OUR TRAVELS
Photos of sightseeing enthusiasts
A TRIP ROUTE
INTERESTING STORIES
Count Jan Potocki, the author of the fantasy-philosophical novel "The Saragossa Manuscript", also visited Morocco during his numerous travels around the world. The result of this trip was the account, written in 1791, "A Journey to the Moroccan Empire. Hafez's Journey. An Eastern Novel". Potocki's expedition initiated cultural ties between the two countries and is considered to be a symbolic beginning of the presence of Poles in Morocco. On the occasion of the 220th anniversary of the publication of Potocki's book in Warsaw, thanks to the efforts of the Polish Embassy in Rabat, a plaque was made to commemorate this event.
IT IS WORTH KNOWING
While visiting Morocco, we met storks many times. Our hearts felt warmer because we were convinced that they were our good Polish storks. After verifying this information, it turned out that they are storks from Western Europe that migrate to Africa through the Strait of Gibraltar. Storks from Poland and other Eastern European countries choose the route through the Balkans, Bosphorus, Levant, Sinai, and then bypassing the Sahara they fly through the Nile valley into the depths of Africa. There they spend the winter in the savannas from Kenya and Uganda in the north to Cape South Africa in the south.
IT IS WORTH SEEING
The cult American melodrama of the same title is set in the Moroccan city of Casablanca. It shows the events that took place during the Second World War in Morocco controlled by Vichy. The screen stars of the time - Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman - played the main roles. The film was a spectacular cinematic success mainly due to the fact that the screening began a few weeks after the Allied invasion of North Africa in 1942. It turns out, however, that not a single scene was shot in Casablanca, and the film was made entirely in Hollywood.
INTERESTING FACTS
Ceuta is a Spanish administrative unit, city and fortress located in Morocco on the African promontory forming the Strait of Gibraltar. Located in Ceuta, Monte Hacho is considered to be the southern African Pillar of Heracles, while the Rock of Gibraltar is the northern European one. In Greek mythology, the Pillars of Heracles are related to the tenth work that Heracles had to do, i.e. the abduction of Geryon's oxen from Eritrea. Enclosing the Mediterranean Sea The pillars of Heracles marked the end of the ancient world for the ancients.
Morocco
May 2008
Morocco is a country that has always fascinated the people of Europe. This is due to the cultural diversity deeply rooted in the traditions of Islam, the turbulent history of these lands and the stunning wealth of landscapes - from the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, through the Atlas mountain ranges, to the sandy Sahara covered with dwarf vegetation.
We, too, could not remain indifferent in the face of such advantages. So we decided to go to Morocco and see all the wonders we had heard about with our own eyes. We decided to buy a round trip with additional rest in one of the travel agencies. Out of the various sightseeing options, we chose Morocco, Imperial Cities. The trip should be considered successful, although, as it happens on organized trips, they chased us away a bit and sometimes there was no time to calmly watch something that was of particular interest to us. We missed the views of the huge dunes, characteristic of the Sahara, but I think we will see them during another trip.Essaouira
Essaouira is one of the most popular Moroccan resorts. The city enchants with its 18th-century old town, listed on the Unesco list, as well as sandy beaches and rocky islets. During the ride, we had the opportunity to admire goats grazing on... trees. Equally interesting was a visit to a local processing plant where argan oil is traditionally produced and used in the kitchen and cosmetics industry.
El Jadida and Casablanca
Casablanca is currently the most popular city in Morocco, where you can feel a cosmopolitan atmosphere at every turn. The greatest impression on us was made by the Hassan II Mosque, in which the prayer hall could easily fit into the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome, and the 200-meter minaret is one of the tallest in the world. On the other hand, in the sleepy Al-Jadida, we experienced a funny situation, when an old Moroccan woman, dissatisfied with taking a few photos, threw onions at us.
Rabat
Although Rabat is the capital of Morocco, many locals say it is a provincial city. The capital, however, captivates with its rich history and magnificent architecture. We liked the Chellah district the most, known as the most beautiful Moroccan ruins. There are remains of an ancient Roman city and a medieval Arab settlement. The most remarkable thing is that the Chellah district has remained uninhabited since the 12th century.
Meknes and Volubilis
Both Meknes and Volubilis are inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List. Once the capital of the Moroccan state of Berber, the city, which dates back to the 8th century, boasts a magnificent medina. The picturesque Volubilis located nearby was in ancient times the capital of the province of Mauritania Tingitana. Even today, the ruins look impressive, testifying to the city's former glory.
Fez
The university of Al Karaouine, founded in 859, is located in Fez. However, what attracts tourists most are the tanneries located in the Unesco-listed medina of Fes el-Bali. The traditional method of production is best viewed from the terraces of nearby shops. Despite the omnipresent stench, the view is fascinating. There are piles of raw hides piled up below, and tanners are bustling around huge vats.
Marrakesh
Picturesquely situated Marrakech is one of the most exciting and romantic corners of Morocco. Founded in the 11th century, the city has Berber roots and its inhabitants are sociable and direct. The local medina has been included on the Unesco list, but tourists visit the red city because of the unique atmosphere of this place. We experienced it in Djema el-Fna square, while tasting local delicacies, snails in broth and grilled goat's head.
Agadir
In the seaside town of Agadir, we rested after the hardships of a seven-day road trip. The city, which was completely ruined by the earthquake in the middle of the last century, has virtually no historical monuments. The advantage of Agadir are the wide and sandy beaches, stretching for almost 10 km. Unfortunately, we did not have the opportunity to take advantage of their charms, because at that time the samum was blowing, an extremely dangerous desert wind carrying dust and sand.
Your comments:
