebellions and royal campaigns, and in the 20th century it played a part in the resistance to colonial rule. The medina is much quieter than those of Fès or Meknès and has relatively few tourists, with local life continuing in its markets and workshops. Entry to the old town is free and the exterior of the mosque is accessible all day. A walk along the ramparts at dawn offers the best light and cooler temperatures.