The mosque and minaret, an emblem in Marrakesh.
Only Muslims are allowed access to the mosque. Western tourists may simply admire the minaret and may catch a brief glimpse of the splendour of the Koutoubia mosque through the entrance door.
Over time, the Koutoubia mosque has become an emblem of Marrakesh. Its construction was decided in 1158 by the sultan Almohades Abdel Moumen soon after his conquest of Marrakech. It was completed in 1199 with the construction of its famous minaret ordered by the sultan’s grandson, Yacoub el-Mansour. Koutoubia, literally the “Booksellers’ Mosque” in Arab, is named after the large number of sellers of books and manuscripts that set up their stalls in the immediate vicinity of the building from the 12th-13th century.
Koutoubia occupies the square of a former Almohavide palace and was built further to the destruction of a first mosque that did not face Mecca. This jewel of hispano-moorish art is made up of 16 outlying naves and one larger central nave. Its luxurious decoration, inspired by Almoravide, is enhanced by a certain sobriety.
Koutoubia’s minaret went on to inspire the architects of the Giralda of Seville and the Hassan Tower of Rabat. This square tower in finely-worked dressed stone is 77 metres tall, including its lantern. An internal stairway enables to climb up to halls covered with domes, and to the top. The upper façades of the Koutoubia minaret are decorated with ceramic tiles forming different patterns on each side.
Practical information | KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE
Mosquée de la Koutoubia
Médina
Marrakesh
How to get there ? The Koutoubia Minaret is a landmark of Marrakesh that can be seen for miles away. It lies a few hundred feet away from the Jemaâ el fna square.