Marrakech
Marrakech is among the most fascinating places in Morocco. It is the forth
largest city. Know as the red city and the pearl of the Moroccan south.
It was a particular imperial capitol of a vast empire during the reign of Almoravids that covered most of the "Grand maghreb" and extended well into Europe. It was the protector of the Islamic civilization in that part of the world and a celebrated intellectual and commercial center.
Visiting the city means visiting a particular place rich of monuments of varied culture from different ages. The successive sovereignties left an extraordinary religious and historical heritage: the majestic defensive walls with nine amazing gates, as well as an uncountable memorials and monuments, Kasbas, palaces, riyads...apart from this city benefits from a natural variety.
It is situated in the cross roads of the Sahara and framed by the snow-peaked Atlas Mountains.
It is the wonder of many travelers founded in 1062, still preserving its charm and its irresistible attraction. If you have time It is worth stay of several days...
What to See
-Jemaa El Fna: is a square in Marrakesh next to the Koutoubia mosque. This high-spot ever draws a million visitors came to attend the shows hosted by the snake charmers, monkey trainers, storytellers, musicians and other popular artists. "The Cultural Space of Jemaa el-Fna"was included by UNESCO in 2001 as an intangible cultural heritage of mankind.
-The Koutoubia mosque: was Built under the Berber dynasty of the Almoravids in 1120, but was substantially revised from 1162 under the Almohad Amir Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur, and became one of the most characteristic buildings of this style. Its name comes from the fact that it was in the bazaar merchants manuscripts.
-Saadian Tombs: Dates from the time of the great sultan Ahmad al-Mansur Saadi (1578-1603). These tombs were not discovered until about 1917, then restored by the department of Fine Arts. They are constantly since then to impress visitors with the beauty of their decoration.
-Majorelle Gardens: botanical garden in Marrakech. Tourist French painter Jacques Majorelle (1886-1962) established it in 1931. Property of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in 1980.
-Dar Si Said museum: located in Marrakech, is dedicated to the Moroccan craft wood. Formerly a mansion built in the late nineteenth century by Si Said, brother of Ahmed Ba, Moulay Abdelaziz Grand Vizier ofand the Sultan Moulay Hassan. Dar Si Said museum was built in 1932.
-Madrasa Ben Youssef: is a gem of Moorish architecture. The current structure of the Koranic school was built in 1570 by Saadian and restored in 1950. It is the work of Sultan Ghalib Al saadien Abdellah which finished construction in 1564-1565.
-The Bahia Palace: is a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture which was built in the late nineteenth century, like most Arab-Andalusian palace, it contains beautiful gardens and lovely patios And comprises 150 rooms richly decorated.
-Menara Garden: is a large garden planted with olive trees in about 45 minutes walk from the Jamaa El Fna. At the heart of this garden, a large basin at the foot of a pavilion serves as a reservoir of water to irrigate crops. It is a very peaceful place, away from the bustle of the city. It is therefore an ideal place for walking.
-The Souks: or markets of Marrakech, just adjacent to Place Djemaa El-Fna, are where you can buy almost anything. From spices to shoes, jellabas to kaftans, tea pots to tagines and much, much more.