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.
A look at local life through an arched doorway.
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.
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.
The bank, sitting just outside the Blue Gate in Fes.
Many Moroccan doors or surrounding arched doorways feature intricate tile work.
Our girls give a bit of perspective to the size of these massive Moroccan doors at the tourist office in Meknes.
The call to prayer resonates off the walls, and the door to the mosque is open.
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. We have found Viator guides to be knowledgeable, reliable, and safe.
General Travel Tips for Morocco
- Vivid and colourful, Morocco is a photographers paradise. We have travelled by train to Fes, Meknes (and Volubilis), Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakesh. We have driven a loop in a rental car from Marrakesh west to Essaouira, then east to the Sahara. Plus we used a private guide to take us from Fes to Chefchaouen, the blue city.
- We have been to Fes twice, both times staying at Riad Al Atik in the old Medina. The arched doorways, tiled walls, fabulous food, and a friendly atmosphere contribute to the ambience of this traditional riad. It is where I will stay on any visit to Fes. Booking.com
- If you are headed to Fes, Meknes, or anywhere in Morocco, don’t forget to pick up a copy of Lonely Planet’s Morocco Travel Guide. It won’t help you find Moroccan doors, but it will come in handy for the rest of your travels.
If you enjoyed these images of arched doorways, city gates, and Moroccan doors, please Pin it on Pinterest:
Are you a fan of Moorish architecture and Moroccan doors? Do you photograph arched doorways?
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Obligatory Traveler says
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. #WeekendWanderlust
Rhonda Albom says
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.
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) says
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! Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Rhonda Albom says
I loved photographing my way through Morocco. It is very genuine.
Molly says
These remind me of our trip to Tunisia
Mollyx
Rhonda Albom says
The Moorish influence is throughout the region.
Michelle | michwanderlust says
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!
Rhonda Albom says
Do visit Morocco. I saw the architectural influence from the Moors. Check out La Mezquita to see the church inside a mosque.
Patrick Weseman says
Very beautiful. What a wonderful place.
Rhonda Albom says
I am in love with the Moorish architecture.
eileen g says
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.
Rhonda Albom says
I agree. In my mind, they are all passageways to somewhere exotic.
Hilary says
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. #theweeklypostcard
Rhonda Albom says
I agree. I don’t want to offend anyone, and I don’t like being told off by security.
Jim ~ ReflectionsEnroute says
They are all beautiful, of course, but my favorite is the one with the barbecue. The light on the smoke is perfect. #wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom says
That’s one of my favourite photos too.
Mapping The Map says
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. Thanks for sharing in #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Rhonda Albom says
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.
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit says
They have a very distinct shape! Very “Moroccan”.
#teamlovinlife
Rhonda Albom says
True, and I love the way it looks.
Jackie Smith says
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!!
Rhonda Albom says
Yes, I love doors and window. I have hundreds of shots.
Lisa says
Absolutely beautiful! Such amazing shapes and colours… though it does sound like it might be a little intimidating to take photos.
Rhonda Albom says
It’s easy to take photos. Like everywhere else, you just need to know what is okay and stick within the guidelines.
Kim Marie says
I always thought they looked like Keyholes in a giants house what about you?
Rhonda Albom says
I never thought of it that way, but I see it now.
Anda says
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!
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks Anda. I also love the Moorish architecture. Morocco is the perfect place to find it.
Lessandra Grimley says
Beautiful Moroccan architecture and doorways! Thanks!
Rhonda Albom says
Everywhere I turned there were interesting doorways, windows, gates. I just love the Moorish Architecture.
Rebecca Forstadt Olkowski says
You could say I’m obsessed with old doors of all kinds.
Rhonda Albom says
Me too. I just take tons of door photos.
Trekking with Becky says
This is AWESOME! I love the theme since I have a weird obsession with doors, gates, entrances, etc. because they tell you soooooo much.
Rhonda Albom says
I agree, and I share your weird obsession.
Jenn says
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.
Rhonda Albom says
I am so happy I switched to mirrorless from DSLR. The lighter weight makes such a difference when we travel.
Hilary Melton-Butcher says
Hi Rhonda – stunning aren’t they … love seeing the vistas you create … it just must be beautiful to see – cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks Hilary
budget jan says
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.
Rhonda Albom says
If you could smell the BBQ, you would really be drawn to it.
