Tangier is located in northwest Morocco, right at the western end of the Strait of Gibraltar. The city's origins date back to the 8th century B.C. It was a trading port since ancient times, mainly because of its location which serves as the entrance to the African continent. Precious jewellery and other gems have also been found in the tombs that have been excavated in Tangier, which also indicates that the area was a prosperous commercial center. Ruled and invaded by the Portuguese, Spanish, British, Romans and Berbers, Tangier has a strong cultural background and a rich historical past. It is called the " Door of Africa " because of its strategic position in the Strait of Gibraltar where the Mediterranean and Atlantic Seas meet, separating the African and European continents.
Tangier practically guards the African continent and serves as a gateway to enter Africa by sea. Its position makes Tangier a semi-autonomous international area that attracts many visitors with varied interests. The city is a crucial industrial zone for Morocco and has attracted many investors for the building of various enterprises. The city is undergoing a massive transformation and the urban planning of the city is reaching new heights, where the oldest parts are being restored and the newest parts are being built with cutting edge infrastructure. From Tangier, on a bright day, you can see Spain clearly! Thus, being so close to Europe and serving as the entrance to Africa, Tangier has focus of attention and interest since the beginning.
The labyrinth of streets and charming alleys filled with colourful buildings, ancient structures and its raw beauty have equally attracted poets, writers, philosophers and artists who have drawn their inspiration from this extraordinary city. It is said that past and present exist at the same time in Tangier. This city is a veritable time capsule. It has been a multicultural city with all its numerous foreign invasions. Tangier is also different from the rest of Morocco where there is a clear demarcation of Spanish and French expatriates and control. On the other hand, Tangier became an international zone governed by the French, Spanish and British in 1923, which makes Tangier a politically special city while giving it an atmosphere of chaos or a sense of political fusion.
Already convinced to visit Tangier and add another amazing city to your travel list? We have our guide to help you enjoy your time in Tangier and show you the things to do and the sites to see in Tangier.
Visit the old city of the medina which is the heart of Tangier. Medina is composed of narrow streets and alleys that look like a labyrinth and which can only be accessed on foot or by motorcycle, but only if you know the streets well. Nevertheless, the alleyways are full of traditional markets that sell traditional Moroccan items such as carpets, traditional sandals, olive oil, argan oil, spices and many fascinating items that are emblematic of Morocco. Medina is the living part of Tangier that will take you back in time and give you the authentic spirit of the city that is still untouched by the western influence and the commercialization that Tangier has had in other parts of the city.
The American Legation is a building in Medina that was built to commemorate Morocco's diplomatic and friendly relations with America. It was built in 1821 and was presented to the United States by Sultan Moulay Suliman, the Sultan of Morocco. It was the first U.S. property to be acquired outside of American lands. It is also symbolic of the Moroccan-American friendship treaty established in 1777 that opened Morocco's ports to American trade. The American Legation is a Moorish-style villa that today is a museum and a centre for cultural and historical studies for U.S. and Moroccan diplomatic relations.
Outside Tangier, about 10 km east of the city there lies Cape Malabata, which is facing directly towards the Strait of Gibraltar. There is a lighthouse and a medieval Moorish style castle. The location is perfect to take stunning pictures and to have a relaxing time admiring the sea.
The Medina Art Gallery is a vibrant and contemporary art gallery opened in 1999 and presents the works of many artists, including Omar Mahfoudi, a painter from Tangier, who specializes in eroticism and the expression of human emotions. If you are an artist yourself, this gallery is the best place to visit because, in addition to taking inspiration, the gallery is always looking for new talents to present their works in the gallery.
Another must-see visit is the Moroccan Art Museum in Medina, which presents works of art from different regions of Morocco. The museum is located inside a 17th-century palace that served as the residence of the governor. The palace itself is magnificent with its mosaics, floor and walls of coloured marble. Glazed earthenware, showcases of ancient firearms and traditional textiles and jewellery of Morocco. You will also see an exhibition of calligraphy writings and a collection of traditional artefacts.
Visit the beach of Tangier and enjoy the best of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Tangier has a beach inside the city which is mostly crowded with people basking in the sun.
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