Bathing in blue

Posted byDerbyshire GalPosted inMoroccoTags:, ,

There are many ideas as to why Chefchaouen is so blue.

The most common is that it was Sephardic Jews, fleeing the Spanish Inquisition.

Representing the sky and their connection to God.

A view of a narrow blue alleyway with terracotta roof tiles and a decorative door at the end.
A colorful mural on a blue wall depicting a scenic landscape with houses and mountains, framed by an arch.
A woman in a black outfit stands on stone steps in a blue-painted alleyway, surrounded by textured walls and greenery.
A vibrant blue wall with decorative doors and window shutters, adorned with a pink woven textile hanging down.
Colorful woven textile hanging on a wall, featuring geometric patterns and vibrant pink colors against a blue background.
Colorful textiles hang on a wall, featuring a pink woven rug with intricate patterns and a beige, geometric-patterned textile above it. A blue door with decorative ironwork is visible in the background.
Three colorful woven textiles displayed on a wall, featuring various patterns and textures in shades of orange, red, and black.
A close-up view of a blue-painted door with intricate carvings and a brass handle, featuring a sign that reads 'RIAD ANDALOUS HOTEL'. The background shows a wall painted in a slightly brighter blue and some textiles hanging nearby.
Colorful traditional shoes displayed on a blue wall, with decorative patterns and hanging rugs in various colors and designs.
A colorful display of handmade crafts, including knitted items and accessories, on a blue wall, with a sign for 'Calle El Asrouti' above.
A colorful garland made of pom-poms in various colors hanging against a blue wooden door.
A display of intricately designed Moroccan slippers, or babouches, in various colors and patterns, hanging against a blue wall.
A narrow alleyway in a blue-painted medina, featuring textured walls and stone steps. Two individuals are seen, one partially visible at the entrance of an arch and another in colorful garments standing nearby.
Colorful woven baskets displayed against a blue background

The name “Chefchaouen” is of Arabic and Berber origin coming from “Chef” – a derivation of the Arabic word “to look” and the Berber term “Echaouen”, meaning “antlers” or “horns” and is a term used to indicate the peak of mountains.

So Chefchaouen means ‘look at the horns’, referring to the two mountain peaks overlooking the area.

A collection of colorful, handmade hats displayed on a blue background, featuring various patterns and textures.
A vibrant display of various framed paintings on a blue wall, featuring colorful depictions of abstract and coastal scenes, as well as a prominent portrait with intricate details.
A storefront in a blue and white painted wall, featuring open wooden shutters displaying various necklaces and jewelry. On the left, bags are hanging on the wall, and a person is seated nearby.
Colorful woven baskets hanging on a textured blue wall.
An overhead view of colorful woven rugs displayed outdoors, featuring intricate patterns in hues of red, orange, yellow, and blue.
A collection of hanging watercolor paintings depicting blue and white buildings with colorful details, displayed against a blue wall.
A colorful display of paintings depicting Mediterranean-style buildings, with blue and white colors predominating, arranged on a wall.
Colorful rugs displayed in a narrow alley with blue walls and patterned textiles hanging above.
A man with glasses stands in front of a colorful shop displaying textiles and crafts, with vibrant blue walls and an intricately designed door.
A woman in a purple robe and straw hat stands beside a vibrant blue wall, partially obscured by a doorway, with a signboard displaying information.
A man stands in the doorway of a vibrant blue shop, surrounded by colorful textiles and woven baskets for sale.
A collection of woven baskets with decorative patterns, hanging on a blue door with decorative studs.
A beautifully painted blue door with intricate designs and patterns.
A display of colorful woven rugs and textiles hanging against a blue wall, with a woven basket partially visible at the bottom.
A collection of decorative woven baskets displayed against a blue wall. The top two baskets have vibrant embroidery and patterns, one featuring stars and the other an eye design. A large woven basket with a black lid sits below them, accompanied by colorful patterned plates leaning against the wall.
A man stands in front of a blue doorway, wearing a brown t-shirt with a graphic design, surrounded by colorful hanging fabrics.
Decorative mirrors with colorful frames hanging on a blue wall.
A colorful entrance of a blue wall building adorned with hanging clothes and traditional rugs, surrounded by greenery.
Decorative blue door with intricate patterns, set against a light blue wall.
Three woven baskets on a textured blue wall next to a patterned textile.
A person standing in front of a blue door, surrounded by hanging traditional clothing and textiles in a vibrant market setting.
A blue textile hanging against a textured blue wall, featuring intricate patterns in lighter shades of blue and white.
Colorful traditional garments hanging on a blue wall, showcasing intricate patterns and designs.
A display of elegant, intricately designed garments hanging on hangers against a blue wall.
A display of colorful traditional shoes, including various styles and designs, arranged neatly on wooden shelves. The background includes textiles hanging, showcasing vibrant colors.
Narrow blue alleyway with potted plants along the walls and a clay pot in the foreground.
A weathered blue door with intricate metalwork and round studs, surrounded by blue walls. Hanging pots with plants are visible on either side.
A display of colorful traditional clothing and footwear, featuring a striped bag and various styles of sandals arranged on a blue background.

