The Koutoubia mosque, along with the Djemaa al-Fna, is the main Shrine and a symbol of Marrakech. The construction of the mosque began in 1158 under the reign of Sultan Abd al-Mumin and ended in 1190, when came to power, his grandson, Sultan Yacoub al-Mansour. The Koutoubia was erected on the site formerly stood here the ancient mosque of article XI

According to the legend, the Emir ordered to build the mosque, designed by his court architect. After construction it became clear that the temple is incorrectly focused on the most important Arab Shrine of Mecca. As a result angered Amir was executed by the architect, destroyed the mosque, and ordered to build a new one. The mosque is built of shale Sandstone which was mined in the quarries of Jebel Helis.

The Koutoubia mosque is one of the largest mosques in Africa. At the same time it can accommodate about 20 thousand people. After the erection of the temple performs several functions: it was used as a library, University and school.

In the Koutoubia harmoniously combined elements of Andalusian and Moroccan architecture. The building is covered with beautiful colored stucco and was decorated painted in a bright color mosaic. However, with time all the decorations were removed. Crowned by the mosque has five domes. Inside the mosque is 17 aisles with arches in the shape of a horseshoe. The Central aisle tells the visitors to the mihrab - prayer niche, turned towards Mecca. At the opposite end of the temple is an open courtyard, which serves as a place for prayer.

Today, the Koutoubia mosque dominates the Marrakesh to a height of 77 m, being the highest compared to other religious buildings of the city. Thanks to the altitude and the magnificent decoration of the mosque can be seen from afar. Decorated with four gold plated shining balls minaret was built in a traditional Spanish-Moorish architectural style from shale Sandstone in the form of a tower with a 16-metre lantern and dome, topped by a spire.

The entrance to the Koutoubia mosque, non-Muslims are forbidden. But you can visit the magnificent garden, which surrounds it from all sides.