WHAT TO SEE AND DO ON A VISIT TO MULAY IDRÍS, SACRED CITY OF MOROCCO

Mulay Idrís (or Moulay Idriss) is a picturesque little village on top of a mountain, about 65 km from Fez, famous for housing the mausoleum of Idrís I. The one who was recognized as a great-grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, arrived in Volubilis at the end of the eighth century and founded the dynasty Idrisida, unifying several Berber tribes and giving rise to the creation of a new state, which would later be Morocco! He himself was the one who founded the city of Fez, before dying in 791. Mulay Idrís we found it an authentic town, far from the tourist looks, at least for the moment, and a perfect excursion from Fez, especially if you can combine it with the visit to the Roman ruins of Volubilis.

One of the precepts of Islam is to fulfill the pilgrimage to Mecca. However, it is not mandatory: if someone does not have the economic possibility to make the trip, nothing happens, there are other sacred cities where every Muslim should go on a pilgrimage. Mulay Idrís is one of them. If you also have an appointment with this small but interesting city, here we tell you everything what to see and do on a visit to Mulay Idrís.

The medina of Mulay Idrís is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, although it is much smaller than other more famous medinas, it has some peculiarities. To begin, get ready to go up and down slopes and stairs as it is located on the side of a hill. But do not take away the desire, in fact this makes it have a certain charm, we were reminded to wander through the Albaicin of Granada ...

And once notified, we will see everything you can do in a visit Mulay Idrís:

As you will know from other visits in Morocco, non-Muslims cannot access sacred sites such as mosques or mausoleum, as they are spaces reserved for the faithful. Of course, no one prevents us from approaching the entrance and take a look. Tip: there are several panoramic sites (later we will reveal which ones) from where you get beautiful views of the mausoleum and, in general, of the whole medina.

Before going, we read that it was very difficult to find it, but we must be very lucky because we parked, we started walking and about 100 meters away we met him. It corresponds to the Sentissi mosque and on the map we put the exact site. Circular minarets are not so common ... in fact we know only this one. It is green, with inscriptions of the Quran in white and very peculiar. Definitely worth a visit to see it and take a picture.

I admit that at the beginning I was a little distrustful (if I am basically a crap). The narrow streets that entered the medina were half deserted and that increasingly became a labyrinth. I already looked around lost forever (I'm also dramatic). But no, it was to turn a corner and find the smiling face of an old woman and everything returned to normal ... Moreover, the medina of Mulay Idrís is one of the most authentic and colorful that we saw in all Morocco. And its doors! Little is said about how beautiful Moroccan doors are. Try to finish your journey on the way to the square passing by the main Mosque, it is one of the most beautiful corners of the city!

From where? There is two panoramic terraces which offer stunning views of Mulay Idrís and the Mausoleum from above. Are the Big terrase and the Petite Terrase. As in the case of the circular minaret, we find them by chance, but on the map we aim them well, so you don't lose sight of them. And do not forget to locate them also in Maps.me, in case Google Maps does not work properly.

The nerve center of the medina, this square is full of people and atmosphere. There are street vendors, candy stands, juices and skewers and a handful of coffee shops where to take something while you don't lose detail of what is being cooked around you. We finished the visit here and had a very pleasant time surrounded by places that drank coffee.

Although it retains little of its presumed past majesty, it is always interesting to contemplate a Roman civil engineering work, such as an aqueduct. It is a little abandoned and it is seen that it has no importance for the local authorities, in fact there is not even a parking lot where you can leave the car and see it ... We still recommend your visit.

It is located on the road that heads east, when you are back if you have time take the turnoff to the left, and enter Mulay Idrís from the rear. There will come a time when you have to turn around, but the image of the houses superimposed on the hill is truly amazing.

Volublis was an ancient city that belonged to the Roman Empire and from which excellent ruins are still preserved. We freaked out a lot with the extraordinary state of conservation of its mosaics and buildings. It is only 5 km from Mulay Idrís, so it would be unforgivable not to do both visits.

Extra: remember that Mulay Idrís is a holy city, so you have to dress in a respectful way: no short skirts and bare shoulders.

Extra-extra: when you arrive you will be approached by a few locals who speak perfect Spanish, offering their guide services. We did the visit for free, but if you prefer to be accompanied by a local, it is not a bad idea ... Of course, haggle the price and make it clear from the beginning (they will throw you stratospheric figures, which usually get down to half ... calculate € 5-8 for the basic tour, which is really what it is, neither basic nor anything XD).

Yes. We arrive from Ifran and stop here before going to sleep in Meknes. On the same day we visit Volubilis (2 hours and a half approx) and Moulay Idris (2 hours, including lunch stop).

Do not be afraid to arrive with the car until almost the heart of the city (obviously you will not be able to enter through some alleys or the square). After a sharp turn to the right, and before reaching the square, there is a parking area where you may find a place. Otherwise, continue up the main street, where you can also park. We managed to park on that same street, after visiting the Aqueduct. You will see the two points on the map.

Nothing happens, if you have time in your stay in Fez there is a Spanish tour of a super interesting day that includes the visit of Volubilis, Mulay Idrís Y Meknes... check out here.

Here you have a map with all the highlights of Mulay Idrís:

Have you paid a visit to Mulay Idrís? What do you think about it? We, as you have already understood if you have arrived here, liked it a lot: it was one of the least touristy and most curious stops of the trip through Morocco. I hope you like it too!