As well as being a kaleidoscope of every blue hue known to man, Chefchaouen is also cat paradise!! Perfect for us kitty lovers.

A man wearing a t-shirt and sunglasses sits on a cobbled street in Chefchaouen, holding a small gray and white kitten on his lap, surrounded by blue walls.
A person sitting on a cobblestone street in a blue-painted alleyway, gently petting a gray kitten.
A smiling man sitting on a cobblestone street in Chefchaouen, Morocco, holding a small gray kitten against his chest, surrounded by blue walls.
A smiling man wearing glasses and a T-shirt is crouching down on a cobblestone street, holding a small gray kitten in his hands against a backdrop of blue-painted walls.
A man in a green t-shirt and glasses sitting on the ground, holding a gray kitten. The background features blue-washed walls typical of Chefchaouen.
A person with glasses sits on the ground with a gray and white cat resting on their lap. They are surrounded by blue walls, typical of Chefchaouen, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
A close-up of a gray and white cat with striking green eyes, being held in front of a blue wall, showcasing the charming atmosphere of Chefchaouen.
Close-up of a gray and white cat with large eyes, perched on a person's arm. The background features a blue door and warm-colored walls, typical of Chefchaouen.
A person with glasses sitting on the ground, holding a gray and white cat on their lap, with blue painted walls in the background.

Whether it’s local crafts and artwork, or just people watching. This town is crammed full of character.

A vibrant display of traditional Moroccan artwork, featuring colorful wall hangings and decorative tiles, set against a blue wall.
A close-up of a painted mural featuring blue walls, terracotta pots with flowers, and decorative details.
A vibrant blue wall with peeling paint, featuring a blue door and a colorful tapestry hanging on a metal rod.
A blue wall adorned with various colorful paintings depicting streets and architecture, typical of Chefchaouen, Morocco.
A collection of colorful textile artworks featuring various hand-painted designs, including geometric and cultural motifs, against a blue wall.
Colorful traditional garments displayed on mannequins against a textured white wall, featuring a yellow dress and various patterned outfits in red and green.
Colorful market stalls displaying various handcrafted jewelry and art pieces in Chefchaouen, Morocco.
A colorful street scene in Chefchaouen, featuring blue-painted walls and artwork depicting similar blue alleyways.
A blue door with a decorative arch in Chefchaouen, Morocco, surrounded by white walls.
A person standing next to a wall adorned with colorful traditional garments in Chefchaouen, Morocco.
A blue-painted street scene in Chefchaouen, Morocco, featuring a shop with colorful boxes outside and a vibrant mural depicting a staircase and a doorway.
Colorful handicrafts and textiles displayed on a blue wall, including woven baskets, a red rug with geometric patterns, and a traditional jacket.
Colorful traditional garments hanging on a wall next to a blue door.
A vibrant blue street scene in Chefchaouen, featuring a shop with bright blue doors and various painted artworks hanging on the wall.
A man standing in front of a vibrant blue door with decorative elements.
A blue wooden door with decorative circular studs, framed by a purple wall and archway, showcasing a rustic and colorful entrance.
A man stands in front of a striking blue wall adorned with a mirror, a plant, and colorful woven textiles in Chefchaouen.
Colorful woven baskets hanging on a blue wall next to vibrant textile art pieces, including a red patterned rug and a multi-colored striped textile.
A colorful straw hat decorated with bright pom-poms resting against a vibrant blue wall.
Blue and white decorative wall with an arched window framed by intricate patterns and the text 'EXPO D'ART'.
Close-up of orange musk soap cubes with a black sign labeled 'Musk' in white lettering.
A black and white cat sitting on a mat in front of a woven table with various decorative items and jewelry in a vibrant market setting.
A small cat resting on blue steps against a stone wall in Chefchaouen, Morocco.
A person standing next to a colorful wall hanging in a blue-painted alley of Chefchaouen, Morocco. The individual is wearing a t-shirt and shorts, posing for the photo.
A man standing in a blue alleyway in Chefchaouen, Morocco, beside a colorful woven rug hanging on the wall.
A blue and orange patterned door with intricate cut-outs in Chefchaouen, showcasing the city's unique architecture.
Colorful bookmarks displayed on a blue wall, featuring various designs and tassels in bright colors.
A view of brick steps decorated with blue and white patterns, leading against a blue wall with brown patches in Chefchaouen.
A colorful display of souvenirs from Chefchaouen, Morocco, featuring various blue-themed magnets and decorative items arranged in a grid pattern.

I love the stalls selling vivid coloured dye, used for traditional clothing.

