Riad Felloussia

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Traditional, cosy, friendly, managed by a family, ideally located… a true riad experience.

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MEKNES... THE BEST KEPT SECRET OF MOROCCO

Meknes is a city in northern Morocco, located 130 kilometres from the capital Rabat and 60 kilometres from Fes.

Meknes was the capital of Morocco under the reign of Moulay Ismail (1672 - 1727), before it was relocated to Rabat. It is for this reason that Meknes is one of the 4 Imperial Cities of Morocco.

The population is 536,322 (2004) .

It is served by the A2 expressway between those two cities.

With Marrakech having become a top tourist destination and Fes a top destination for travellers looking for authenticity, Meknes is often overlooked... and this is its strenght.

There is no doubt about it: Of all the cities of Morocco it is big but sometimes so hot and sleepy Meknes that has most kept its authenticity.

Wonderfull for a truly romantic getaway as well as for sweet doing nothing... as well as for lovers of history and culture.

IMPERIAL MEKNES

The land upon which the city is founded and much of its surrounding territory came under the domination of the Roman empire in 117 A.D. The original community from which Meknes can be traced was an 8th century Kasbah, or fortress. A Berber tribe called the Miknasa settled there in the 10th century , and a town consequently grew around the fortress. Meknes saw its golden age as the imperial capital of Moulay Ismail following his accession to the Sultanate of Morocco.

For many Meknès is simply a stop of the train on the way to Fès, and that is a pity. Meknès is a lot smaller then Fès, but also an Imperial City, and if Fès did not give you enough authenticity, then Meknès is your place. Here you are in the heart of your dream Arabia. No tourist crowds, no hustle or bustle, just alleys and city walls and gates and a smooth and friendly feel.