Travel Plan
Koutoubia Mosque

Home Morocco Marrakech Koutoubia Mosque

ATTRACTION GUIDE · MARRAKECH

Koutoubia Mosque

The 12th-century minaret that defines the Marrakech skyline, sister of Seville's Giralda.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
1 hour
Entry
Free (exterior and gardens)
Best time
Late afternoon and evening
Area
Medina

The 12th-century minaret that is the symbol of Marrakech.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Avenue Mohammed V, Medina, Marrakech

  • On foot: 5 minutes from Jemaa el-Fna.
  • Taxi: Ask for Koutoubia; drop-off on Avenue Mohammed V.
  • Gardens: The Koutoubia Gardens are open to all visitors.

The story of the Koutoubia

The Almohad caliphs built the Koutoubia in the 12th century. Its name comes from the booksellers ("kutubiyyin") who once had their stalls around it.

The 77-metre minaret, with its carved stone panels and decorative arches, became a model for the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat. By local custom, no building in the medina is taller.

Best time to visit

Best season

All year; spring and autumn are most pleasant.

Best time of day

Late afternoon light, and evening when the minaret is lit.

Prayer times

The call to prayer from the minaret is a memorable moment.

Tips before you go

  • The gardens around it are lovely at sunset.
  • Only Muslims may enter the prayer hall; others can admire it from the gardens.
  • Walk around to the ruins of the first Koutoubia mosque beside it.

Best hotels near the Koutoubia

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

La Mamounia

Legendary palace hotel with gardens, next to the Koutoubia.

See prices

Royal Mansour Marrakech

Ultra-luxury hotel of private riads inside the medina walls.

See prices

Riad Kniza

Elegant family-run riad in the old medina.

See prices
All hotels near the Koutoubia

What's around the Koutoubia

  • Koutoubia GardensRose gardens and palms behind the mosque.
  • Jemaa el-Fna5 minutes away.
  • Cyber ParkShady park on Avenue Mohammed V.
  • La Mamounia gardensThe famous hotel gardens nearby.

Questions travellers ask

Can non-Muslims enter the Koutoubia?

No, but the exterior and gardens are open to all.

How tall is the minaret?

About 77 metres.

Why is it called Koutoubia?

After the booksellers who once worked around it.

More in Marrakech

Jemaa el-Fna

Jemaa el-Fna

Read the guide
Ben Youssef Madrasa

Ben Youssef Madrasa

Read the guide
The souks

The souks

Read the guide
Bahia Palace

Bahia Palace

Read the guide
Le Jardin Secret

Le Jardin Secret

Read the guide
Back to the Marrakech guide
Travel Plan · Koutoubia Mosque Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure