• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Albom Adventures

Albom Adventures

  • New Zealand
    • Auckland
    • North Island Travel
    • South Island Travel
    • New Zealand Life
  • Other Travel
    • Oceania
      • Australia
      • Pacific Islands
    • Americas
      • Central America and Caribbean
      • North America
      • South America
    • Europe
      • Eastern Europe
      • Northern Europe
      • Southern Europe
      • Western Europe
    • Asia and Africa
      • Asia (China and South East Asia)
      • Middle East
      • Africa
    • Travel Planning and Tips
    • Travel Anecdotes
  • Cruising
    • Cruising Tips and Cruise Ships
    • Cruise Ports
  • About
    • Work With Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy for Albom Adventures
    • Contact Albom Adventures

Inspiring travel through photography

You are here: Home / Travel / Asia and Africa / Africa / Moroccan Doors and Archways: A Colourful Look at Moorish Arches

Moroccan Doors and Archways: A Colourful Look at Moorish Arches

Moroccan Doorways
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.

Moroccan doors set in Moorish arches and surrounded by intricate tile work offer an insight into another world.

They are a fascinating reflection of impeccable craftsmanship. The recurring archways in Moroccan architecture give it a distinctive look, one that is easily recognizable, despite the variety of exact 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 doors in Meknes

Features of Moorish Arches

After a month in Morocco, we saw hundreds of different Moroccan doors, often set into a variety of subtly different shapes.

Yet, despite the differences, there is something unique about the general style. When we visited places in Spain like Alhambra in Granada or the Alcazar in Seville, their similar archways instantly conjured up images of Morocco in my head.

The key features are:

  • Originally designed for stability and structure, today Moroccan arches are often just decor.
  • The horseshoe arch (also called the keyhole arch, Moroccan arch, or Moorish arch) is one of the most common shapes in Moroccan architecture. It’s an emblematic arch of Islamic architecture.
  • The arch itself forms more than just a semicircle, with a rounded, pointed or lobed top portion.
  • Expertly crafted with Precision and detail.
  • We saw Arches in nearly every Moroccan mosque, home, gate, and other buildings.
Street vendors in Fes Morocco
The aroma of barbecue lured us to this street in the old Medina in Fes
Beautiful wooden Moroccan arched doorways in Fes Morocco
The Blue Gate in Fes Morocco
The Blue Gate in Fes
The Blue Gate in Fes is the main entrance to the old Medina. It is blue on the outside, and green inside the Medina.
The Moussem of Moulay Idriss II Festival is featured in the lower photo.
Local life in Meknes Morocco
A look at local life through an arched doorway.
An open Moorish arch in the gate to the old city of Meknes Morocco
An open archway in the gate to the old city of Meknes.

Features of Moroccan doors

  • Moroccan doors are often oversized and intricately patterned.
  • Often made with expert craftmanship skills passed down through the generations.
  • Blue colours commonly used on doors represent the sky, heaven, water and the planet Mercury. Blues range from greenish turquoise to dark indigo.
  • Walking the streets of both the medinas and modern areas of town is an eclectic mix of newer doors and century-old masterpieces.
  • Often the patterns tell a story, often defining heritage or culture.
arched doorways and Moroccan doors
Many Moroccan doors or surrounding arched doorways feature intricate tile work.
Looking into a Mosque in Fes Morocco
The call to prayer resonates off the walls, and the door to the mosque is open.
Wooden Moroccan doors set in beautifully tiled arched doors
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 in Meknes.
Beautiful horseshoe arch doorway of the Societe Generale, the bank in Fes Morocco
The National bank in Fes.
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.

Moroccan doors on this page

Although we travelled throughout much of the country, the Moroccan doors on this page are in Fes or Meknes.

Save on your trip with these resources

We use these aggregator companies to save time and money. They do the work for us by providing a list of options, prices, and reviews for anywhere we are travelling worldwide. Plus, we have personally had positive customer service experiences with all of them: 

  • Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
  • Hotels: we use Booking.com as they consistently return the best rates and their reviews are from actual guests. However, for self-contained lodging, use VRBO
  • Cars: we use RentalCars to find the best deals and dealer ratings.
  • Private guides: we often hire private guides from Tours by Locals
  • Travel Insurance: we start at InsureMyTrip as they are the best option to compare plans and find the right coverage for you.

