THE KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE

Without a doubt, the most unmissable religious edifice in Marrakech. Why is it so? First of all because practising Moroccans turn to it several times a day during the call to prayer. 
In addition, for tourists, the Koutoubia is often recommended as a reference point to find one's way around the city! 
Built in the 12th century under the orders of Sultan Abdelmoumen (Almoravid dynasty), the Koutoubia - meaning "The Mosque of the Booksellers" - bears its name because its location was in the former souk of the manuscript merchants. 
The religious edifice, built in a rather austere style, is composed of a large courtyard, a prayer room, the qibla wall (indicating the direction of prayer) and the minaret (the tower used for the call to prayer) which reaches a height of 77 meters. 
During prayer times, don't be surprised to see Moroccans suddenly stop their current activities to turn to the Koutoubia and pray. Visitors cannot access the mosque, which is reserved for the faithful. 
Nevertheless, you can approach the outside of the mosque to admire its Hispano-Moorish architecture.

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