Marrakech Attractions
Minaret of Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech © Judith Duk
Koutoubia Mosque
Towering over the labyrinthine streets and markets of Marrakech
is the city's principal landmark, the minaret of the Koutoubia
Mosque, known as the 'mosque of the booksellers' because of the
bazaar of the book traders that used to be nearby. The red stone
mosque was first built in 1147, but demolished and rebuilt in 1199
because it was not correctly aligned with Mecca. The mosque,
basically a massive prayer hall, has 17 aisles and 112 columns, and
room for thousands to pray within it. The ornately carved minbar
(pulpit) is believed to have been a gift from the Almoravid Sultan
Ali ben Youssef. The landmark minaret is 221ft (69m) high and
consists of six chambers one atop the other, ascended by a ramp
through which the muezzin ascends to the top balcony. The mosque is
closed to non-Muslims, but the area around is a favourite place for
an evening stroll.
Admission: Free (gardens)
