Moroccan "Blue City" Chefchaouen Named Among World’s Most Beautiful, Outranking Barcelona

Chefchaouen ranks eighth in the ranking of the 20 most beautiful cities in the world, compiled by the American platform Architectural Digest. The Moroccan city outranks Istanbul (Turkey) and Barcelona (Spain). It owes this position to its charming blue walls and breathtaking natural landscapes. Located in the Tangier-Tetouan region, the Moroccan "Blue City" is not only a beautiful tourist destination, but also a place that embraces a blend of authentic Moroccan history and culture, comments the American magazine. "In the 15th century, Jewish refugees fleeing the Spanish Inquisition painted the buildings blue to recall the skies and the power of God. Over the following centuries, the inhabitants perpetuated the tradition," adds Architectural Digest.

Nicknamed the blue pearl, Chefchaouen has retained a soul of Andalusian influence. It is the most Hispano-Moorish of Moroccan cities. Last December, it rose to 6th place among the 10 most visited world cities on Instagram, with more than 600,000 photos reflecting its unique charm and distinctive appeal, reinforcing its position as an essential tourist destination.