Called the Moroccan Versailles, Meknes has a population of over 800,000. The city is built on a fertile plain north of the Middle Atlas, near Fez. Moulay Ismail came to power in 1672 at the age of 26 and reigned for 55 years. During his reign a French princess refused his hand in marriage and the young Sultan swore that he would build a palace that would rival Versailles in splendour. He pressed 50,000 workers into service, building a series of palaces, mile after mile of walls, battlements and ramparts, and a vast marketplace.
 Meknes is connected to the coastal cities by rail, while paved roads lead to mountain resorts. The surrounding region is fertile and the city produces many agricultural products including fruit, grain and vegetables, as well as metalwork, carpets, woollen fabrics and cement.The Roman ruins of Volubilis and the holy city of Moulay Idriss, established in A.D. 788 are located to the north of the city. |
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