The forgotten imperial city — grand gates and Roman ruins nearby.
Meknès is the quietest of the four imperial cities — and for many travellers the most rewarding. Sultan Moulay Ismail made it his 17th-century capital and left monumental works: the Bab Mansour gate, the vast Heri es-Souani granaries, and his own mausoleum. The medina is calmer than Fes or Marrakech, and Volubilis — the remarkably preserved Roman city among olive groves 30 km away — pairs naturally with a visit. Come for half a day from Fes, or stay a night and see the gates glow at dusk.