Some visitors fear weather surprises that may occasionally occur in the regions they visit, potentially turning vacations into unpleasant memories.
Errachidia province promises that this won’t happen. It is a place where the sun shines all year round, and its streets, oases, and dunes are always bathed in warmth.
Historical Background
The city was established in 1916 when the French colonial forces entered the Tafilalt region for specific military purposes. The French mobile army unit chose an elevated spot overlooking both banks of the Ziz River. There, they laid the foundation stone for the military site named “Ksar Souk,” which was later renamed Errachidia.
After independence, Ksar Souk became the provincial capital. Based on a decree dated November 17, 1975, it was renamed Errachidia after Prince Moulay Rachid. It remained an independent center until the 1992 electoral division, after which it was elevated to the status of an urban municipality.
Getting to Errachidia
Errachidia province is located in southeastern Morocco, west of Figuig Province, bordered to the west by the provinces of Azilal and Beni Mellal, and to the north by the provinces of Midelt and Khénifra.
You can reach the city from Casablanca by public buses at prices ranging from 150 to 250 dirhams, or by air from Marrakech and Casablanca. Occasionally, there are charter flights from Paris.
For accommodations, options range from classified hotels and traditional lodges near oases to private apartments, with prices between 300 and 1,000 dirhams per night.
Tourist Attractions: Errachidia’s Pyramids!
Perhaps you didn’t know that Errachidia has its own pyramids—or so they’re called. However, these are actually a series of uniquely shaped buildings known by the locals of Fazna village as Al-Almani (the German), named after Hansjörg Voth, who built them on the Merha Plateau in collaboration with local craftsmen.
If you’re a fan of astronomy and the mysteries of space, this is definitely a place worth visiting to take stunning photos and videos.
The Celestial Staircase was the first of these works, constructed between 1980 and 1987. It consists of 56 steps, with its side walls narrowing gradually to form a vertical slit at the top. The structure is used as an observatory for celestial phenomena.
The second work in the series is the Celestial Spiral, built by the same artist between 1992 and 1997, based on the golden ratio (Phi). This is a 260-meter-long stone ramp with a total height of 6 meters.
The ramp leads to the top of the spiral via a 100-step staircase that takes you to the well’s base—the heart of the structure. Viewed from above, the Golden Spiral resembles a Nautilus shell, a symbol of geometric perfection.
The last of these works is called Orion City, designed between 1998 and 2003. It consists of rectangular towers made of soft bricks, symmetrically representing the seven most visible stars in the Orion constellation. The structure serves as a miniature projection of the constellation, with the number of buildings matching the number of stars and their proportional dimensions, brightness, and locations. This makes the city a unique observatory for tracking the stars’ paths.
Sijilmassa: The Gateway to the Sahara
While they may appear as mere ruins, these ruins speak multiple languages and are rich with historical memory, taking your spirit on a journey through time.
Sijilmassa, part of Errachidia province and about 93 kilometers away from the city, was one of the first Islamic cities in Morocco. For centuries, it served as a key stop on trans-Saharan trade routes and has inspired numerous historians and archaeologists from diverse backgrounds.
The site spans approximately 100 hectares between the town of Rissani and the Ziz River. Over the centuries, the city was rebuilt several times, but only remnants of its earthen walls remain, making them difficult to interpret. Archaeologists have been attempting to unravel its mysteries for decades.
The site is open to visitors, with organized tours offering insights into the region’s glorious history. In March 2023, Morocco’s Ministry of Culture inaugurated a cultural center in the area (Rissani). The center includes several educational and cultural facilities, a large auditorium, and a library, providing services to the local population and contributing to the city’s cultural activities.
The Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif
Not far from Rissani, you can visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, built during the reign of Sultan Mohammed Ben Abdallah (1747–1790) and restored in 1997. It is considered one of the most beautiful historical monuments in the Tafilalt region and particularly in Errachidia province.
The mausoleum features a towering, stunningly beautiful gate adorned with colorful tiles and mosaics, overlooking a lush garden and a courtyard with intricately carved wooden doors.
Inside, you’ll find a large hall housing the tomb of Moulay Ali Cherif, a tranquil spot that invites contemplation and serenity. A separate door leads to the mosque, topped by a dome with exquisite decorations.
The mausoleum also contains other graves, including those of the sons of Moulay Mohammed and Moulay Ismail (Alaouite sultans). These stand as symbols of the early events that shaped the Alaouite dynasty.
From History to Nature
Errachidia boasts several enticing natural destinations, foremost among them the Blue Spring of Meski, located 20 kilometers southeast of the city on the way to Erfoud. It is the source of the Ziz River.
The site is ideal for spending quality time under the shade of tall palm trees and reddish rocks, resting by the reservoir built in the early 20th century. Over the years, the site has evolved, now featuring a swimming pool, small cafes, souvenir shops, and a parking area for campers.
The Ziz and Ghriss oases are green islands stretching as far as the eye can see. Visiting them offers a refreshing contrast to the arid desert landscape, with their lush greenery and cool, crisp air.
The Culinary Paradise of Errachidia
Touring can be exhausting, draining your energy and awakening your appetite. Fortunately, the region offers unique dishes you won’t find elsewhere.
You may have heard of various international cuisines, but what about camel meat tagine with dates? This distinctive dish is especially popular in summer during special occasions in the desert areas. Make sure to try it.
Another local specialty is Medfouna, a type of bread stuffed with meat pieces, boiled eggs, almonds, onions, and spices. You can easily find it on request from butchers in the city’s local market.
Other popular dishes include stuffed pigeons, a favorite among tourists visiting the Drâa-Tafilalet region, and warqa harira, a soup similar to cornmeal porridge, packed with nutritional value.
If you’re visiting in October, don’t miss the Erfoud Date Festival, which attracts visitors and tourists from all over. It offers exhibitions, shows, and local artistic performances dedicated to the region’s dates.
