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Moroccan doors, often set into arched doorways and surrounded by intricate tile work, offer an insight into another world. They are a fascinating reflection of craftsmanship. The recurring archways in Moroccan architecture give it a distinctive look, one that is easily recognizable, despite the variety of arch shapes used.

Take a look at this image, with three different Moroccan archways shapes amongst four arches, while there is only one Moroccan door along the wall. Add the repetitive pattern in the tiles and the solid colour textured wall and the look is inarguably Moorish.

Moroccan Doorways

Moroccan doors in Meknes

Beautiful wooden Moroccan arched doorways in Fes Morocco

Wooden Moroccan doors set in beautifully tiled arched doors

Local life in Meknes Morocco
A look at local life through an arched doorway.
The Blue Gate in Fes Morocco
The Blue Gate in Fes is the main entrance to the old Medina. It is blue on the outside, green inside the Medina. The Moussem of Moulay Idriss II Festival is featured in the second photo.
A closed gate along the Medina wall in Meknes Morocco
A closed gate along the Medina wall in Meknes.
Colourful door to a Koranic school in Meknes
A colourful door to a Koranic school for both girls and boys ages 3-5 in Meknes.
An open archway in the gate to the old city of Meknes Morocco
An open archway in the gate to the old city of Meknes.
Beautiful arched doorway of the Societe Generale, the bank in Fes Morocco
The bank, sitting just outside the Blue Gate in Fes.
arched doorways and Moroccan doors
Many Moroccan doors or surrounding arched doorways feature intricate tile work.
Massive Moroccan doors at the tourist office in Meknes Morocco.
Our girls give a bit of perspective to the size of these massive Moroccan doors at the tourist office in Meknes.
Looking into a Mosque in Fes Morocco
The call to prayer resonates off the walls, and the door to the mosque is open.
Street vendors in Fes Morocco
The aroma of barbecue lured us to this street in the old Medina. (This image is part of a series of colourful photos shot highlighting things to do in Fes.)

Features of Moroccan Doors

  • Moroccan doors are often oversized and intricately patterned.
  • Blue colours are commonly used on doors as represent the sky, heaven, water and the planet Mercury. Blues range from a greenish turquoise to dark indigo.

Features of Moroccan Arches

  • Originally designed for stability and structure, Moroccan arches are now more commonly decor.
  • The horseshoe arch, also called keyhole arch, is one of the most commonly used shapes in Moroccan architecture.
  • Arches are used in nearly all Moroccan homes.

Tips for Taking Photos in Morocco:

If you love taking photos of Moroccan doors, detailed tile work, arched doorways, locals, architecture, landscape or anything else in Morocco, be ready as opportunities are around every corner. You’ll want to follow a few simple guidelines for taking photos in Morocco:

  • If you carry an expensive camera, you will draw unwanted attention and probably spend more in every purchase negotiation, as you have advertised your wealth. I shoot with an Olympus OMD Em5 Mark II. Aside from its smaller size being easier to carry, it also appears to be less valuable.
  • Do not take photographs of military activity or sensitive political sites.
  • Also do not take photographs of policemen, soldiers, embassies, official buildings, or even convoys of limousines.
  • The laws on drones are quite restrictive. You are required to obtain permission from the Moroccan Civil Aviation Authority to fly a drone in the country.
  • Respect privacy. Ask permission before taking photos of people. Many Moroccans don’t want to be in photos. Use gestures if you don’t speak the language (Arabic or French). Their response is usually clear.
  • Carry small currency with you. In many tourist areas, especially Djemma el Fna in Marrakesh, locals make a living posing for photos, for payment (10 dirham seemed to be standard when we visited).
  • If you prefer candid shots, a zoom lens from a distance can be used but isn’t considered to be polite. Find an interesting background, heavy with foot traffic, and set yourself up somewhere in the distance. Be patient and wait for the shot.
  • If you are not comfortable asking permission, a tour guide can often help break the ice. Use a licensed guide.

Doors on this Page

While we travelled throughout much of the country, the Moroccan doors on this page were found in Fes and Meknes.

