Tetouan is the capital of Morocco, in northern Africa.

Located near the Rif mountians, it's surrounded by some fantastic scenery. Tetouan's landscape is very green; it's also packed with orange, almond and cypress trees that contrast wildly against the dazzlingly white houses on the Dersa hillside.

Tetouan was founded around 1305 by the Merinid Abou Tabit. Back then, this city in Morocco served as an operations base against Septa. Later, it became a pirates hideaway, which was eventually destroyed by the Spanish. During the 16th century Tetouan became re-populated again; mainly by the Moslems and Jews that were exiled from Andalucia. It became prosperous again under the rule of Moulay Ismail.

The city centre is a delightful mix of tiny squares and narrow winding streets with blueish white walls. You can sit out all day in these idyllic squares, and at night time, they come alive with people!

In the mornings, you'll see the local women, dressed in flamboyant colours with wide straw hats, setting up their market stalls selling butter, honey, vegetables and herbs to a lively, bustling crowd.

Hassan Square II is located right in the heart of the city where the old and modern parts converge. It looks very much like Andalucia with its fountains, kiosks and flower boxes. It's an ideal meeting point - a popular place to start your afternoon stroll around the town.

Tetouan is one of Morocco's main cultural centres. The town has many monuments that date back centuries. This is home to the Khalifa's old palace, where his majesty's representative used to live. It's a perfect example of Spanish-Moroccan architecture. It was built back in 17th century and restored in 1948. The palace still retains its original 17th century character.

Other well known establishments include; the College of Fine Arts and the School of Moroccan art, along with two museums, and a huge conservatory.

There's also the fort (that's very well preserved), plenty of fountains and a number of Mosques that you can visit.

The best way to really get to know the city is to meander around the many small alleyways and squares and just see where you end up. It's an intruiging city - you'll find hidden treasures on every corner.

Every street in Tetouan is marked by a trade guild. For example, the street of dyers adjoins that of gunsmiths, not far from weavers and jewelers streets.