|
At the crossroads of Africa and Europe, the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, Tangier has an individual character. ??It is one of the oldest cities in Morocco. The Phoenicians and Carthaginians established trading posts here. The Romans made it a capital city. It was occupied by the Arabs and invaded by Vandals and Visigoths. Before the Spanish, the Portuguese controlled the town. In the early part of the 20th century, Tangier was an international city whose tax-free status and cosmopolitan image attracted European and American artists and writers. ?Although it has lost a little of its glamorous image, it is still a bustling city with an air of mystery surrounding it. For most visitors that arrive in Morocco by sea, it is their first point of contact with the country.
The town beach has a great setting: it makes up a several kilometer long curve with the white houses of Tangier as a frame before it ends in the barren mountains of which there is nothing further north than the sea and the European continent on the horizon.
?The medina of Tangier is a real one: Streets are narrow, houses in many different styles, and most of this medina is in good condition. That is a proof that even people with some money both live and work here. The gate to the medina near the Great Mosque is one of the more popular, as it connects directly to the beach walk. It is also the easiest entry to the most fascinating parts of the old parts of Tangier, and you will immediately find yourself walking in narrow streets which soon ends up in the Petit Socco. ?A walk along the Atlantic side of Tangier is really charming. Only few houses have managed to put their feet down before the hill becomes too steep. And by some strange coincidence history has made this into the poor people's quarters.
Tangier is also a meeting place for those who love partying. World famous cabaret and discos have a particular charm ; you will be captured by their wonderful atmosphere and amazing entertainment which is a mixture of the oriental "A thousand and one nights" and the western rhythms that tempt everybody to the dance floor. Tangier Bars are characterized and renowned by their free and good Tapas.
Last but not least, the food. Tangier gastronomy has its roots in the different people of Morocco. The Berbers contributed with the Tajine and the Harira. From the Bedouin tribes of the Sahara came the cereals, milk and dates and the Arabs brought the olive oil, the seasoning, the almonds and the fruit. On the other hand Andalusian cuisine brought refinement, subtlety, new flavours and delicacy in the presentations of the dishes. In fact, moroccan cuisine is like a party, a festival, a symphony of tastes and sensuality: flavour, smell and sight
|
