While the buildings themselves in Chefchaouen aren’t anything special, the town itself is a sight to behold. In attempt to escape the winter chill that has descended over Europe, we decided to head down to Morocco this Christmas break in search of some warmth and the chance to explore all that this fascinating country has to offer.

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Chefchaouen is a small city in Morocco’s Rif Mountains. Perched on the hillside, the town was formerly a fortified city founded in the 15th Century by Spanish refugees. Chances are that the town was reasonably un-notable until the 1930’s when the town was once again host to Jewish refugees this time fleeing the rising anti-semitic tensions in Europe. It was these refugees who transformed the fortunes and identity of Chefchaouen by painting the town blue. In Judaism, blue is symbolic of divinity (in reference to the sky and heaven) and therefore this act of painting the town perhaps was an act of hope of better times ahead. While most of these refugees moved onto Israel upon its creation, this tradition has continued to this day creating a beautiful and unique landscape where clear blue skies blur into the narrow alleys and stepped streets of the medina.

Chefchaouen’s blue walls blur with the cloudless skies; beyond an octagonal minaret is also painted blue Off the narrow streets, small archways often lead into private courtyards; here a boy plays in an unused doorway

Local governments around the world seek to boost visitor numbers by building landmarks at the expense of often crippling debt. Here however the same is done by the people of Chefchaouen (perhaps more effectively and for a lot less money) by simply creating a consistency and uniqueness which people come to soak up. Through a tradition started by a group of refugees who have long since gone, the town has been transformed into a beautiful landscape formed from a never ending spectrum of sky blue tones. As a break from the hustle and bustle of Morocco’s larger cities, Chefchaouen is well worth the trip.