Fes-Meknes
Meknes
Imperial city of monumental gates.
Meknes at a glance
- Region
- Fes-Meknes
- Province or prefecture
- Meknes (prefecture)
- Status
- Prefecture capital
- Population
- 632,079 (2014 census)
- Area
- Not available
- Elevation
- 520 m
- Coordinates
- 33.894, -5.547
- Postal code
- 50000
- Phone area code
- +212 535
- Time zone
- Africa/Casablanca (see note on Ramadan)
- Local names
- Meknès (French) · مكناس (Arabic)
- Best time to visit
- March to May and September to November
Population is from the 2014 census (HCP) and is being updated. Climate figures are indicative regional profiles. Confirm details with official sources before relying on them.
About Meknes
Meknes is an imperial city with grand gates, granaries and stables, a lively medina and nearby Roman ruins at Volubilis.
History
Sultan Moulay Ismail made Meknes his capital from 1672 and built its walls, palaces and Bab Mansour gate on a monumental scale.
Things to see in Meknes
- Bab Mansour
- Heri es-Souani granaries
- Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail
- Place el-Hedim
- Volubilis day trip
UNESCO World Heritage: Historic City of Meknes (1996); Archaeological Site of Volubilis (1997), nearby.
Climate and best time to visit
Continental Mediterranean. Hot summers, cool and damp winters and a clear spring and autumn. Frost is possible on winter nights.
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November. Indicative regional profile.
Getting to Meknes
- By air
- Fes-Saiss Airport (FEZ), about 60 km away.
- By train
- Meknes and Meknes Amir Abdelkader stations on the Casablanca-Rabat-Fes line.
- By bus
- CTM, Supratours and regional bus companies serve most routes; grand taxis cover shorter hops. Check current schedules.
- By road
- Reached by national roads and, on many routes, the motorway network. Check road conditions in winter, especially in mountain areas.
Economy
Agriculture is central: olives, vines and grain. The annual agricultural show (SIAM) is held here.
Food and drink
Olive-rich cooking and local wines from the surrounding vineyards.
Festivals and events
The International Agricultural Show (SIAM) is held in spring; check dates.
Where to stay
Expect a mix of business hotels and smaller guesthouses. Book ahead during public holidays and summer weekends.