Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
hole gate Bab Fass. Once a major market, its cobblestone circle is now the end of the line
for taxis, the point at which the modern streets narrow into the past. For the best ground-
floor view, climb the steps at the highest point on the circle, across from the large tan
building (the police station), to what locals simply call
La Terrasse
. This is what you came
for, one of those dreamy moments when you think you've entered a movie set.
The Grand Socco is also the hub of several other sights, all visible from within it. First
is the Cinema Rif (
Click here
)
, which stands on the circle. The brightest light on Tangier's
cultural scene, it is a combination art-house cinema, cafe and archive, and is the local fo-
cal point for anything to do with film. Young locals come to soak up the ambience and use
the free wi-fi.
DARNA, The Women's
Association of Tangier
ARTS CENTRE
The yellow building opposite
La Terrasse
is a small complex offering an inexpensive res-
taurant, a boutique shop with crafts and clothing, and a sunny courtyard, making it a pop-
ular stop for lunch or just a place to relax. Since 2002, DARNA has served as a commu-
nity house to help local women in need, such as those suffering the after-effects of di-
vorce.
Mendoubia Gardens
PARK
Across the Grand Socco from the Cinema Rif is this large park full of strolling couples
and children playing football. The Mendoubia Gardens are flanked by an elegant line of
colonial buildings, perhaps the most attractive of its kind in the city. At the top of the cent-
ral hill is a monument flanked by cannons that contains the speech given by Mohammed
V asking for independence.
St Andrew's Church
(Rue d'Angleterre; services 8.30am & 11am Sun)
St Andrew's Church is one of the more
charming oddities of Tangier. Completed in 1905, on land granted by Queen Victoria, the
interior of this Anglican church is in Moorish style, with no graven images, and the Lord's
Prayer in Arabic. Behind the altar is a cleft that indicates the direction of Mecca; carved
quotes are from the Quran. A real interfaith experience!
CHURCH