Before you book the rest of your trip: Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.

We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.

Save for later

If you enjoyed this article, please share it on social media and save it for later 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?

More from Morocco you might enjoy:

Horse rider on the beach on of the many things to do in Essaouira

Things to Do in Essaouira Morocco

Hammam experience in Fes Morocco

Our Traditional Hammam Experience in Fes Morocco

Travel planning resources that help you find the best adventures like this camel ride through the desert.

Colors of the Sahara Desert: A Travel Photography Exposé

King Hassan II Mosque is a must see even if you are trying to see Casablanca in a day.

Casablanca in One Day – Highs and Lows of our Visit to this Moroccan City

1.5K shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Category: AfricaTag: Fes, Islamic Architecture, Morocco

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

    September 16, 2017 at 5:08 am

    Thanks for sharing your photos. I’m a huge architecture nerd and I really enjoyed looking at all of the details.

    Reply
  2. Rob+Ann

    September 15, 2017 at 4:33 pm

    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
  3. Molly

    September 15, 2017 at 6:51 am

    These remind me of our trip to Tunisia

    Mollyx

    Reply
  4. Michelle | michwanderlust

    September 14, 2017 at 2:51 am

    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
  5. Patrick Weseman

    September 12, 2017 at 3:17 pm

    Very beautiful. What a wonderful place.

    Reply
  6. eileen g

    September 12, 2017 at 5:31 am

    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

    September 12, 2017 at 5:24 am

    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

    September 11, 2017 at 10:13 pm

    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

    September 11, 2017 at 8:25 pm

    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
  10. Leanne

    September 11, 2017 at 6:46 am

    They have a very distinct shape! Very “Moroccan”.

    Reply
  11. Jackie Smith

    September 11, 2017 at 1:41 am

    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

    September 11, 2017 at 1:07 am

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

    Reply
  13. Kim Marie

    September 10, 2017 at 9:29 pm

    I always thought they looked like Keyholes in a giants house what about you?

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      September 10, 2017 at 10:04 pm

      I never thought of it that way, but I see it now.

      Reply
  14. Anda

    September 10, 2017 at 5:37 pm

    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
  15. Lessandra Grimley

    September 10, 2017 at 1:21 pm

    Beautiful Moroccan architecture and doorways! Thanks!

    Reply
  16. Rebecca Forstadt Olkowski

    September 10, 2017 at 11:31 am

    You could say I’m obsessed with old doors of all kinds.

    Reply
  17. Trekking with Becky

    September 10, 2017 at 6:49 am

    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

    September 9, 2017 at 9:47 pm

    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

    September 9, 2017 at 8:42 pm

    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

    September 9, 2017 at 3:30 pm

    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

    September 9, 2017 at 3:01 pm

    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

    September 9, 2017 at 2:34 pm

    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

    September 9, 2017 at 9:26 am

    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
  24. Lydia C. Lee

    September 9, 2017 at 9:19 am

    So ornate, some of them. Beautiful!!

    Reply
  25. Kyla Matton Osborne

    September 9, 2017 at 8:39 am

    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

    September 9, 2017 at 8:07 am

    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

    September 9, 2017 at 6:39 am

    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
  28. Alex J. Cavanaugh

    September 9, 2017 at 4:58 am

    Even the simple ones are quite beautiful.

    Reply
  29. Sandee

    September 9, 2017 at 3:31 am

    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
  30. beatravelling

    September 9, 2017 at 3:15 am

    Great photos! Love the doors!

    Reply
  31. Jill

    September 9, 2017 at 1:11 am

    Love the photos and the doors – and the snatches of people in them living everyday life also.

    Reply
  32. Birgit | Groove Is In The Heart

    September 9, 2017 at 12:36 am

    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
  33. Lolo

    September 8, 2017 at 10:24 pm

    OMG I love all of these Moroccan doors!! One of the many reasons why I want to go there!! #wkendtravelinspiration

    Reply
  34. Tanja (the Red phone box travels)

    September 8, 2017 at 8:36 pm

    beautiful doors!

    Reply
  35. Patrice

    September 8, 2017 at 10:06 am

    Love that shape!

