Taroudant seems to have been made for the eyes. The city was built before the arrival of Islam but had its golden period in the XVI century, when the Saadians made it their capital and called it Mohamédia. From this time, there are still 8 km of earth made walls, a proud remainder of the battles of the past. Walking through one of the monumental five city doors into the medina is almost like walking through time.
The entangled city streets and alleys may at first seem a disastrous mess, but they are in fact part of a rigorous hierarchic plan. The mosque is the centre, immediately surrounded by the souk where the skilled artisans work their crafts. The souk is divided in sectors according to different crafts, and this division follows a precise order, from the least to the most valued skills. The houses are built around a central patio and keep the private city life form foreign eyes. Altogether Taroudant has an extremely peaceful vibe.
