Welcome to Chefchaouen!  Founded in 1471 as a stronghold against the Portuguese, it takes its name from the mountains it is nestled in – ech-Chaoua (The Horns).  The distinctive blue color may have come with the Jews fleeing Spain in 1492, as they often painted buildings blue because the color mirrored the sky and reminded them of God.  There is not a lot of significant import here – but it is fun to walk the narrow, blue alleys of the town to see how many different ways blue can be used!!

Photo op (with traditional dress) entering the “Blue City”.

Lovely hotel for the evening – Dar Echaouen.

Great spot for tea in our room – with magnificent views of the town.

When the town was founded by Idrissid in 1471, he built a fortress in the center of the town of red earth and created a lovely garden in the middle of the walls.

One of ten towers of the Kasbah. The ground level of this building housed the jail.

That’s it for the history lesson.  Now just wander the town and enjoy the blue!

Five ladies of Chefchaouen.  Dress look familiar?!?

The final day in Morocco was spent with lots of fond memories and happy thoughts.  How could one not be happy with all this color?!?

E & G with a final glimpse of Morocco