Brief History:

Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, located in Marrakech, is one of the oldest and most important religious buildings in Morocco. The site is also known as the Qarawiyyin University and is considered a major cultural and religious center for the country. The mosque was founded in 859 AD by Fatima El-Fihri, a young woman from the Tunisian city of Kairouan, who wanted to create a center for learning and worship. Over the years, the mosque has served as an important spiritual and educational center, hosting some of the largest libraries in the world, and has grown to become one of the most beautiful architectural marvels of Morocco. The mosque is a major pilgrimage site for Muslims across the world and is visited by thousands of people each year. It is one of the most famous mosque in Morocco which you must visit.

Architecture:

The Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, located in the Marrakech medina near the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, is one of the oldest and most important mosques in Morocco. Dating back to 859 CE, this nationally-protected monument is renowned for its striking architectural features, having survived centuries of seismic activity. The Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque is a large, rectangular building constructed out of red sandstone bricks, which line the exterior walls and numerous interior pillars. It features three distinct entrances, a large central courtyard, as well as several elegant prayer rooms, all of which are decorated with grand arches, cornices, and vivid Islamic mosaics. The building features an elaborately-crafted minaret tower, surmounted by four smaller ornamental domes. It is also home to the oldest library in the world, containing valuable humanities and science manuscripts dating back to the 8th century. This ancient structure is the result of centuries of architectural developments. Its unique blend of elements of both Andalusian and North African styles make it a remarkable testament to both Islamic and Moroccan architectural history. Its interior is richly decorated with ceramic tiles, stucco, and intricate woodwork. It is therefore recognized as a key historical and cultural icon of the region. This is why, it is considered one of the most beautiful mosque in the world.

Visiting Hours:

Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque is open to members of the public from 8:00am to 7:00pm daily. There is a fee of 5 dirhams for non-Muslims for entry. best mosque in the world.

Travel Information:

Address: Rue Touahen, Madraza Al Quaraouiyine, Marrakech 40000, Morocco Hours: 9 am to 6 pm daily Public Transportation: Bus: Routes 24, 25 and 27 run from Jemaa el Fnaa to Place de Martil. Taxi: From Jemaa el Fnaa or your hotel, hail a cab or take one from a taxi stand. Car:Drive towards or enter Rue Touahen in your satellite navigation system. Parking near the mosque is limited. beautiful masjid.