Rissani, a holy city and the cradle of the great Alawite Dynasty, is a major city in Errachidia region. Rissani, the heir to Sijilmassa, is the region's famed city with a privileged spiritual and commercial position. It stands out due to its magnificent century old Ksours filled with palm trees, its historical monuments, and above all, its souk that dates back to the 8th century.
Approximately 20 kilometers away from Erfoud, Rissani offers a one-of-a-kind experience that combines time travel with immersion in one of Morocco’s most authentic souks.
An ancient souk
Through its Souk of one thousand smells, Rissani is the heart of the regional trade. The marketplace gathers souwaka (traders) coming from hundreds of neighboring Ksours to attend different meetings and exchanges.
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays are especially active at the Souk. It is very incredibly wide and divided into several parts, which are referred to as Rahbas, meaning places. The vendors offer a wide selection of products, both local and imported, to satisfy the needs of the region’s residents.
The dates, grains, cattle, food stalls, artisanal bazaar, clothing, and household equipment shops, as well as ironworkers and carpenters’ workshops, are located in the intersection of the souk’s covered alleys. The souk also contains a service area and a restaurant that serves authentic and delicious Medfouna (a traditional stuffed bread).
Special mention to the parking of traders and visitors’ mounts, where donkeys and mules pile up in tens, creating incredible mayhem.
Walking through the souk, one can notice the economic significance of this city in the region, which is comparable to that of Sijilmassa in the past.
Traveling in time
Rissani city is located on the site of the iconic Sijilmassa. In addition to the famous Souk, it has a unique charm due to its pre-Saharan atmosphere and the variety of attractions to explore.
The mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, founder of the magnificent Alaouite dynasty, is the city’s most famous monument. Other monuments may be found around the city and its surroundings, including the Ksours, which were renovated at the end of the 17th century by Moulay Ismail, and which maintain some aspects of the original architecture.
Without being exhaustive, we can mention Ksar Oulad Abdelhalim, Kasbah Rissani, Ksar El Fida, Ksar Abbar Lmakhzen… all easily accessible.
The city is also an important stopover on the Thousand Kasbahs circuit, as it stands on the site of Sijilmassa, previously a significant trans-Saharan trading station.
The region is well-known for its geological and archaeological wonders. The road from Erfoud to Rissani passes through multiple fossil and mineral museums, which house collected stones, well-preserved fossil specimens, and even full dinosaur skeletons! You may see prehistoric remains like nowhere else, as well as purchase decorative and unique souvenirs.
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