Medina of Tétouan (formerly known as Titawin)

The Medina of Tétouan, historically known as Titawin, is a compact old town in northern Morocco distinguished by strong Andalusian influences in its urban form and architecture. Much of the medina’s layout and built fabric reflect the settlement of Andalusian refugees after the 15th century Reconquista.

The medina is characterised by narrow, orthogonal streets, whitewashed houses with inner courtyards and concentrated artisan workshops, producing a distinctive urban character. Public squares and civic spaces are relatively small and integrated into the dense street pattern, and the medina retains many active craft and commercial functions.

The medina expanded and was repopulated during the late medieval and early modern periods, shaped by the cultural influence of immigrants from the Iberian Peninsula and later local developments. The compact scale and preserved domestic forms make it an illustrative example of Andalusian-Moroccan urbanism.

Tétouan lies on the Mediterranean coast of northern Morocco, inland from the Strait of Gibraltar and east of Tangier; the medina occupies the historic centre of the modern town.

• Andalusian influence: The medina retains strong Andalusian architectural influence due to historical repopulation by refugees from al-Andalus; this is visible in courtyard houses and decorative detail.
• Practical tip: The medina is compact and highly walkable; restraint in luggage size and careful footing on uneven paving are useful when exploring its streets.

What to See#

• Medina core: The medina core - a compact network of narrow streets and courtyards notable for Andalusian-influenced layout, whitewashed facades and artisan workshops packed into a small urban footprint.
• Plaza Hassan II: Plaza Hassan II - a principal public square that serves as a circulation and meeting point within the medina and connects to later civic buildings.
• Artisan quarters: Artisan quarters - clustered workshops and small manufactories where traditional crafts such as carpentry, leatherwork and textile production continue in historic settings.

Tétouan is about 60-80 km from Tangier and 20 km from Ceuta by road. From Tangier, take the A6/N13 south by bus (CTM or local operators) to Tétouan (about 1-1.5 hours). Tetouan’s Medina is within walking distance from the central bus station.

• Use small, local guides who can explain the Andalusi architecture and the city's role in Mediterranean trade history.
• Visit the Royal Palace area and the kasbah early for softer light and fewer visitors.
• Bring cash for small purchases in the medina where card machines are rare.