Maison de la Photographie

Morocco between 1870 and 1950, before the French protectorate changed everything. The photographs here — collected by Patrick Manach and Hamid Mergani — show a country that no longer exists: Berber chiefs, Jewish merchants, empty kasbahs, ceremonies now forgotten. The building is a restored riad in the medina's northern reaches. The collection spans 4,500 photographs, documents, and glass negatives. Some images are ethnographic; others are clearly posed. Together, they form a portrait of a society in transition — proud, complex, about to collide with modernity. The rooftop cafe is the other reason to come. Mint tea and medina views, away from the chaos below. The terrace looks toward the mountains. On clear days, you can see snow. Best time: Morning for photography, afternoon for the rooftop Allow: 1-1.5 hours Combine with: Ben Youssef Medersa (5-minute walk)