Kenitra, Morocco
Region: Kenitra is located in the region of Gharb-Chrarda-Beni Hssen
Geographic Coordinates: 34.250000, -6.583300
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 35.0°C (50°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 431282
Language: Arabic
Kenitra is a city situated in the northwestern part of Morocco that has been continuously growing and developing since its establishment in 1912. It is located on the Atlantic coast and is known for its beautiful beaches, Vibrant culture, And fascinating history. With a population of approximately 431, 282 people, Kenitra is one of the largest cities in the region. The city’s name comes from a Berber word meaning little bridge which refers to an ancient Roman bridge that used to exist in the area.
Originally established as a French military base during colonial times, Kenitra has since become an important economic hub due to its strategic location between Rabat and Casablanca. Today, It boasts several major industries including agriculture, Fishing, Textiles, And automotive manufacturing. One of the most popular attractions in Kenitra is the Royal Palace built by King Hassan II as his summer residence. The palace features stunning architecture with intricate tile work and gardens filled with exotic plants. Visitors can take guided tours of certain parts of the palace grounds or simply admire it from afar.
Another must-see attraction in Kenitra is La Grande Mosquée Abdellah Guennouni which dates back to 1960s when it was built by local craftsmen using traditional Moroccan techniques. This mosque features ornate decorations including intricate mosaics made from glazed tiles as well as carved wooden doors that are truly breathtaking. Kenitra also offers visitors many opportunities for outdoor recreation such as surfing at nearby beaches like Mehdia Plage or Oued Cherrat beach which are both just a short drive away from downtown Kenitra.
There are also several parks within walking distance where visitors can enjoy picnics or simply relax under shady trees while taking in views of lush greenery around them. Foodies will be delighted by all delicious cuisine options available throughout this vibrant Moroccan city! Some popular dishes include tagine, Couscous, And pastilla which are all made with a variety of spices and ingredients that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can also find many local markets and street vendors selling fresh fruits, Vegetables, Spices, And other traditional Moroccan products.
Overall, Kenitra is a city that offers visitors an exciting mix of history, Culture, Natural beauty, And modern amenities. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins or trying out new cuisine at local restaurants – there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this fascinating Moroccan city!
- Kasbah of Kenitra
- Dar El Makhzen
- Hassan II Mosque
- The Medina of Kenitra
- Kenitra Beach
- Forest Park of Mehdia
- Sidi Boughaba Lake
- Jardin Ibn Zaidoun
- Chellah Necropolis
- Maamora Forest
- Automotive: A major automotive manufacturing plant owned by French carmaker PSA Peugeot Citroen is located in Kenitra.
- Agriculture: The surrounding region is well-known for its agricultural production of citrus fruits, olives, and vegetables.
- Textiles: There are several textile factories in the area producing clothing and textiles for both local consumption and export.
- Construction Materials: Several companies in Kenitra specialize in producing construction materials such as cement, bricks, tiles, and other building supplies.
- Food Processing: The city has several food processing plants that produce products such as canned fruits and vegetables, olive oil, dairy products like cheese and yogurt among others.
- Chemicals: Various chemical companies operate in Kenitra producing chemicals for industrial use such as fertilizers or cleaning agents among others.
- Logistics & Distribution – Due to its strategic location between Rabat (the capital) 90 km southwards Casablanca (the economic capital) 200 km northwards Tanger Med port 300 km northwards amongst other cities; many logistics companies have established their warehouses/distribution centers here serving both local markets or international ones via Tangier-Med port
These industries provide employment opportunities to thousands of people living in the area while also contributing significantly to the economy of Morocco as a whole.
- The city of Kenitra was established by the French in 1912, during the colonial period.
- During World War II, Kenitra served as a military base for both the American and British armies.
- In 1956, Morocco gained independence from France, and Kenitra became part of the newly formed Kingdom of Morocco.
- King Hassan II inaugurated a new naval base in Kenitra in 1960, which is still operational today.
- Abdelhadi Belkhayat, a famous Moroccan singer considered one of the greatest singers in Moroccan history, was born in Kenitra in 1941.
- Abdellatif Laâbi is another renowned Moroccan writer born in Kenitra in 1942 known for his poetry and political activism.
- The historic Kasbah of Moulay Ismail located near Kenitra dates back to the 17th century and is now a popular tourist attraction.
- In recent years, due to its strategic location near major highways and ports, Kenitra has become an important economic hub for Morocco.
- Kasbah des Oudaias is a 17th-century fortress located in the heart of Kenitra that boasts traditional Moroccan architecture and breathtaking views of the city.
- Parc Ibn Batouta is a stunning park situated in the center of Kenitra, named after the renowned Moroccan explorer Ibn Batouta.
- The Museum of Contemporary Art showcases contemporary art from Morocco and around the world, featuring paintings, sculptures, and installations.
- The Royal Palace is situated near Kasbah des Oudaias and serves as King Mohammed VI’s residence when he visits Kenitra.
- Espace de la Culture et de l’Artisanat (ECA) is a cultural center that displays traditional Moroccan handicrafts such as pottery, weaving, and woodcarving.
- The Great Mosque of Kenitra or Masjid Al-Mouahidine/Mosque Moulay Abdellah Amghar is one of Morocco’s largest mosques with stunning Islamic architecture that will leave you awestruck.
- Sidi Kacem Beach lies outside Kenitra and offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean while being an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing.
- La Ferme Pédagogique de Boukhalef allows visitors to learn about local agriculture practices while interacting with animals like cows or horses!
- Mawazine Festival is a popular music festival that takes place annually in Rabat, located approximately 50 km from Kenitra. It features both international and local artists performing various genres of music.
- Eid al-Fitr is a significant religious festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
- Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is another important Muslim holiday that commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah.
- The International Documentary Film Festival is an annual event held in Rabat that showcases documentaries from all over the world.
- The Kenitra International Book Fair brings together publishers, writers, and book lovers from across Morocco and beyond every year for this annual event.
- The National Cherry Festival celebrates cherry season in Sefrou (about 100 km from Kenitra), featuring parades, music performances, and traditional cherry-based dishes.
- Tanjazz Festival is an annual jazz festival held in Tangier (about 200 km from Kenitra) featuring international jazz musicians performing at various venues across the city.
- Timitar Music Festival showcases traditional Amazigh (Berber) music along with other genres like reggae and hip-hop every year in Agadir (about 500 km from Kenitra).
- Tagine: a stew made with meat and vegetables cooked in a conical clay pot
- Couscous: a dish made of steamed semolina grains served with vegetables and meat
- Harira: a traditional Moroccan soup made with lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices
- Pastilla: a savory pastry filled with chicken or pigeon meat and almonds
Some popular restaurants in Kenitra that serve local cuisine include:
- Restaurant El Bahia: known for their tagines and couscous dishes.
- Café Restaurant Al Andalous: serves traditional Moroccan dishes such as harira soup and pastilla.
- La Table du Chef: offers a modern twist on traditional Moroccan cuisine.
- Restaurant Le Petit Parisien: serves French-Moroccan fusion dishes such as lamb confit tagine.
Note that this information is provided for informational purposes only, it is always recommended to do further research before visiting any restaurant or trying any new type of food while traveling to another country or region to ensure accuracy and safety.
