The Sanctuary at the Chellah comprises the Mosque of Abou Youssef (the second Merenid Sultan 1258-86), a zaouia, various royal tombs and koubas , and a sacred spring pool.
The minaret is the most identifiable part of the mosque ruins , topped by a storks nest which indicates good fortune.
The medersa part of the zaouia retains some of the zellige ornament and the mihrab some stucco decoration.
The tombs vary between the standard long stone with a triangular top
and koubas of local marabouts or saints.
The sanctity of the pool must surely pre-date Islam. Apparently women wishing to conceive feed eggs to the resident eels which, thankfully, I did not see.
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