Who would say that Marrakech would have patrons & protectors saints? In fact, Marrakech have 7 Saints that serve as spiritual guardians and protectors of this amazing city. Nowadays the life on the city seems to run without the presence of the Patron Saints of Marrakech, but deep inside, spirituality is evident.

During the 18th century, the Sultan Moulay Ismail make this official as he instituted a pilgrimage called ziara. This ziara pilgrimage of the tombs would make pilgrims to visit seven patron saints and meditate each day in one of the mausoleums called zaouias. Each patron saint corresponded to a specific day of the week.

In order to protect Moroccan culture during the French presence in the country, a law prohibited non-Muslims to visit these holy places, making it impossible to visit. You can try your luck and ask if you can go inside, take your shoes out and remember to contribute your way in to the lady in charge (10 Dirhams is enough).

Photos of some Marrakech Zaouias