Tangier, a crossroads of civilizations

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Tangier is an interesting mix of north Africa, Spain, and France. It is located in northern Morocco, and was under joint international control until 1956. Tangier is separated from Spain only by the 20 miles of the Strait of Gibraltar.

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Published: 2012-06-10 20:24:54 UTC

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Tea Time

Tangier is a fascinating Moroccan city to visit. It has many of the things that travellers love: a sense of exotic mystery, interesting history, beautiful vistas, unspoiled beaches, and friendly people.

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Dar el Makhzen

The Dar-el-Makhzen (or Sultanate Palace) is a historical building, which was the seat of residence for the Sultans of Morocco when staying in the city. It was built by Moulay Ismail in the 17th century, in the Kasbah on one of the highest points of the city overlooking the Medina and the Strait of Gibraltar. Currently it is used by two museums, the Museum of Moroccan Arts and the Museum of Antiquities.

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Port of Tanger

The infrastructure of this city of the strait of Gibraltar consists of a port that manages flows of goods and travellers (more than one million travellers per annum) and integrates a marina with a fishing port.

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Cape Malabata

Cape Malabata is a cape located at 6 miles east of Tangier, facing the Strait of Gibraltar. The cape features a lighthouse and a medieval looking castle built in early 20th century.

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Wedding in Morocco

The history of Tangier is very rich due to the historical presence of many civilizations and cultures starting from the 5th century BC. Between the period of being a Berber settlement and then a Phoenician town to the independence era around the 1950s, Tangier was a refuge for many cultures. In 1923, Tangier was considered as an international status by foreign colonial powers, and became a destination for many European and American diplomats, spies, writers and businessmen.

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Spanish Cathedral

The Church of the Immaculate Conception, which was built by the Spanish in the 1880s and became the centre of the Christian community in Tangier.

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House in Tangier

The population has quadrupled during the last 25 years (1 million inhabitants in 2007 vs. 250,000 in 1982). This phenomenon has resulted in the appearance of peripheral suburban districts, mainly inhabited by poor people, that often lack sufficient infrastructure.

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Sidi Bou Abib Mosque

Sidi Bou Abib Mosque is a mosque overlooking the Grand Socco medina area of central Tangier. It was built in 1917 and is decorated in polychrome tiles. Near Bab Fahs, a double gateway leading into the medina are the Mendoubia Gardens.