04-30-2017 08:19 PM
Hi everyone,
Welcome to the new community for The bleu moroccan city (chefchaouen) : https://plus.google.com/communities/117279183692448312786
Chefchaouen is a small charming city of about 40,000 inhabitants located in northeastern Morocco near the Mediterranean Sea. Situated in the heart of Morocco's Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is a tourist’s delight with affordable accommodations, and above all, a picturesque town set against the dramatic backdrop of the Rif Mountains filled with white-washed homes with distinctive, powder-blue accents.
Chefchaouen was painted blue by the Jewish refugees who lived there during the 1930's. The beauty of Chefchaouen's mountainous surroundings are enhanced by the contrast of the brightly painted medina (old town). It is this beauty and the relaxed atmosphere of the town that makes Chefchaouen very attractive to visitors. The main square in the medina is lined with cafes and filled to the brim with locals and tourist mingling easily. Another reason why backpackers love Chefchaouen is the easy availability of drugs. Tourism in Chaouen is driven by its reputation as center of the marijuana plantations region in North Morocco. During the summer approximately two hundred hotels cater to the influx of European tourists.
Chefchaouen is a popular shopping destination as well, as it offers many native handicrafts that are not available elsewhere in Morocco, such as wool garments and woven blankets. The goat cheese native to the area is also popular with tourists. The countryside around it has a reputation for being a prolific source of cannabis. The Chefchaouen region is one of the main producers of cannabis in Morocco. Hashish is subsequently sold all over town, but is mostly the domain of native Chaouenis.
The city of Chefchaouen was founded in 1471. Located in an enclave difficult to access it dominated the mercantile route between Tetuan and Fez and served as a base to restrain the entrance and influences of the Portuguese of Ceuta. During the 15th and 17th century the city prospered and grew in considerable form with the arrival of the Moriscos and Jews who were expelled from Spain. In 1920, the Spanish seized Chefchaouen to form part of Spanish Morocco. Spain returned the city after the independence of Morocco in 1956.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikitravel, Chaouen.info,
05-06-2017 04:27 AM - edited 05-06-2017 04:27 AM
06-02-2017 06:24 PM
Many thanks @FATMAb & welcome to local Guides !
06-03-2017 12:26 AM
What a stunning place and excellent photos, @MedRidaZ! Thanks for sharing!
But why this blue?
06-03-2017 02:06 AM
Hi @Csaba
Thanks for your comment !
Many also believe that the blue walls serve to repel mosquitoes as well (mosquitoes dislike clear and moving water).
Whatever the reason, the town’s blue walls attract visitors who love to wander the town’s narrow streets and snap some beautiful photos.
06-03-2017 02:22 AM
@MedRidaZ you have a nice collection my dear.
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Thank you so much for sharing with us.
@MedRidaZ wrote:Hi everyone,
Welcome to the new community for The bleu moroccan city (chefchaouen) : https://plus.google.com/communities/117279183692448312786
Chefchaouen is a small charming city of about 40,000 inhabitants located in northeastern Morocco near the Mediterranean Sea. Situated in the heart of Morocco's Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is a tourist’s delight with affordable accommodations, and above all, a picturesque town set against the dramatic backdrop of the Rif Mountains filled with white-washed homes with distinctive, powder-blue accents.
Chefchaouen was painted blue by the Jewish refugees who lived there during the 1930's. The beauty of Chefchaouen's mountainous surroundings are enhanced by the contrast of the brightly painted medina (old town). It is this beauty and the relaxed atmosphere of the town that makes Chefchaouen very attractive to visitors. The main square in the medina is lined with cafes and filled to the brim with locals and tourist mingling easily. Another reason why backpackers love Chefchaouen is the easy availability of drugs. Tourism in Chaouen is driven by its reputation as center of the marijuana plantations region in North Morocco. During the summer approximately two hundred hotels cater to the influx of European tourists.
Chefchaouen is a popular shopping destination as well, as it offers many native handicrafts that are not available elsewhere in Morocco, such as wool garments and woven blankets. The goat cheese native to the area is also popular with tourists. The countryside around it has a reputation for being a prolific source of cannabis. The Chefchaouen region is one of the main producers of cannabis in Morocco. Hashish is subsequently sold all over town, but is mostly the domain of native Chaouenis.
The city of Chefchaouen was founded in 1471. Located in an enclave difficult to access it dominated the mercantile route between Tetuan and Fez and served as a base to restrain the entrance and influences of the Portuguese of Ceuta. During the 15th and 17th century the city prospered and grew in considerable form with the arrival of the Moriscos and Jews who were expelled from Spain. In 1920, the Spanish seized Chefchaouen to form part of Spanish Morocco. Spain returned the city after the independence of Morocco in 1956.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikitravel, Chaouen.info,
06-03-2017 02:29 AM
Thanks, @MedRidaZ. Blue is also believed to repel evil in some cultures so I thought this might also add to the reason. But whatever the original reason is (was), it is nice to see that the tradition is so well kept.
06-03-2017 02:32 AM
Incredible! I want to visit here, it is so beautiful! @MedRidaZ
Best wishes for continued growth and success of your group 🙂
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06-03-2017 02:34 AM
As well as its distinctive palette of blue and white buildings, a striking contrast with the arid setting my dear, thanks for comment my dear @deepakjhic
06-03-2017 02:36 AM