Koutoubia Mosque
Marrakech-Safi
The Koutoubia Mosque, located in Marrakech near the Jemaa el-Fnaa square, is the largest mosque in the city and a prime example of Almohad architecture. Founded in 1147 by the Almohad ruler Abd al-Mu'min, it was built on the site of the Almoravid palace ruins. The mosque features a large prayer hall with seventeen aisles and eleven domes, supported by intricately decorated columns and arches reminiscent of the Qarawiyyin Mosque in Fez. Its most iconic feature is the 77-meter high sandstone minaret adorned with geometric patterns and turquoise ceramic tiles, accessible by a ramp inside. The mosque's name derives from the nearby book market (koutoubiyyin), which was historically significant but was destroyed during the French colonial period. The mosque has undergone restorations, including repairs after the 2023 Al Haouz earthquake. The Koutoubia Mosque remains a symbol of Marrakech and an outstanding example of Islamic art and religious architecture in the western Islamic world.
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Tip: Visitors should plan to visit the Koutoubia Mosque during daylight hours to fully appreciate its architectural details and surrounding gardens. While non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque's prayer hall, the exterior and minaret are accessible and offer excellent photo opportunities. Purchasing tickets for nearby attractions in advance is recommended to avoid queues. The mosque is best visited in the cooler morning or late afternoon hours to avoid the midday heat. Modest dress is advised as it is a religious site. Guided tours of the mosque and its environs can enhance understanding of its historical and cultural context.
Interesting facts
- •The Koutoubia Mosque's minaret stands 77 meters tall and is topped with four copper globes, a distinctive feature in Islamic architecture.
- •The mosque's name 'Koutoubia' comes from the Arabic word for booksellers, referencing the nearby historic book market that once surrounded it.
- •Its minaret served as a model for the Giralda in Seville, Spain, and the Hassan Tower in Rabat, Morocco.
- •The mosque houses a famous wooden minbar (pulpit) crafted in Cordoba in the early 12th century and transferred to Marrakech around 1150.
- •The mosque was built using sandstone from the nearby Kelaat mountains, with lighter stones and bricks used in the upper parts to reduce weight.
- •The mosque's architectural design includes ramps inside the minaret, allowing the muezzin to ride a horse to the top for the call to prayer, a unique feature.
History
Construction of the Koutoubia Mosque began in 1147 under Almohad caliph Abd al-Mu'min, built upon the ruins of the Almoravid palace.
The mosque was completed around 1157, becoming a central religious site in Marrakech.
Its minaret, completed shortly after, became a prototype for later minarets in the region, including the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat.
The mosque's name refers to the historic nearby book market, which was destroyed during French colonial times.
In 2023, the mosque's upper minaret suffered damage from an earthquake but was subsequently restored by Moroccan authorities.
Over centuries, the mosque has remained an enduring symbol of Marrakech's religious and architectural heritage.
Place Guide
Minaret12th century
The 77-meter tall minaret is the mosque's most iconic feature, decorated with intricate geometric patterns and turquoise ceramic tiles. It is accessible via a ramp and served as a prototype for other famous minarets in the Islamic world.
Prayer HallCompleted circa 1157
The mosque's prayer hall features seventeen aisles with eleven domes, supported by columns and arches adorned with Almohad decorative motifs, reflecting the religious architectural style of the period.
Surrounding Gardens
Large gardens surround the mosque, providing a serene atmosphere and enhancing the mosque's visual prominence in Marrakech's urban landscape.
Contact
Phone: 05 24 43 34 07