A colorful display of bookmarks featuring various images, each adorned with vibrant tassels, against a blue background. The bookmarks are arranged neatly, showcasing the artistic scenes depicted on them.
A street view in Chefchaouen featuring traditional blue-painted buildings, with a mountain backdrop and cloudy sky.
A vibrant blue wall with decorative arches and a tiled design, featuring several woven baskets in various colors placed on a ledge.
A vibrant blue staircase in Chefchaouen, Morocco, adorned with flower pots and a mural depicting a serene water scene.
A woman in a flowy black dress and scarf stands on a blue-painted stairway in Chefchaouen, Morocco, surrounded by blue walls and decorative pots.
A vibrant blue staircase leading up to buildings in Chefchaouen, Morocco, with a painted mural on the wall featuring potted plants.
A person in a black outfit with a patterned scarf stands smiling in front of blue-painted buildings and steps in Chefchaouen, Morocco.
A close-up of a blue and white patterned wall in Chefchaouen, Morocco, featuring intricate tile work and architectural details.
A colorful display of stacked soap bars in pink, yellow, and orange arranged in a shop, showcasing a vibrant market setting.
A decorative round mirror with a colorful fringe made of straw, reflecting a blue window with a white frame, set against a white wall and natural woven basket.
A colorful straw mirror surrounded by woven bags and baskets with decorative patterns, showcasing traditional craftsmanship against a backdrop of a blue window in Chefchaouen.
A display of colored powders in small trays outside a shop in Chefchaouen, Morocco, with blue walls and hanging woven bags.
A colorful display of woven textiles in vibrant hues, featuring pink, blue, green, and yellow patterns against a light blue wall.
A young person standing in front of a blue wall with a blue door and mailboxes in a picturesque setting, typical of Chefchaouen.
A vibrant display of colorful powders in containers, set against a blue wall adorned with woven hats and straps.
A vibrant blue wall with various woven baskets hanging and colorful items displayed on shelves, showcasing local crafts and pottery.
A wooden door frame with a colorful mural inside, showcasing a blue and white house with a red roof. The tiled floor features intricate patterns in blue, yellow, and white, and there are potted plants on either side of the entrance.
A vibrant blue shop interior filled with various jars of spices, oils, and colorful baskets hanging from the ceiling.
Interior of a colorful shop filled with various products including oils and local crafts, showcasing a blue and black checkered floor.
Colorful woven baskets displayed in front of a vibrant purple textile, featuring geometric patterns and designs.
A vibrant street in Chefchaouen, Morocco, featuring blue-painted steps adorned with colorful plant pots and hanging lanterns. A painted mural depicting local figures can be seen on the side.
A vibrant view inside a Moroccan shop showcasing shelves filled with colorful jars and spices, with blue shelves and various containers accentuating the lively atmosphere.
A man stands in a vibrant blue alleyway adorned with colorful decorations in Chefchaouen, Morocco.
Colorful alleyway in Chefchaouen featuring blue steps, painted walls, and decorative elements such as hanging fabrics and potted plants.
A close-up of a decorative blue door with ornate black and white tile patterns on the side.
Close-up of a blue door with decorative elements, including an eye motif and a hand-shaped door knocker.
An array of colorful handcrafted items including leather bags, decorative cushions, and vibrant woven scarves displayed against a blue background.
A vibrant mural depicting an alleyway in Chefchaouen, showcasing blue walls and orange buildings, with a person walking in the distance.
A mural depicting a woman with striking blue eyes, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a white shawl. She holds a wooden stand with colorful woven baskets.
A colorful street market in Chefchaouen featuring a display of local crafts, including pottery, jewelry, and textiles against a vibrant blue wall.
A textured blue wall with artistic paintings depicting staircases and doorways, adorned with small, colorful flower pots.
A colorful wall adorned with decorative painted tiles featuring designs of blue doors and plants, interspersed with small flower-filled pots.
Colorful straw hats lined on blue stairs, with a vibrant blue wall in the background and neatly arranged items on a nearby shelf.
A man stands in a narrow blue alleyway in Chefchaouen, Morocco, wearing casual clothing including a brown t-shirt and shorts. The walls and doors around him are painted in various shades of blue.
A narrow passageway featuring a vibrant blue wall and door, with a potted plant in a stone container on the left.
A narrow alley in Chefchaouen featuring blue walls and a decorative tapestry depicting the town's skyline.
Mosaic artwork depicting a building with an arched entrance and lush greenery in Chefchaouen, Morocco, with small decorative frames displaying intricate designs in front.
Two colorful dresses hanging on a black hanger against a blue background, featuring vibrant stripes in pink, purple, blue, yellow, and black with decorative trim.
A woman sitting on the ground beside a variety of fresh vegetables and produce, with colorful garments displayed on mannequins against a blue wall.
Shelves displaying colorful powder pigments in small trays, with traditional woven bags hanging beside.

Published by Derbyshire Gal

World traveller, proud auntie, bit of a liability.

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