Chefchaouen Blue Medina

المدينة العتيقة شفشاون

The entire old town is painted in shades of blue. Staircase alleys climbing the hillside, flower pots, and cats create a dreamlike scene.

The old town of Chefchaouen was founded in 1471. It began as a fortress against the Portuguese, and later took in many Moors and Jews expelled from Andalusia in Spain, so its architecture has a strong Andalusian character. The origin of the blue color is debated. One explanation holds that it was introduced by Jewish immigrants in the 1930s, with blue symbolizing the sky and God. Another says the color helps repel mosquitoes and keep buildings cool. Today it is the city's emblem, and residents repaint the walls every spring. The heart of the town is Outa el Hammam Square. On one side stands the red 15th-century Kasbah, which houses a small folk museum and a garden. Admission is about 60 dirhams, and you can climb the tower for views over the old town. On the other side is the Great Mosque, with its octagonal minaret. Cafés and restaurants surround the square. Walking east, you reach the Ras El Ma spring, where local women still do their laundry by the stream. The most photographed alleys are concentrated in the northern and eastern parts of the old town. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Wool blankets, woven bags, and local goat cheese are sold in the old town. If you photograph people at their doorways, please keep quiet, and be aware that some popular spots have people who ask for a “photo fee.”

Chefchaouen Blue Medina

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