Catch a glimpse: 

Tetouan, Morocco

Tetouan, Morocco is a jewel of a city that lies off the well worn paths of big tourism and commerce. In the North of Morocco, on the North-Western tip of Africa, Tetouan is situated  by the Mediterranean Sea in a beautiful valley at the intersection of two rugged mountain ranges. Tetouan’s ancient walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich history and culture hidden within. Tetouan stands as a haven of old world artisanry, sumptuous spices, labyrinthine streets and dramatic landscapes; and yet it is still a place where the authenticity of the people and city remains, giving a valuable glimpse into Moroccan life and culture. With its countless annual arts festivals and associations, Tetouan has art “in its blood” at a grassroots level that is rarely seen in this part of the world.  Here you will find Morocco’s prestigious National Institute of Fine Art (the starting point of many Moroccan artists) the National School of Architecture, the Royal Artisan School and the Tetouan Museum of Modern Art.


A bustling outdoor market with clothing and accessories displayed on racks and tables. People are shopping and walking through the market, and the market stalls are shaded by awnings. The scene is lively with many vendors and customers.
A person sitting on a rock in a meditative pose on a hilltop overlooking a city with mountains in the background. Tetouan, Morocco
A busy square in front of a white building with a green sculpture of a woman with wings on its facade. People are walking and sitting, palm trees and other greenery line the area, and some vehicles are parked nearby in Tetouan, Morocco.

For a detailed history and description of Tetouan, see the following helpful links:

UNESCO’s page on Tetouan

Tetouan on Wikipedia

“Although one of the smallest of the Moroccan medinas, Tetouan is unquestionably the most complete and it has been largely untouched by subsequent outside influences.”

  – UNESCO (whc.unesco.org)