Nestled in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is one of Morocco's most photographed towns. Its medina is a dreamscape of blue — every shade from powder to cobalt washes over walls, doorways, staircases, and flower pots. But why is everything blue? The answer is more complex than you might think.
The Jewish Heritage Theory
The most widely accepted theory is that Jewish refugees who settled in Chefchaouen in the 1930s painted the walls blue. In Jewish tradition, blue represents the sky and heaven, serving as a reminder of God's power. The practice spread throughout the medina and became the town's defining aesthetic.
The Practical Theory
Others claim the blue paint keeps mosquitoes away, as the insects allegedly mistake the blue walls for water. Whether or not this is scientifically proven, many locals swear by it.