Sijilmasa
Ruins of the great medieval trans-Saharan trading city — once wealthier than Timbuktu — scattered across the Tafilalt oasis near Rissani
Highlights
- Almoravid Ramparts: Weathered but still imposing earthen walls of the 8th-century city that once controlled the entire gold and salt trade across the Sahara
- Trans-Saharan Heritage: Sijilmasa was the northern terminus of trans-Saharan caravans for five centuries — the ruins sit on one of the most important trade corridors in history
- Tafilalt Oasis: The ruins are embedded in a vast date palm oasis — the contrast between dead city walls and living palm grove is deeply moving
Top places
- Sijilmasa Ruins
- Guided Ruins Tour
- Tafilalt Palm Grove Walk
- Pharmacie Rissani