The Medina of Tetouan is a historic urban center and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its exceptional state of preservation and its profound cultural significance. Founded in the late 15th century, it served as a principal point of contact between Morocco and Andalusia following the Reconquista in Spain. The city became a major refuge for Andalusian Muslims and Jews, whose influence profoundly shaped its architecture, urban layout, and artistic traditions.

The urban fabric of the Medina is characterized by a dense, labyrinthine network of streets, alleys, and dead-ends, a layout typical of medieval Islamic cities designed for privacy and defense. It is enclosed by historic walls and accessed through several monumental gates, such as Bab El Okla. The district is organized into distinct quarters dedicated to residential areas, crafts, commerce, and public institutions, reflecting a sophisticated social and economic organization.

Architecturally, the Medina is renowned for its whitewashed houses, often featuring green painted doors and wrought-iron window grilles, a distinctive aesthetic. The interior spaces frequently center around Andalusian-style courtyards adorned with zellij tilework, carved stucco, and woodwork. This architectural heritage represents a remarkable fusion of local Moroccan and imported Andalusian styles, creating a unique visual and cultural identity.

The site functions as a living center of traditional crafts and knowledge. It houses numerous artisan workshops specializing in practices such as wood carving, intricate tilework, embroidery, and metalwork. These crafts are not only preserved but are actively practiced, contributing to the area's vibrant economic and cultural life. The souks within the Medina are organized by trade, with specific streets dedicated to textiles, jewelry, leather goods, and spices.

Culturally, the Medina of Tetouan has been an important center for Islamic learning and the arts. It contains several historic mosques, madrasas (theological schools), fondouks (inns for merchants), and public baths. The area served as the capital of the Spanish Protectorate in northern Morocco for much of the 20th century, adding another layer to its complex historical narrative. Its preservation provides invaluable insight into urban planning, social history, and the cultural exchanges between North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula.