It is located in the tranquil Souss Valley, which is situated between the Anti-Atlas Mountains and the Atlantic coast of Morocco, Tiznit is another one of Morocco's less-known small cities.
The city is vibrant and colorful. The labyrinth of narrow avenues in the medina's old town blends charm and chaos as you wander from shops to souks.
If you're visiting for a short time or are able to stay for a few days, there's plenty to enjoy the past of this small city, tasty treats to try, and a warm welcome from the locals.
Top 6 Things To Do In Tiznit, Morocco:
Here are our 6 top-rated activities you can do while in Tiznit, Morocco.
1. Tiznit Medina:
The medina in Tiznit is among the many draws of this small southern city. Tiznit is famous for its rich history and culture. Although the contemporary city of Tiznit extends far beyond the walls of the historic medina there's plenty to see and explore within the city's old-fashioned buildings.
The initial foundations of the old medina were laid in the latter part of the 19th century during the reign of Sultan Moulay Al Hassan (1873 1873 - 1894). The Sultan established Tiznit to serve as a base for him to control his power over tribes in the south. To complete this, he constructed the city's strong walls, which have stood the test of time until this day.
In the medina, there are souks, and small markets for handicrafts and produce. There is also the central Blue Spring origins as a source of water and the historical Kasbah. Central Place El Mechouar is an excellent place to begin. You can also simply walk to one of many Bab (Gates) to take in the vastness of the old city walled with time.
2. Place El Mechouar / Plaza Mechouar:
Place El Mechouar truly represents the central point of Tiznit. It is a vast city square that was constructed towards the end of the 19th century and was previously used as an area of allegiance in which rituals of worship or royal banquets were performed in public audiences.
Place Du Mechouar Place Du Mechouar extends from the former medina of the city. It also gives easy access to the Central Khalifa Palace.
Today, the square is surrounded by cafes, shops, and eateries. The area is known as a coffee house in Tiznit and has the ambiance of an era of cafe culture (albeit it is perhaps new and exciting).
3. Marche Municipal / Tiznit Municipal Market:
In the vicinity of Bab Ljdid, one of the main entrances to the medina, on Avenue Hassan II you will discover the massive, covered market. It can be described as one of the most historic marketplaces in Tiznit and even though the weekly market is vastly superior to the municipal market in terms of size. The market undercover has a distinctive buzz.
There are some fresh items however it's the dried products including nuts, dried goods, and Amlou that this market is worth an excursion.
If you're not shopping for the items, it's the perfect place to taste local Amlou. If you haven't taken the plunge with Moroccan dates, inquire with any vendor to get some Medjool dates. They are the love and pride of dates and are the largest and most delicious you can see.
4. Chebakiya and Khringos:
Within Tiznit many Patisseries specialize in the cult Moroccan sweet treat known as Chebakiya and the delicious taste of Khringos.
Chebakiya is an iconic Moroccan sweet, which is usually consumed as a break during Ramadan. It is made of pieces of dough, which are then rolled to look like a rose. It is then baked before being topped with syrup of orange blossom and honey.
Khringos are a kind of Moroccan donuts that resemble Spanish Churros. They're not the usual donuts that are circular. The flavor is freshly made and carefully crafted dough that is sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. It's more than the word "description" can convey.
5. Ain Akdim / La Source Bleu :
Ain Akdim is known by people who visit its Blue Spring in Tiznit. According to legend, the first Tiznit city Tiznit was constructed around a spring that constantly gushed out fresh water even in the middle of a long drought.
There is a tale of the way that traveler Lalla Zninia rested at the location while traveling through the desert of the time. After she repented of her mistakes over three weeks, God seemed so impressed, that he offered her repentance by making the water of a spring flow beneath her feet.
The site of TIznit on the natural source of water has facilitated economic growth for the area since. Furthermore, Ain Akdim has become an important cultural site for the people of the area.
It is among the most visited tourist attractions and activities to enjoy in Tiznit. The water spring is identified by a map and an information board which is translated to Arabic in addition to French.
6. Kasbah Aghennaj / Tiznit Citadel:
Just across the square that is the blue race, the former TIznit Citadel is currently undergoing careful reconstruction.
Its Kasbah Aghennaj is touted as an important heritage site in the city. It is rightfully so. And rightly so. Kasbah (citadel) covers more than 6700 square meters and has five watchtowers that are impressive.
The choice of a strategic location close to Ain Akdim meant the Kasbah was easily and immediately accessible to water. However, the present Kasbah under restoration isn't nearly as old as the other Kasbahs in Morocco.
The name Kasbah Aghennaj is associated with Mohammed Aghnaj who under the direction of Sultan Molay Slimane, in 1810, established Tiznit to be a garrison city. The town was utilized as a base to establish the authority of the king at the time. Also, the forces belonging to Mohammed Aghnaj were stationed in the Kasbah about 1820.
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