MARRAKECH: THE PEARL OF THE SOUTH
Marrakech, an ancient imperial city located in western Morocco. It is an important economic center and boasts mosques, palaces, and gardens.
The medina is a bustling medieval walled city dating back to the Berber Empire, with labyrinthine streets where lively souks (markets) sell fabrics, ceramics, and traditional jewelry. The Moorish minaret of the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque is a symbol of the city and can be seen for miles.
It is the fourth largest city in the country, after Casablanca, Fez, and Tangier. It is located 580 km southwest of Tangier, 327 km southwest of Rabat, 240km southwest of Casablanca, and 246 km northeast of Agadir.
It is one of the so-called four imperial cities of Morocco (the others are Fez, Meknès, and Rabat) and the one that attracts the most tourists.
Popularly called the “Pearl of the South,” it has been elected the best tourist destination in Africa for two consecutive years at the World Travel Awards.
The vibrant city of Marrakech is Morocco’s most visited tourist destination, and despite receiving thousands of tourists annually from all over the world, the immense metropolis still retains its exotic and striking essence.
Unique characteristics were inherited from the diverse peoples who lived in this region of the country, such as the Berbers, Moors, Spanish, and French.
Known as the “Red City” due to the colors of its imposing buildings and walls, the charming Marrakech has important monuments that portray the city’s peak in the past.
WHAT TO SEE IN MARRAKECH
WALLS AND GATES OF MARRAKECH
The walls were commissioned by Ali Ben Youssef in 1126 and have become iconic. They are about 8 meters high, protecting the city for many centuries. Until the beginning of the 20th century, the 10 gates were locked every night. Currently, the walls are a meeting and resting place for many local residents.
The gates are living proof that the taste for detail in Morocco is incredible! All gates, whether new or old, are unique. It is possible to find a door within another!
JEMAA EL FNA SQUARE
It is one of Marrakech’s biggest attractions, considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is in the square that we find the most authentic food in Morocco: Moroccan couscous.
The scenery changes throughout the day. During the day, you will find stalls with orange juice, water sellers with traditional leather bags and brass cups, as well as young chained monkeys and snake charmers. But as the day progresses, you will see Chleuh dancers, storytellers, magicians, and street vendors of traditional medicines. Closer to the evening, the square fills with food stalls as the number of people in the square increases.
KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE GARDENS
The Koutoubia Mosque has a minaret tower that stands 77 meters high and dominates the city’s skyline, serving as a landmark for both residents and tourists.
The Koutoubia Gardens are located there. When entering through the main gate, you see a large fountain and a wide path towards the minaret. The effect is enchanting!
MAJORELLE GARDEN
The Majorelle Garden spans over 9000 m and is one of the most charming and mysterious gardens in Morocco. Created over 40 years, it is surrounded by external walls and consists of a labyrinth of intersecting alleys at different levels and boldly colored buildings. The site has approximately three thousand botanical species and two museums.
THE SECRET GARDEN OF MARRAKECH
The Secret Garden dates back to the 16th century, and was considered home to great politicians. It was restored in 2008 and has been open to the public ever since. In addition to being a fabulous garden, it features beautiful architecture. You can eat or have a tea and visit a small museum and the souvenir shop.
SAADIAN TOMBS
The Saadian dynasty ruled Morocco from 1549 to 1659. Shortly after the fall of the dynasty, the tombs were sealed and hidden, being rediscovered only in 1917.
The Saadian Tombs are located outside the walls, near the Koutoubia Mosque. The building is one of the most beautiful, as it features rich architectural details.
The complex has a marvelous design, with high-domed ceilings, complex wooden sculptures, and marble statues. In the tombs, there are mosaics of colored tiles and trellis-shaped stuccos. There are two main mausoleums, together containing 66 tombs.
BAHIA PALACE
The Bahia Palace was created by Minister Ahmed bin Musa in the 19th century and is now a work of art. In 1894, it was further expanded, with the addition of a mosque, a hammam (or Turkish bath), and a vegetable garden. It has 150 rooms, including a harem section located next to the Court of Honor. It is full of gardens that occupy an area of 8,000 square meters.
DAR SI SAID MUSEUM
It is the oldest museum in the city and exhibits various artifacts of Moroccan art. Formerly, it was a palace and residence of Si Said. The collection includes the exhibition of antiques, barn doors, Tuareg leather bags, ceramics, embroidery, carpets, weapons, instruments, and jewelry of Berber origin.
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