Ruth says
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
Rhonda Albom says
The doors through a door are my favourite too.
Amanda - EatWorkTravel says
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.
Rhonda Albom says
Those people have something special to offer, some are snake charmers, water distributors, monkey handlers, etc.
Nancie McKinnon says
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.
Rhonda Albom says
I agree although the narrow streets make some of the shots quite challenging.
Lydia C. Lee says
So ornate, some of them. Beautiful!!
Rhonda Albom says
It’s a craft skill that I hope never gets lost.
Kyla Matton Osborne says
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.
Rhonda Albom says
I always thought they were just waiting for the place to open. But I have no idea.
Tomas says
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
Rhonda Albom says
We have been to Oman, it seemed cleaner in general than Morocco, but I love the doors and archways there too.
shere says
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.
Rhonda Albom says
Haven’t you been yet? We flew to Fes from Barcelona when we went. I love Morocco.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Even the simple ones are quite beautiful.
Rhonda Albom says
I thought so too.
Sandee says
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. ☺
Rhonda Albom says
Most places have a lot of rules, people just are used to them and don’t think about them any longer.
beatravelling says
Great photos! Love the doors!
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks.
Jill says
Love the photos and the doors – and the snatches of people in them living everyday life also.
Rhonda Albom says
I do like to get behind the scenes and not just see what the tourists see.
Birgit | Groove Is In The Heart says
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.
Rhonda Albom says
Morocco, like so many places in the world, is a photographers paradise. So many colours, shapes and textures. And the food is fabulous too.
Lolo says
OMG I love all of these Moroccan doors!! One of the many reasons why I want to go there!! #wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom says
Yes, I love the architecture, especially the doors.
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) says
beautiful doors!
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks Tanja
Patrice says
Love that shape!
Rhonda Albom says
Me too.
Cathi says
Such interesting photographs! I love to travel and learn of other lands and cultures. Happy WW!
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks Cathi. I love to travel to new places also.
Nita says
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.
imaddy says
Great pictures. Love the designs of the different doors.
aquariann says
Delightful doors!
♥ aquariann
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posh says
I am always amazed at how many people fit into the streets in these places.
Stacy Uncorked says
Doors and archways really are interesting subjects, aren’t they? Those are all amazing shots! 🙂
Rorybore says
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.
Z @ kickingkilos says
I would loveeee to visit Moroccio sometime. I think these pictures are awesome!!!!
:))
I think eveery door is distinct, so cannot chose!
Anonymous says
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. 🙂
Erika Price says
I find doors and archways fascinating too! They’re all beautiful, but the blue one is my favourite, cos I love anything blue & whte 🙂
Patty says
Gorgeous doorways! My obsession is bridges.
Joanne Viola says
The 7th one is my favorite. Although these are all beautiful shots! Thank you for sharing them. I am visiting from Create With Joy (Wordless Wed.).
Danica Martin says
Love the designs! 🙂 Danica
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
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!
Julie says
Lots of beautiful photos. Every door is interesting in its own way. Loved your last line, and it really rings true!
bonooobong says
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:)
Heather Walter says
Those gates are so neat looking! Love it!
Sofia says
I want to visit Morocco!!
Sheryl says
Moroccan doorways really are the most beautiful in the world. They are my absolute favorite!
Sukhmandir Kaur says
Absolutely fascinating 🙂 My favorite is the door within the door within the door!
Dominique Goh says
REally interesting an intricate doors. Happy WW
Ai Sakura says
they are so beautiful!
Ai @ Sakura Haruka
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Alissa Apel says
They do have cool doors!
Renae of Simple Sequins says
Those exotic places are so interesting. Thank you for these photos of your adventures.
Danielle Royalegacy says
The Blue Gate is beautiful! It would be great to be able to visit Morocco one day.
Danielle
Cafe au lait says
Beautiful doors.
Liz says
Beautiful shots. Happy WW.
Joy says
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.
April - My Bizarre Family says
I LOVE the pictures! Old buildings like these greatly interest me!
Yamini Ali MacLean says
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
Sandyspider says
The first doorway is my favorite. These are all amazing. Wish I was there:)
Andy says
They like their rounded doors! Very cool.
steve B says
What wonderful photo’s, interesting too 🙂
Chavonne H says
Wow very interesting. I like the blue one.
Meryl says
Confusing – all those gates…