Chefchaouen

Founded in 1471 as a small kasbah (fortress), Chefchaouen, which translates to “blue pearl,” is an artsy village, perched beneath the peaks of the Rif mountains. It is often called the “Blue City” for its blue houses and alleyways, which lend it a somewhat ethereal and magical atmosphere that tourists fall in love with.

There are several theories for why the walls are painted blue. One story is that the sephardic Jewish community that settled here in the 1500s painted the houses blue because it reminded them of the sky, and the presence of God. A second version suggests that Jews fleeing Hitler’s Germany painted the houses blue. Finally, some believe the houses were painted blue to keep mosquitos away and prevent malaria!

Chefchaouen

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