THE MEDINA OF TETOUAN

Tetouan was of particular importance during the Islamic period, from the 8th century onwards, as the main junction between Morocco and Andalusia. After the Reconquest, the city was rebuilt by refugees who returned to the area after being driven out by the Spanish.
This can be seen in the architecture and art which show strong Andalusian influences.
It is one of the smallest Moroccan medinas, but undoubtedly the most complete, the majority of whose buildings were later preserved from outside influences.
The medina of Tetouan is surrounded by an historic wall about 5 km long and access is through seven gates.
The city is characterised by main arteries connecting the gates between them and giving access, on the one hand, to open spaces (squares and plazas) or buildings of collective interest such as fondouks, mosques, zaouias and districts intended for crafts and trade and, on the other hand, to secondary roads leading to dead ends and residential blocks constituting semi-private spaces.

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