    Reply
  36. Cathi

    September 8, 2017 at 8:13 am

    Such interesting photographs! I love to travel and learn of other lands and cultures. Happy WW!

    Reply
  37. Nita

    June 27, 2013 at 6:36 am

    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
  38. imaddy

    June 27, 2013 at 6:26 am

    Great pictures. Love the designs of the different doors.

    Reply
  39. aquariann

    June 27, 2013 at 6:22 am

    Delightful doors!

    ♥ aquariann

    Reply
  40. posh

    June 27, 2013 at 3:23 am

    I am always amazed at how many people fit into the streets in these places.

    Reply
  41. Stacy Uncorked

    June 27, 2013 at 3:03 am

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

    Reply
  42. Rorybore

    June 27, 2013 at 2:22 am

    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

    June 27, 2013 at 2:14 am

    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

    June 27, 2013 at 2:06 am

    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

    June 27, 2013 at 1:10 am

    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
  46. Patty

    June 27, 2013 at 12:26 am

    Gorgeous doorways! My obsession is bridges.

    Reply
  47. Joanne Viola

    June 26, 2013 at 11:07 pm

    The 7th one is my favorite. Although these are all beautiful shots! Thank you for sharing them.

    Reply
  48. Danica Martin

    June 26, 2013 at 10:42 pm

    Love the designs! 🙂 Danica

    Reply
  49. Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly

    June 26, 2013 at 9:06 pm

    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

    June 26, 2013 at 8:40 pm

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

    Reply
  51. bonooobong

    June 26, 2013 at 7:40 pm

    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
  52. Heather Walter

    June 26, 2013 at 6:25 pm

    Those gates are so neat looking! Love it!

    Reply
  53. Sofia

    June 26, 2013 at 4:00 pm

    I want to visit Morocco!!

    Reply
  54. Sheryl

    June 26, 2013 at 3:01 pm

    Moroccan doorways really are the most beautiful in the world. They are my absolute favorite!

    Reply
  55. Sukhmandir Kaur

    June 26, 2013 at 1:27 pm

    Absolutely fascinating 🙂 My favorite is the door within the door within the door!

    Reply
  56. Dominique Goh

    June 26, 2013 at 12:58 pm

    REally interesting an intricate doors.

    Reply
  57. Ai Sakura

    June 26, 2013 at 12:39 pm

    they are so beautiful!

    Ai

    Reply
  58. Alissa Apel

    June 26, 2013 at 9:05 am

    They do have cool doors!

    Reply
  59. Renae of Simple Sequins

    June 26, 2013 at 8:28 am

    Those exotic places are so interesting. Thank you for these photos of your adventures.

    Reply
  60. Danielle Royalegacy

    June 26, 2013 at 6:34 am

    The Blue Gate is beautiful! It would be great to be able to visit Morocco one day.

    Danielle

    Reply
  61. Cafe au lait

    June 26, 2013 at 4:39 am

    Beautiful doors.

    Reply
  62. Joy

    June 26, 2013 at 4:17 am

    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
  63. April - My Bizarre Family

    June 26, 2013 at 3:58 am

    I LOVE the pictures! Old buildings like these greatly interest me!

    Reply
  64. Yamini Ali MacLean

    June 26, 2013 at 3:56 am

    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
  65. Sandyspider

    June 26, 2013 at 3:35 am

    The first doorway is my favorite. These are all amazing. Wish I was there:)

    Reply
  66. Andy

    June 26, 2013 at 3:28 am

    They like their rounded doors! Very cool.

    Reply
  67. steve B

    June 26, 2013 at 2:38 am

    What wonderful photo’s, interesting too 🙂

    Reply
  68. Chavonne H

    June 26, 2013 at 2:29 am

    Wow very interesting. I like the blue one.

    Reply
  69. Meryl

    June 26, 2013 at 2:14 am

    Confusing – all those gates…

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sidebar

rentalcars
skyscanner hotels
Travel Insurance by InsureMyTrip
viator
jucy
Official New Zealand Specialist badge from New Zealand Tourism Board Lonely Planet Community Pathfinders

As an Amazon Associate, Albom Adventures earns from qualifying purchases as well as from other collaborative and affiliate partners.

Copyright © 2023 · Albom Adventures · All Rights Reserved.

Exclusive Member of Mediavine Travel

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT