- Location: Larache, Larache Province, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, Morocco (40 km from Asyla)
- Founded: 7th century BC.
The Atlantic coast of North Africa, the mysterious state of Morocco , the ancient history of the first civilizations - all this attracts thousands of tourists and pilgrims from all over the world every year. Morocco is famous, first of all, for its religious heritage and ancient cities, one of which is Lixus.
What to see?
Translated from the Phoenician language, "lixus" means "eternal", which has its meaning today. This is one of the ancient and first cities of the departed kingdom in the lands of the Maghreb, as the state of Morocco is sometimes called today in Africa.
The ancient city of the Maghreb keeps secrets in itself from the 8th century BC. In the middle of the XX century more than ten years in these places, thorough archaeological excavations and surveys were conducted. The ancient temples, the walls of buildings from the 4th century AD, the painted mosaic of the floors, the most prominent - in the form of Poseidon's head, the baths and even the ruins of the Capitol of the era of Carthage, once again came to light. Excavations have shown that there is an even older settlement of people in the basement of Lexus.
Initially, the port was not in Larache, but just in Lixus - pay attention to the masonry of the surviving buildings. The walls and foundations were built of stones that were perfectly cut and manually fitted to one another like a mosaic. It is believed that this is the real trace of Mesoamerican civilizations, and the age of the first buildings is dated to the period 1200-1100 BC. The found and preserved buildings bear the traces of the rule of the Phoenicians and Romans.
By the way, only the very fact that since July 1, 1995 the ancient city of Lixus is considered an official candidate for entry into the UNESCO World Heritage List, is a very good reason to include it in your tourist itinerary.
How to get to Līksus?
Imagine that you travel through North Africa by car, sweep through the hot territory of Morocco , turn onto the A1 motorway, which somewhat winds the Atlantic Ocean. After a short walk, you will see the whole view of the surviving ruins of the city of Līksus. You can also book an official tour with the group in the tourist centers of the major cities of Morocco ( Casablanca , Marrakech , Fez ).
Access to the ruins is free and free, but always remember that such a historical heritage is too fragile and does not tolerate a vandalistic attitude towards oneself.
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