If you enjoyed these images of arched doorways, city gates, and Moroccan doors, please Pin it on Pinterest:

A collection of images of Moroccan doors set in arched doorways and surrounded by intricate tile work offer an insight into another world, a fascinating reflection of craftsmanship.

Are you a fan of Moorish architecture and Moroccan doors? Do you photograph arched doorways?

 

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About Rhonda Albom

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Obligatory Traveler

    Great tips! I have an Olympus Tough camera and I love it. It’s a great little camera I can hide away in my pocket when I’m not snapping pics. Thanks for sharing your photos. I’m a huge architecture nerd and I really enjoyed looking at all of the details.

    Reply

    • Rhonda Albom

      There is so much to see and capture in Morocco. Doors and arched doorways are only a small part of the opportunities for the photographer.

      Reply

  2. Rob+Ann

    We do love Moroccan architecture, and the doors and arches are a big part of that. They are truly iconic, but from what we’ve seen, the whole country seems to be super photogenic. Can’t wait to visit ourselves!

    Reply

  4. Michelle | michwanderlust

    Hmmm the style reminds me of some of the architecture I saw in Seville, I guess that’s the Moorish influence? I’d love to visit Morocco someday!

    Reply

    • Rhonda Albom

      Do visit Morocco. I saw the architectural influence from the Moors. Check out La Mezquita to see the church inside a mosque.

      Reply

  6. eileen g

    You want to believe all these beautiful doors hold something mysterious and exotic behind them. Though they probably just hide normal homes and businesses. i can see why you took so many photos.

    Reply

  7. Hilary

    Lovely photos, and great tips about where and when it’s okay to take photos! It’s so important to make sure you’re not offending anyone when taking photos, especially when traveling in a new place.

    Reply

  8. Jim ~ ReflectionsEnroute

    They are all beautiful, of course, but my favorite is the one with the barbecue. The light on the smoke is perfect.

    Reply

  9. Mapping The Map

    Nice pictures! We’ve never been to Morocco (despite we live in Barcelona… really close!) but is high in our bucket list. Hope that we can manage to visit this beautiful country soon. In the meantime we can have a look to your amazing pictures.

    Reply

    • Rhonda Albom

      We flew from Barcelona to Fes when we went to Morocco. I am not sure why we didn’t cross over when we were in South of Spain, but we did a loop instead.

      Reply

  11. Jackie Smith

    Love the doors and am glad I found another shutter-bug who takes as many photos of them as I do. Fabulous post. I could almost smell the food being bbq-ed in that last photo!!

    Reply

  12. Lisa

    Absolutely beautiful! Such amazing shapes and colours… though it does sound like it might be a little intimidating to take photos.

    Reply

  14. Anda

    What a great collection of doors, Rhonda. I am a great fan of Moorish architecture and Morocco seems to be quite the place to see that. Your photos are spectacular!

    Reply

  17. Trekking with Becky

    This is AWESOME! I love the theme since I have a weird obsession with doors, gates, entrances, etc. because they tell you soooooo much.

    Reply

  18. Jenn

    I always love unique door shots and Morocco sure does have some gorgeous doors! Great tips about taking photos, I’m currently searching for a camera and may try the Olympus.

    Reply

  19. Hilary Melton-Butcher

    Hi Rhonda – stunning aren’t they … love seeing the vistas you create … it just must be beautiful to see – cheers Hilary

    Reply

  20. budget jan

    Hi Rhonda. What a wonderful collection of Moroccan Doors and Doorways. They are all beautiful but I think the most alluring is the half vision of a BBQ through the last gate with the atmospheric smoke. It makes me wish I was there.

    Reply

  21. Ruth

    I enjoy taking pictures of doors and windows when I travel. However, I guess Morocco needs to win a prize for its wonderful doors and arches. I like that some of your photos show different layers. There is a door and thru it you can see an arch and in some cases another arch. It is like it keep going and going and you ar enot sure what you are going to find in the next area. Feel awesome! #TPThursday #wkendtravelinspiration

    Reply

  22. Amanda - EatWorkTravel

    What a great round-up of doors! So interesting with the unique arch. Interesting fact that some people make their living posing for photos, I had no idea.

