Chefchaouen, The Blue Pearl of Morocco, 1

Chefchaouen was founded in 1471 in the Rif mountains of Morocco by Jews and Moors fleeing persecution in Spain. There are many different theories about why Chefchaouen is blue. Some say it was painted blue by the Jews who settled there after fleeing Hitler, while others say it’s to keep the mosquitos away. Others say the blue symbolises the sky and heaven, and serve as a reminder to lead a spiritual life. However, according to some locals, the walls were mandated to be painted blue simply to attract tourists at some point in the 1970s. Regardless, Chefchaouen is certainly one of the most romantic and most beautiful places in Morocco.

Image dimensions: 4800 x 3600 pixels