Approximately 62 miles (100 km) south of Marrakesh, deep in the High Atlas Mountains, you can find the small village of Tinmel (or Tin Mal).The village is home to the tombs of the Almohad dynasty. The Tinmel mosque is found high above the village and is no longer functioning as a mosque. Built in 1156 to commemorate the founder of the Almohad dynasty, Mohamed Ibn Tumart, the mosque is one of only two mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims. Unlike Hassan II, which is open periodically for short tours, this mosque is freely open since it’s no longer used for worship and lies in ruins. It’s a wonderful place for photographers – both amateur and professional.

Interestingly the model for the Tinmel Mosque was the Great Mosque of Taza, located near Fes. Tinmel in turn served as the model for the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech.

Tinmel has been added to the UNESCO tentative list as of 1995.

Recommended Length of Stay: 1 day (estimate includes surrounding areas)