The Kutubiyya Mosque (Arabic: جامع الكتبية Arabic pronunciation: [jaːmiʕu‿lkutubijːa(h)]; Berber: ⵎⵙⴳⵉⵜⴰ ⵏ ⴽⵓⵜⵓⴱⵉⵢⴰ, French: Mosquée Koutoubia) or Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakesh, Morocco. The mosque's name is also variably rendered as Jami' al-Kutubiyah, Kutubiya Mosque, Kutubiyyin Mosque, and Mosque of the Booksellers. It is located in the southwest medina quarter of Marrakesh, near the famous public place of Jemaa el-Fna, and is flanked by large gardens.
The mosque was founded in 1147 by the Almohad caliph Abd al-Mu'min right after he conquered Marrakesh from the Almoravids. A second version of the mosque was entirely rebuilt by Abd al-Mu'min around 1158, with Ya'qub al-Mansur possibly finalizing construction of the minaret around 1195. This second mosque is the structure that stands today. It is considered a classic and important example of Almohad architecture and of Moroccan mosque architecture generally. The minaret tower, 77 metres (253 ft) in height, is decorated with varying geometric arch motifs and topped by a spire and metal orbs. It likely inspired other buildings such as the Giralda of Seville and the Hassan Tower of Rabat, which were built shortly after in the same era. The minaret is also considered an important landmark and symbol of Marrakesh.
Dave T | Nov 23, 2017
Don't get it! Really nice from the outside but no admittance to non Muslims so can only guess what it's like inside. Nice small garden area behind it to sit and catch some rays. Really looks good out up at night and is great for getting your bearings as it's the highest building in the city.
Saona Dorado Gonzalez | Nov 22, 2017
The place is mind-blowing from the distance and even so as you get more close to it. You can't get to the inside but can see it from the outside. If you want you can even cross the street and have a nice walk at the park and seat at a bench and enjoy the view. It's even better when the sun is going down.
Aruna Samad | Mar 3, 2018
Beautiful setting however there was no sign of how to go in, or do anything? The area around it is very busy and a lot of people!
Martin Zlámal | Mar 3, 2018
The building itself is nice but that's it because, unfortunately, you cannot go inside.
ken Duss | Feb 14, 2018
Looked nice from the outside. Would have loved to have seen the inside.
Susana Carteiro | Mar 20, 2018
Beautiful mosque and beautiful gardens. Very quiet, very well kept. You can feel very at peace there. The mosque is beautiful, it's wonderful to be near such an historical monument.
Marcus Lebert | Mar 26, 2018
Beautiful structure, love the hustle and bustle of the plaza. Come at late afternoon to witness the tower baskkng in the last light of the day
Aliaksei Sviryda | May 4, 2018
This mosque is very beautiful. It’s easy to notice it from any part of the Marrakech. It’s pleasant time to walk nearby at the evening when the city is red because of the sunset.
Ahmet Taşbaşı | May 3, 2018
It was very ackwad that we could not enter the mosk.. That explains the 3 stars...
Osama Moshet | May 16, 2018
The Koutoubia Mosque (Arabic: جامع الكتبية) is the largest mosque in Marrakesh, Morocco. It's beautiful from inside and outside. A must visit place in old city of Marrakesh (Madina). The atmosphere is so peaceful at day or night. Nearby park is pretty and the old market (souq) is close-by. Highly recommended place to visit.
nabil riahuoz | May 9, 2018
The Koutoubia Mosque (Arabic: جامع الكتبية) is the largest mosque in Marrakesh, Morocco. The mosque is also known by several other names, such as Jami' al-Kutubiyah, Kotoubia Mosque, Kutubiya Mosque, Kutubiyyin Mosque, and Mosque of the Booksellers. It is located in the southwest medina quarter of Marrakesh. The mosque is ornamented with curved windows, a band of ceramic inlay, pointed merlons, and decorative arches; it has a large plaza with gardens, and is floodlit at night. The minaret, 77 metres (253 ft) in height, includes a spire and orbs. It was completed under the reign of the Berber Almohad Caliph Yaqub al-Mansur (1184 to 1199), and has inspired other buildings such as the Giralda of Seville and the Hassan Tower of Rabat.
A J | Jul 12, 2018
Nice place to visit or sight see from the outside. Everytime I try to get closer, I was always being told it's closed for the day. And then the tour guide who stands by the mosque would suggest for him to take me through the market instead. I was annoyed by this point. Only to realise from reception at my stay that tourists aren't allowed inside. The tour guide could have just told me that from the beginning.
H.I. Hussain | Jun 28, 2018
Signature historical monument and largest mosque in Marrakech. An amazing experience during Friday prayers. Please visit this beautiful mosque if you are Muslim and also if you are not Muslim ofcourse.
Shahnewaz Ahmed | Jun 22, 2018
The Koutoubia Mosque or Kutubiyya Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakesh, Morocco. The mosque is also known by several other names, such as Jami' al-Kutubiyah and Mosque of the Booksellers. It is located in the southwest medina quarter of Marrakesh. The mosque is ornamented with curved windows, a band of ceramic inlay, pointed merlons, and decorative arches; it has a large plaza with gardens, and is floodlit at night. The minaret, 77 metres (253 ft) in height, includes a spire and orbs. It was completed under the reign of the Berber Almohad Caliph Yaqub al-Mansur (1184 to 1199), and has inspired other buildings such as the Giralda of Seville and the Hassan Tower of Rabat. [SOURCE: Wikipedia]
Cristina Litviniuc | Jul 21, 2018
Nice place to visit. It is located near a botanical parc. Loved the small garden with orange trees 😎👍
Chaimae Elaaaez | Aug 4, 2018
Its a beautiful historical mosque .. i advise people to go and see its beauty by themselves
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