Koutoubia Mosque, along with an area of ​​Djemaa El Fna Square - is the main shrine and a symbol of the city of Marrakech. Construction of the mosque began in 1158 during the reign of Sultan Abd al-Mumin, and ended in 1190, when came to power, his grandson, Sultan Ya'qub al-Mansur. Koutoubia Mosque was built on the site previously was there an ancient mosque XI century.

According to legend, the emir ordered to erect a mosque, designed by his court architect. When completed, it became clear that the temple properly focused on the most important Arab shrine - Mecca. As a result, angry Emir architect executed, destroyed the mosque, and in its place build a new ordered. The mosque was built of sandstone, shale, which is mined in open pits Jebel Gueliz.

Koutoubia Mosque - is one of the largest mosques in Africa. At the same time, it can accommodate about 20 thousand people. After the erection of the temple has several functions - it was used as libraries, universities and schools.

The Koutoubia harmoniously combines elements of Andalusian and Moroccan architecture. The building is covered with a beautiful color and it was decorated with stucco painted in bright color mosaic. However, over time, all the decorations were removed. The mosque is crowned with five domes. Inside the mosque is located 17 chapels with arches, made in the shape of a horseshoe. The central aisle of points visitors to the mihrab - prayer niche, turn toward Mecca. At the opposite end of the church is located open-air courtyard, which serves as a place for prayer.

To date, the Koutoubia Mosque dominates the Marrakech to a height of 77 m, being the highest compared with other religious buildings of the city. Due to the height and the magnificent decoration the mosque can be seen from afar. Decorated with four gold balls shining minaret was built in the traditional Spanish-Moorish architectural style of the shale sandstone towers in the form of a 16-meter lantern and cupola crowned spire.

Entrance to the Koutoubia Mosque to Muslims is not prohibited. But you can visit the splendid garden that surrounds it on all sides.