Koutoubia Mosque Marrakech: History, Visiting Rules and Best Views
The Koutoubia is the largest mosque in Marrakech and the city's landmark, with a 12th-century minaret about 77 m high. Non-Muslims cannot enter the prayer hall, but anyone can walk around the mosque, visit the Koutoubia Gardens and admire the minaret, which is best seen at sunset or lit up at night. It stands a five-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa.
A brief history
The mosque was founded by the Almohad caliph Abd al-Mu'min soon after he conquered Marrakech in 1147. A first mosque was found to be misaligned with the direction of Mecca and a second one was built beside it; the minaret was completed around the end of the 12th century. Its name comes from the booksellers (kutubiyyin) who once traded around it. The minaret's proportions and decoration inspired the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat, both Almohad works.
What to look for
- The minaret: each face has a different pattern of arches and stone tracery, with a band of turquoise tiles near the top.
- The copper globes: the lantern at the top is crowned by gilded copper spheres surrounded by local legends.
- The foundations of the first mosque: visible beside the current building, near the gardens.
- The Koutoubia Gardens: rose beds, orange trees and fountains, a calm place for a walk in the evening.
Can non-Muslims visit the Koutoubia?
No, the interior is open only to Muslims, as in most Moroccan mosques. The exception in Morocco is the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, which offers guided tours for visitors; read our Hassan II Mosque guide.
Best views of the Koutoubia
- From the gardens on the western side at sunset
- From the rooftop cafés around Jemaa el-Fnaa
- Lit up at night from Avenue Mohammed V
- From the air, on a sunrise balloon flight, on clear days
Visiting tips
- Respect prayer times: the call to prayer sounds five times a day, and the area is busiest on Friday at midday.
- Dress modestly around the mosque.
- No entry fee is needed for the exterior and gardens.
- Combine it with Jemaa el-Fnaa, the Saadian Tombs and the Bahia Palace on a guided medina walk.
Next stops: Jemaa el-Fnaa, the Bahia Palace and our 3-day Marrakech itinerary. The Koutoubia is part of the UNESCO-listed Medina of Marrakesh.
Book it with a local operator
- Marrakech: Medina Guided Walking Tour with Bahia Palace & Souks — from €25 per person, pay on the day.
- Marrakech: Street Food Tour by Night with 10+ Tastings — from €39 per person, pay on the day.
Related guides
- Saadian Tombs Marrakech: What to See, Tickets and How to Avoid the Queue
- Marrakech at Night: 12 Things to Do After Dark
- Is Marrakech Worth Visiting? An Honest Look at the Pros and Cons
Frequently asked questions
How tall is the Koutoubia minaret?
About 77 m including the lantern and spire, which makes it the tallest structure in the Marrakech medina.
Can tourists go inside the Koutoubia Mosque?
No. Only Muslims may enter the prayer hall. Visitors can walk around the mosque and enjoy the Koutoubia Gardens.
How old is the Koutoubia Mosque?
It dates from the 12th century: the mosque was founded after 1147 and the minaret was completed around the end of that century.
When is the best time to see the Koutoubia?
At sunset from the gardens or a rooftop café, and at night when the minaret is illuminated.
Main photo: Schorle, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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