Tetouan

The beautiful white city of Tetouan, often known as « the Andalucian » or the « daughter of Granada » covers the slopes of Jebel Dersa and overlooks the fertile Martil valley and the dark rocky mass of the Rif Mountains.  The elegant city appears Hispanic at first sight, but it is influenced equally by the traditions and culture of the Berber tribes from the surrounding Rif.  Some people claim that the name Tetouan comes from the Berber word Tit’ta’ouin (the springs) which feed the city’s many gardens and fountains. It was the capital of the Spanish protectorate in 1912 but now is better known for its medina which has been a World Heritage Site since 1997 in order to protect its 50 or so mosques or other monuments.