    Reply

  23. Nancie McKinnon

    I’m a huge fan of Arabic styled doors and windows. They always make for the perfect photo op. This post makes me want to go back to look at all the window and door shots I took at the Alhambra in Granada a few years ago.

    Reply

  25. Kyla Matton Osborne

    I find the contrast between the rich architecture and the people lying in doorways very striking. I wouldn’t want to make assumptions, but the people do seem weary and look as if they are taking shelter – perhaps because they have nowhere else to go.

    Reply

  26. Tomas

    Oh, I love Arabic doors… I’ve been in few Muslim countries such as Algeria, Oman or Zanzibar, but I haven’t ever seen so nice… So beautiful photos 🙂 #wkendtravelinspiration

    Reply

  27. shere

    I love these doorways!! Your pictures of Morocco make me want to go there. The little one loves reading Aladin, so I guess can tell him we are going to Aladin’s home.

    Reply

  29. Sandee

    They sure have a lot of rules about things. I’m glad you all had a great time.

    Great photography as always.

    Have a fabulous day. ☺

    Reply

  32. Birgit | Groove Is In The Heart

    This is such a wonderful post. Those beautiful doors and archways are exactly the reason I would love to travel to Morocco. So many photo opportunities. You also gave some great photography tips, which I will share with my sister who is travelling there soon.

    Reply

    • Rhonda Albom

      Morocco, like so many places in the world, is a photographers paradise. So many colours, shapes and textures. And the food is fabulous too.

      Reply

  37. Nita

    So many cool looking doors! I too find doors to be very interesting. My favorite is the one with the person sitting in the doorway, although the one with what looks like a smaller door in the large door is intriguing as well.

    Reply

  41. Stacy Uncorked

    Doors and archways really are interesting subjects, aren’t they? Those are all amazing shots! 🙂

    Reply

  42. Rorybore

    I feel so much better about all the time I have spent on Pinterest looking at interesting doors! I don’t know what it is – but I do find it so interesting and fascinating. It’s the combination of the actual “look” of the door — plus the whole idea of like you say – entering or opening up to something else. The mystery behind the door. it’s intriguing.

    Reply

  43. Z @ kickingkilos

    I would loveeee to visit Moroccio sometime. I think these pictures are awesome!!!!
    :))
    I think eveery door is distinct, so cannot chose!

    Reply

  44. Anonymous

    I loved the doors to the Pantheon. I also loved the doors to the US Supreme Court building.

    I know they look similar and are not related, lol.

    You have the most amazing travels. I hope you print your pictures out and save them, it must be an extensively wonderful collection to peruse from time to time, if you do. 🙂

    Reply

  45. Erika Price

    I find doors and archways fascinating too! They’re all beautiful, but the blue one is my favourite, cos I love anything blue & whte 🙂

    Reply

  49. Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly

    We have that in common, my mom is fascinated with doors as well and I love architectural photos anyway, we have a lot of door photos too! I had no idea we had that in common! GREAT shots! I can’t wait to visit Morocco!

    Reply

  50. Julie

    Lots of beautiful photos. Every door is interesting in its own way. Loved your last line, and it really rings true!

    Reply

  51. bonooobong

    Honestly, I feel a little bit jealous now:) I am an architect and this way a huge fan of the islamic architecture, I somehow feel some love about those geometric patterns and curves. The islamic ornamental design is pure math art; actually that’s what I research in my studio now. I wish I could visit these gorgeous doors as well! I really would like to sketch ’em all:)

    Reply

  63. Joy

    These are fabulous. It’s a toss up between the door that’s green and blue or the one with the fine details carved into the brick. All are cool.

    Reply

  65. Yamini Ali MacLean

    Hari OM
    Yes, I like doors!! Have a habit of photographing them also. I agree that there is invitation, curiosity, mystique…

    Photo number four holds all of that and the busy street actually adds to a kind of tension which is relieved by letting the eye and mind wander inwards – a sublime rendition of spiritual purpose!!

    Blessings, YAM xx

    Reply

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