Street scene in the medina of Chefchaouen (Morocco). Chefchaouen is a city known for its medina painted almost entirely in shades of blue. Founded in 1471 as a fortress to fight Portuguese invasions, the town has blended Berber, Jewish, Andalusian and Arab influences over centuries. The blue color, possibly introduced by Jewish refugees in the 1930s, is believed to symbolize the sky or spirituality and has since become a defining feature of the city. The medina’s narrow streets are lined with houses featuring arched doorways, red-tiled roofs and wrought iron balconies. Despite increased tourism in recent years, the town maintains a calm atmosphere shaped by its setting and long history.