The Breathtaking Reason Chefchaouen, Morocco Is Nicknamed The Blue City

The blue city of Chefchaouen, Morocco (aka "the blue pearl of Morocco") has captivated travelers from around the world for many years as they wonder about the reasons for its unique blue hues. Nestled in the foothills of the Rif mountains in northern Morocco, the enchanting blue-washed city is a beautiful destination filled with vibrant medinas, narrow alleyways, and its famous blue buildings. Travelers can explore the winding streets and discover the town's hidden secrets.

Whether you're a culture-seeker or a history buff, you'll love this blue Moroccan city with its lovely architecture. According to Britannica, Abū Youma founded Chefchaouen as a holy city in the 15th century. Since then, the city has been home to different cultural and ethnic groups. Named Chefchaouen and called Chaouen by its inhabitants, this city won't disappoint, and travel photographers will spend an endless amount of time capturing its blend of Spanish and traditional Moroccan architecture and the buildings' blue hues.

According to The World Pursuit, one of the many suggested reasons for the blue all around the city is due to Jewish culture. During the Spanish Inquisition and later on, during World War II, many Jewish people arrived and settled in Chefchaouen and apparently proceeded to paint the walls a blue color, which is believed to protect against the evil eye. According to Culture Trip, some locals claim the blue colors stayed due to tradition, while others state that it is a technique to repel mosquitos and to keep their homes cool. Locals will also state that blue represents the color of the Mediterranean Sea and the importance of fresh water in Morocco's hot climate. There is no right or wrong answer since many locals provide different reasons for the blue hues of the city, but what we can agree upon is how beautiful it is.

If you're looking for hidden gems in Chefchaouen, you can start by exploring the city on foot. You'll find that the city is made up of a series of picture-perfect mazes with winding cobblestone alleys and a mix of vegetation against the blue walls. As you explore the city, you'll come across the Kasbah Museum with exhibits to learn about the history of Chefchaouen and its culture. You won't be able to miss it as it is one of the biggest buildings in Chefchaouen, and instead of blue, it has red walls.

You will also find several mosques, including the Grand Mosque and the Spanish Mosque, and the medinas are perfect for shopping for leather goods. For a bird's-eye view of the blue city, travelers can go on one of the hiking trails in the Rif Mountains. The World Pursuit recommends a hike that takes you to a waterfall of the Ras el Ma' river. Whether you spend your time exploring the alleyways or hiking in the Rif mountains, the blue city of Chefchaouen is a great place to explore and learn about Morocco, its culture, architecture, and its natural beauty.