Taza (تازة)

Taza (تازة) is an old garrison town that overlooks the only feasible pass between the Rif Mountains and the Middle Atlas. The town sits on an important strategic location known as the Taza Gap. This place has provided invasion routes for the Roman, Arab, Almohad, Merenid and Alaouite armies.

The largest part of the city walls dates from the 12th century, when the Almohads ruled the area. The Bab er Rih (Gate of the Winds) provides fantastic views over the countryside. Mount Tazzeka is completely on the left. The Grande Mosque is not far from the gate, but it is only open to Muslims. Going down from the mosque is the main street through the old town. Many of the buildings lining the street have beautifully carved doors. At the end of the street is another mosque, the 12th century Andalous Mosque. Nearby you will find the Bou Abul Hassan Medersa that was built by the Merenids.

There is a limited amount of accommodation in town and there are only a few restaurants. The main bus terminal is on Place de l'Indépendance, close to most hotels. Taza has rail connections with Oujda, Fès and Meknès. Taza is 260 km east of Rabat.

The area around Taza offers some spectacular sights. If you have your own transportation, you can drive around Mount Tazzeka. On the way you will come past the Cascades de Ras el-Oued, a waterfall that is bets visited after heavy rainfall during the winter. In the summer there is just a little stream. Further along the road is the Gouffre du Tazzeka, one of the most fantastic open caverns in the world. It is about 200 m high and the main cavern has a hole in the roof so light comes in. If you want to explore deeper into the cave you'll need a flashlight. The lake of Daïa Chiker is usually dry during the summer months. The road between the lake and the gorges of the Oued Zirag offers fantastic over the area, all the way across the Rif Mountains. 1980-meter high Mount Tazzeka can be ascended without too much effort.

Taza is located in north-central Morocco, some 120 km east of Fès, 150 km south of Al Hoceima and 260 km east of Rabat.