Oujda is not a city of grand tourism slogans, but a city of layers. Located in eastern Morocco, close to the Algerian border, Oujda has always been a place of passage — for traders, students, families and cultures. This history is visible in its streets, buildings and public spaces.
If you walk through Oujda with open eyes, the city slowly tells its story through architecture, religion and daily life.
The Medina of Oujda – Old Walls, Real Life
The Medina of Oujda is compact and lived-in. Unlike larger tourist medinas, this one feels calm and functional. People live here, shop here and pass through it every day.
You’ll see:
• Narrow streets with traditional houses
• Small workshops and bakeries
• Local markets selling vegetables, bread and spices
• Mosques tucked between homes
The medina is not a museum — it’s part of the city’s everyday rhythm.
Bab Sidi Abdelwahab – A Gate from the Past
One of the most important historical structures in Oujda is Bab Sidi Abdelwahab. This old city gate once marked the entrance to the fortified city and still stands as a reminder of Oujda’s defensive past.
Walking near the gate, you feel the transition between old and new Oujda — centuries of history opening directly onto modern streets.
Mosques of Oujda – Faith in Daily Life
The Islam is deeply woven into the city. Throughout Oujda, you’ll find mosques of different sizes — from large central mosques to small neighborhood prayer spaces.
The Great Mosque of Oujda is one of the most prominent religious buildings in the city. Its architecture is simple but dignified, reflecting Moroccan Islamic design rather than extravagance.
Calls to prayer structure the day and connect different parts of the city through sound.
Saint Louis Church – A Trace of Another Era
Oujda is also home to a Christian landmark: Saint Louis Church Oujda. This church dates back to the colonial period and reflects the city’s multicultural past.
Today, it stands quietly among modern buildings — no longer central, but still present. It’s a reminder that Oujda has always been influenced by more than one culture and faith.
Architecture – Between Old and New
Oujda’s architecture tells a story of transition:
• Traditional houses with inner courtyards
• French-era buildings with European influence
• Modern concrete apartment blocks
• Administrative buildings from the post-independence era
The city is not architecturally uniform — and that contrast is exactly what makes it interesting.
Cafés – The Best Place to Understand Oujda
To really see Oujda, sit in a café. Order tea or coffee and watch the street. Life unfolds slowly: greetings, arguments, laughter, silence.
Cafés are the city’s living rooms — places where time stretches and observation becomes natural.
