In northwest Morocco, situated in the beautiful Rif Mountains, is Chefchaouen. “Chaouen” as locals call it, is a small city that is renowned for it’s beautiful blue painted streets. Besides the blue streets, Chefchauoen is a popular tourist destination for its hashish, grown prolifically all over the region. We went to Chefchaouen to get away from the hustle and bustle of the bigger cities in Morocco. We had seen the photos online detailing all the shades of blue, and just knew we just to get to this Moroccan town. See the photos for yourself! Here are some of our favorites of quite possibly the most picturesque place we have ever been.
Why all the 50 shades of blue? We were curious about this as well, and there are a few answers to this question. History tells us that during the Spanish Inquisition thousands of Jews fled Europe so they were not forced into Christianity. They ended up settling in Chefchauoen and painted all the walls blue, the color of divinity in Judaism.
The locals told us that the blue color repels mosquitos, I guess they mistake the blue for clear blue water and stay away. Then there is the idea that the various shades of blue help to cool the city off during the summer.
More info: theworldpursuit.com
50 shades of blue
Cats rule this city
Blue doors
Blue Painted Pots
One of the many streets
