Kontoubia Minaret Tours and Activities

Kontoubia Minaret
Choose two or more items and save on your trip:
Gaze up at the curved windows of one of the three remaining Almohad minarets in the world at the Mosque of the Booksellers.

With intricate architectural features and a towering height, the Koutoubia Minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque stands out as the most prominent structure in Marrakech. The mosque and minaret were built at separate times in the 12th century. Capture photos of this emblematic tower against the clear blue Moroccan sky.

Note that non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque or its spectacular minaret. The tower is almost 230 feet (70 meters) tall and can be seen from most parts of the city. Gaze up at this lofty minaret and notice the ceramic tiles and pointed battlements. Hear the entrancing sound of the muezzin (Muslim cleric) five times a day, as he calls the faithful worshipers to prayer from the minaret.

The intricate carvings that make patterns and mosaics along the sides have influenced the décor of buildings across the city and country. Appreciate how other sites have been influenced by this design, including La Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat.

See the stacked bright metal balls of decreasing size that top the tower. Minarets usually hoist only three balls. Legend suggests that a former ruler’s wife gifted the extra one as penance for breaking a fast during the Muslim holiday of Ramadan.

Stroll through the pleasant gardens and relax in the plaza adjacent to the mosque. Come to the tower in the evening, when it is illuminated against the night sky. After its construction in the 1100s, about 100 booksellers were stationed around its base, leading to the structure’s nickname of the Mosque of the Booksellers.

The Koutoubia Mosque and Minaret are near the historic center of Marrakech. Take a bus to the Terminus Arsel El Bilk or the Sidi Mimoun Terminus 2 and walk several minutes to get here. Go to other popular spots in the area, such as the popular Jemaa el-Fna square, the Cyber Parc Arsat Moulay Abdeslam and the Ensemble Artisanal Marrakech.

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 26 activitiesOpens in new tab

Popular places to visit


Top Kontoubia Minaret Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Riad Saba
Riad Saba
4 out of 5
2 Derb Cherkaoui Douar Graoua Medina, Marrakech
Riad Saba
La Mamounia
La Mamounia
5 out of 5
Avenue Bab - Jdid, Marrakech
La Mamounia
TUI BLUE Medina Gardens – Adults Only – All Inclusive
TUI BLUE Medina Gardens – Adults Only – All Inclusive
4 out of 5
Arset Djnan La Khdar, Marrakech
TUI BLUE Medina Gardens – Adults Only – All Inclusive
Riad Andalla Spa
Riad Andalla Spa
4.5 out of 5
2 Derb El Boumba, Rue Arset Laghzail, Rue Tikhizrit, Marrakech
Riad Andalla Spa
Riad Jona
Riad Jona
5 out of 5
Riad Zitoune el Kedim 34, Derb Jdid, Marrakech
Riad Jona
Les Jardins De La Koutoubia
Les Jardins De La Koutoubia
5 out of 5
26 Rue De La Koutoubia, Marrakech
Les Jardins De La Koutoubia
Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial And Spa
Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial And Spa
5 out of 5
Rue Harroun Errachid, Quartier de l Hivernage, Marrakech
Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial And Spa
Royal Mansour Marrakech
Royal Mansour Marrakech
5 out of 5
Rue Abou Abbas El Sebti, Marrakech
Royal Mansour Marrakech
Palais Sebban
Palais Sebban
4 out of 5
43, Derb Moulay Abdellah Ben Hssein, Laksour, Marrakech
Palais Sebban
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.