Almoravid Koubba

Kâat Ben Nahid & Bab Debbagh


The Almohads destroyed almost everything their Almoravid predecessors built in Marrakesh but overlooked this graceful 12th-century koubba (shrine) across from Ali Ben Youssef Mosque. This relic reveals what Hispano-Moorish architecture owes to the Almoravids: keyhole arches, interlaced arabesques and a domed cupola on a crenellated base. At the time of writing it was being completely restored and looked more spectacular than ever. It's closed to visitors, but you can get a good look at it from the roof terrace of Herboriste La Sagesse.


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