The Great Mosque of Chefchaouen

The Great Mosque of Chefchaouen is a prayer building dating back to the late 1400s, positioned near the city's historic kasbah with an octagonal minaret and traditional Moroccan design features. Red-tiled roofing and whitewashed walls reflect the local building traditions.

The mosque was founded between 1471 and 1476 by Moulay Ali ibn Rashid al-Alami and has served as a center for religious ceremonies and official city announcements since its creation. Its early establishment links it closely to the city's founding period.

The prayer hall is divided into eight aisles separated by horseshoe-shaped arches, reflecting local building traditions and supporting the religious life of the community. This layout creates a balanced space where worshippers gather together.

Visitors need to remove their shoes and wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees when entering outside of prayer times. Check visiting hours beforehand, as prayer sessions take priority over public access.

The minaret features three distinct levels decorated with blind arches painted in red ochre and whitewash, creating a striking visual contrast against the city's predominantly blue architecture. This color interplay makes the minaret a visual landmark within the monochromatic blue setting.