Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Ave al-Jazaer; admission Dh10; 10am-6pm Mon-Sat)
A few blocks from the Pl al-Jala this ex-
tensive museum has an excellent collection of artefacts from the Roman ruins at Lixus,
displayed both inside and in the gardens. Labelling is in French, Spanish and Arabic.
Iglesia de Bacturia
CHURCH
(Pl Moulay el-Mehdi; 7pm daily Mass, 11am Sun Mass)
This Roman Catholic church was built
in 1926 and is still active. We can't think of another place in Morocco where church bells
sound the hour.
Tetouan Museum of
Modern Art
( 0666 04 60 81;
www.gotetouan.com/Museums.html
; Ave Al Maki Al Naciri; 9am-7pm Mon-Sat)
Tetouan boasts one of only two schools of fine arts in Morocco (Casablanca has the
other), so it's fitting that this new museum should open here. The building itself, a magni-
ficent Spanish-castle-like structure that was once the railway station, is worth a visit. It
has been carefully renovated to protect the artworks and to provide ample light inside. The
museum houses contemporary Moroccan art and has visiting exhibitions.
MUSEUM
Sleeping
Due to the rapid development of the nearby coast, the first question is whether to stay in
town or not. Tetouan's port, Martil, is only an inexpensive 15-minute cab ride away;
M'Diq, the classiest option, is twice that. The contrast could not be greater between the
ancient medina and these modern resorts with their snazzy corniches - either jarring or a
relief depending on what you're looking for. The beachfronts are very quiet outside the
holiday season of July to August.
If you choose the city, your next decision is whether to stay in the medina or not. A
night or two within the ancient walls is an unforgettable adventure and an opportunity to
see typical Tetouan architecture and furniture, usually studded with mother-of-pearl inlay.
Pension Iberia
HOTEL
€
( 0539 96 36 79; 5 Pl Moulay el-Mehdi; s/d/tr without bathroom Dh60/100/150)
This is the best
budget option, with shuttered balconies that open out to the Pl Moulay el-Mehdi. Views of
