Taza

Taza is a Moroccan city split between two distinct levels: the ancient medina built on higher ground with winding streets and the newer lower town that developed in the early 1900s. Both parts connect through steep pathways, creating a city where old and new remain visibly separate.

The city was established by Berber groups in the 7th century and later became a key trading hub controlled by successive Moroccan dynasties. Its strategic position made it a contested center through centuries of regional shifts in power and influence.

The old medina serves as the living heart where residents conduct daily business through narrow lanes filled with traditional shops and craft workshops. The neighborhood names and street layouts reflect Berber roots and centuries of continuous habitation in this region.

The train station links the city to Fez, Meknes, and other northern towns, with most journeys taking two hours or less. The tight old medina is best explored on foot, while the modern lower town with wider streets is easier to navigate by car.

Near the city lies a large cave system with underground lakes and expansive passages carved into the mountains over millions of years. Visitors can see the geological formations that reveal how the landscape has transformed through deep time.