Fifty shades of blue: The story behind Chefchaouen's colorful walls
Discover Moroccon's blue pearl
© Shutterstock
The Blue Pearl
Chefchaouen—often called "Chaouen" by the locals— is undeniably one of the most photographed cities in Morocco, and is among the most colorful cities in the world. The town’s buildings and houses are completely painted in different shades of blue, which attract thousands and thousands of tourists from around the globe every year. But although its blue walls may surprise some, the history behind this enchanting township is often left behind.
Foundation
The historic Moroccan town was founded in 1471 by Moulay Ali ibn Rashid al-Alami, a descendant of the prophet and founder of Islam, Muhammad. After the Spanish Reconquista in 1492, many Jews, along with many Moors, settled in the Moroccan town after being expelled from Spain. The town saw another influx during the Second World War, when many Jews fled from Europe. This had a huge influence on the city, and it's an influence that’s still visible to this day.
Must-see
The picturesque place is located near the Mediterranean Sea, and is home to nearly 42,000 inhabitants. With approximately 200 hotels in the area, Chaouen attracts all types of tourists, especially Instagrammers.
Click through the gallery to discover the real reason behind the charming blue medina of Chefchaouen, and you might want to add this one to your travel bucket list!
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