Koutoubia Mosque and Minaret, Marrakech (must see)

The Koutoubia Mosque and its soaring minaret are the most recognizable landmarks of Marrakech, standing at the edge of the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square and marking the spiritual heart of the city. Construction began in 1150, shortly after the Almohad dynasty seized Marrakech from the Almoravids. The mosque was built on the site of an earlier structure and later expanded, with its final form taking shape by the late 12th century. Its name, “Koutoubia,” comes from the Arabic term meaning “booksellers,” because it once stood beside a thriving market of manuscript vendors and scholars.

The minaret, rising approximately 77 meters including its spire, is a masterpiece of Almohad architecture and a model for later towers, including the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat. Built of red sandstone, it features harmonious proportions, decorative arches, and intricate geometric stonework, topped with a golden finial of four copper spheres. Its design reflects both the religious ambition and political authority of the Almohad empire, which sought to redefine Islamic architecture across North Africa and Al-Andalus.

The mosque itself is still in active use and not accessible to non-Muslims, but its exterior and surroundings offer much to appreciate. The gardens surrounding the mosque, known as the Koutoubia Gardens or Lalla Hasna Park, provide shaded paths, fountains, and views of the minaret framed by palms and roses. At sunset, when the tower glows softly against the sky and the call to prayer echoes across the city, the site becomes one of the most atmospheric places in Marrakech.

A Marrakech walking tour cannot be complete without its symbol. Wherever your legs take you, the Koutoubia Mosque is watching over you and is making sure that you will come back to take in the liveliness of its surroundings.