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©Image by Kyriacos Georgiou from Unsplash

The Blue City, Chefchaouen, a picturesque destination in northern Morocco

Chefchaouen is a small town located in the foothills of the Rif Mountains in northern Morocco, known for its cobblestone streets and light blue houses that give it a unique charm. With its mosques, craft stores and traditional cafes, Chefchaouen is a popular destination for travelers looking for an authentic and different experience.

Known as the Blue City, due to the predominant color in all its shades that decorates each and every corner, Chefchaouen was founded during the second half of the 15th century. During the time of the Spanish Reconquest of Granada, it was initially a military outpost, whose population grew rapidly with Muslim immigrants and Jews exiled from al-Andalus.

For this reason, the old part of the city has an appearance very similar to that of Andalusian villages, with small, irregularly shaped streets and whitewashed houses in shades of blue. This color dates back to the time when Jews settled in the city, and is an example of the rich history and culture of the area. Visitors can walk through the city's cobblestone streets, admiring the blue-colored houses and enjoying the relaxed and tranquil atmosphere.

A sacred city for centuries, it maintained its medieval appearance virtually intact until the early decades of the 20th century, when it was part of the Spanish Protectorate in Morocco. Built on a small valley, the oldest part of the city grows towards the top of the mountain, where the Ras al-Ma springs are located. The center of the city is the Uta al-Hammam square, where two of the most emblematic buildings are located, both for their historical significance and their particular architecture.

Both located on the southern roadway of the Uta al-Hammam square, and separated by a small street, is the Alcazaba, an imposing walled fortress of the seventeenth century, protected by solid reddish walls with a showy keep and a large courtyard garden with trees, now home to the ethnographic museum of the city. And next to it, the Great Mosque, original from the 15th century, with its characteristic octagonal minaret dating from the 18th century.

Chefchaouen, with its whitewashed houses in shades of blue and its winding streets, is a true tourist attraction where you can enjoy the cultural, historical and social essence of North African villages.

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©Image by Steven dosRemedios from Flickr

The Kasbah of Chefchaouen.

Its rich heritage and architectural particularity can be seen in every corner of its Medina, which invites you to walk through it enjoying its colors and perfumes, mainly orange blossom, which embellish its old houses with patios and fruit trees. In its streets, daily life can be seen, where its handicrafts stand out.

In addition to the beauty of the city itself, Chefchaouen is also home to a wide variety of local artisans and artists. Visitors can explore the city's stores and workshops, where products such as clothing, carpets and pottery are sold. Chefchaouen's local products are known for their quality and beautiful craftsmanship, making them an ideal gift for those looking to take home a souvenir of the city.

Local gastronomy is also a highlight of Chefchaouen, with dishes such as tajine, pastella and couscous. Visitors can enjoy a traditional meal at one of the city's many restaurants, which offer a blend of flavors and aromas that reflect the rich history and culture of the area.

For those looking for outdoor activities, Chefchaouen offers a variety of options, such as hiking in the nearby mountains or swimming in the local waterfalls. The region is known for its natural beauty, with landscapes of mountains and valleys that offer a unique and enriching experience.

Chefchaouen, the Blue City, is an important destination in Morocco for its culture and history, for its picturesque architecture, traditional life and its location in a beautiful natural area, being a focus of both national and international tourist attraction.

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