Morocco
Chefchaouen
Welcome to Chefchaouen, Morocco — nicknamed the "Blue City" because nearly every wall, door, and staircase is painted a beautiful shade of blue.
Why is it famous?
Almost every building in the old town is painted blue, from the deepest navy to the softest sky blue.
Walking through its narrow, winding streets feels like stepping inside a painting.
How was it built?
Chefchaouen was founded in 1471 as a small fortress town tucked into the Rif Mountains.
Nobody knows for certain why it turned blue, but many believe it began with refugees who painted their homes blue for tradition and to help keep mosquitoes away.
Amazing facts
The town sits high in the Rif Mountains, surrounded by green peaks.
Residents still repaint the walls blue every year to keep the color bright.
Quick facts
- The town sits high in the Rif Mountains, surrounded by green peaks.
- Residents still repaint the walls blue every year to keep the color bright.
- Its name means "look at the horns," describing the two mountain peaks that rise above the town.
- Photographers travel from all over the world just to capture its blue streets and doorways.