Moulay Idriss Zerhoun

Moulay Idriss or Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, a town in northern Morocco located at 34°3′15″N 5°31′38″W, is spread over two hills at the base of Mount Zerhoun, the holy town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoune holds a special place in the hearts of the Moroccan people. It was here that Moulay Idriss I arrived in 789, bringing with him the religion of Shiism, and starting a new dynasty. In addition to founding the town named after him, he also initiated construction of Fez, continued later by his son, Moulay Idriss II. The town itself is compact, and its narrow streets will feel familiar to anyone who has spent time in the medinas of other Moroccan cities. Just off the main square is the Mausoleum of Idriss I, a sacred destination that is open only to Muslims. It is said in Morocco that six pilgrimages to Moulay Idriss during the annual festival honoring the saint is equivalent to one Hajj to Mecca. Also of note is the round minaret at another mosque in town, the only one in Morocco. It is now in the Fès-Meknès region. From 1997 to 2015 it was in Meknès-Tafilalet. The ruins of the Phoenician and Roman city of Volubilis are located just five kilometers away.