Rabat, the modern capital of Morocco, is the residence of the King and the seat of government and embassies, but its history dates back to the 7th century. First we visit the Mohammed V mausoleum; it was Mohammed V whose reign was marked by the independence of Morocco in 1956. Adjacent to the tomb is the incomplete Hassan Mosque, the most famous landmark in Rabat. Sultan Yacoub al-Mansour started building the mosque in the 12th century; intending it to be the largest in the Islamic world; most impressive is the Hassan Tower. Next we explore the old city, the Fes-el-Bali medina, known for its various souks, or markets, such as the jeweler, blacksmith, or pottery souks. Then to the Fez el Jedid, the newer part of the city, which is home to the Royal Palace and the Mellah section of town; also we see Medersas, Islamic schools, are built with rich architectural detail. In Marrakesh, the capital of the Moroccan south, we explore the Imperial Gardens; ruins here were founded by dynasties in the 12th century.