Marrakech-Morocco | Radiant Character of Maghreb.

Marrakech,is absolutely one of the most captivating cities of the world,showing all its radiant character of Maghreb,its narrow streets,its colourful,lively and busy Souks,the impressive and huge square Djemaa El Fna and its Moorish architecture and marvellous gardens are all fantastic ingredients to love that special city.

Simply a walk along its bustling streets is a unique experience to live,Marrakech will give you incredible vibrations and sensations discovering probably the most fascinating and beautiful centre of North Africa.

 When I visited Marrakech for the first time,immediately I noticed it is a city so different than other Northern African metropolis such as as Tunisi,Algier,Tangier or the Moroccan Capital Rabat,not only for its unique monuments,but are the colours and the atmosphere embracing that place which made it so special and imitable.

The picturesque sunsets next to its Babs the gates of the ancient Moorish walls which divides the ancient Medina from the new city in the district of the Hivernage are something the other mentioned places have not and the view of the Atlas mountains are another,Marrakech is so different for its lights,reflects and more the flavours which surround that Moroccan centre are not present in other places.

You can classify that city as an immense  box of secrets all to discover and furthermore one of the most exciting places to practise the art of haggling in its busy and noises markets,its intriguing Souks and markets in the street so different than a Istanbul Bazaar or a Souk of Casablanca.

 Known as the Pearl of the South or Red City, Marrakech Alhamra,that magic place received many nicknames because is a centre of many things,with many faces,with several contrasts and you will notice that at fist sight..It is next to Meknes,Fez and Rabat,one of the four imperial cities of Morocco and definitely despite the other three are highly fascinating,it has a charm simply unique.

The name of the city derives from Mur Akusha  which was given by the Amazigh,the first Berber populations who inhabited that land,those two words mean Land of God,an emblematic and iconic name
for the entire country which was known in the far Middle East and including in Persia with that name.

The history of Marrakech is very ancient,intense and tumultuous.It starts as a small Berber village,a humble centre populated by artisans and small traders,due to its convenient location, with a strategical access to the Atlantic Coast,the Atlas Mountains and the desert of Sahara,it became one of the favourite place of the Almoravibs Dynasty to develop a centre thanks to magnificent and great geographical position.Those noble settlers who occupied the area decided to create there a marvellous city starting from the construction of Al Ksar El- Hajar,a stoned castle built in the 11th century.At the time started the shining history of Marrakech.That Ribat Arabian word which means fortress was completed by Al Ibn Tasfin one of the first descendant of the first Almoravib Kings in 1062.

Around that fort started the development of other constructions including were erected the first Medersas the Islamic schools.Later the Caliph Al Abd Al Mu decided to build two Mosques and one of them was the famous Djemaa El Koutubia a great inspiration of the Moorish.Andalusian art,a twin of the famous Giralda the ancient minaret tower located in Seville capital of Andalusia.(I wrote a post about that city where I lived for many years). 

The city became soon the capital of a vast sort of Empire which included the major part of Morocco,under the rule of the Caliphate of Baghdad in Iraq.It was in that period which it reached its golden ages with the constructions of impressive walls,a creation of an active Medina with inside majestic palaces,also the agricultural activity was well developed with the constructions of irrigation channels called Jettara with all that were planned and built huge gardens and large parks surrounding the Medina and the walls,furthermore there were not plots or problems inside the high ranks and the politic structure was very solid.

In the early 12th century in all its splendour it became furthermore powerful including the territories of Spain from Andalusia to the Ebro Valley(the current area in Northern Spain including part of Catalonia near Tortosa and Aragon) the territories of Mauritania and part of Senegal,the lands from the current Melilla to Algier, part of Portugal,Majorca and the Balearic Islands.

In 1147 the city of the Almoravids was conquered by a new influential and powerful dynasty the Almohads Almohads.Those new Arab caste had pan Arab-Berber ideas trying many times to assimilate the local Berbers,an operation not so easy because the locals denied the intercession of the marabouts,the Holy Men who were Ambassadors of God and also because there was in the Berbers a strong pride to keep their cultural identity consisting in customs and traditions.

Also with the Almohad period that centre lived times of absolute glory,that dynasty brought a superb renaissance,they remodelled the ancient walls and they erected the majestic Al Bey Palace which became the central headquarter of power of that Empire in Maghreb.

The Almohads also built the famous Bab Kasbah the impressive gate,main entrance to the Kasbah which in the Arab world is the core of the social,cultural and political life of a city.There was a strong urban expansion and a perfect political organisation,the city increased its cultural life with the presence of prominent artists, architects and philosophers in particular of Abu I  Walid Muhammad Ibn Ahmad Rushd simply known as
Averroes a saviour philosopher who wrote important pages of the history of the current Morocco and Andalusia,who moved from Cordoba one of the most influential cities of the Moorish world in Andalusia where he was an eminent figure to the city.

After a long period of power,prosper and wealthy life,the decline came in the late 15th century,with the defeat in the Spanish reconquest  with the fall of the last stronghold in Iberian territory,Granada,
nd leaving that Southern European Peninsula from the port of Almuñecar a coastal town of Andalusia,last stage of an Empire which end its glorious history.

Marrakech due all that lived very gray periods and the Almohad Dynasty could not re give the old splendour of the golden ages,including in the early 16th century,exactly in the year 152 city moved under rule of  the Saadian dynasty,there was a sort of renaissance when it became the capital of the entire Moroccan territory.

That time was particularly important because there was a new input to create something new after a long decay,there was a new urban asset,restorations of the most important buildings and the beautification of the city which had a relative renaissance also artistic with the embellishment of some palaces.

A new decline came during the years in which the new rulers the Alawi Dynasty moved the capital to Meknes.That time came with the dynasty which continues today in Marrakech, begun by the Sultan Moulay Hassan.

The European colonial expansion also affected the Kingdom of Morocco.Since the year 1911 with the arrival of the French, who exercised their Protectorate until the year 1956,despite there were notable changes in urbanisation and many cities acquired an excellent profile there were also numerous revolts and uprisings.

The dynasty thus recovered their lost power, which had been merely nominal during the years of  dependency.Although not lacking in a constitution, the Monarchy controlled all the political,social and judicial powers.

The King Mohamed VI with his government starts trying to open up to modernity and it is a metropolis who has had an interesting increasing improvements despite it is Casablanca (I wrote a post about that city) thee economic engine of the country and Rabat the Capital of the Kingdom (Also about Rabat I wrote something in the case you are interested) the most important economic activity is based on tourism and it is the favourite destination in Morocco.

With its 2,700,000 inhabitants it is today the third largest city in Morocco(after the mentioned Casablanca and Rabat). is subdivided in two main distinct the Medina the old town and the new city whose main districts are  Guéliz and Hivernage.

Guéliz is now the commercial centre with its several malls,shops and offices and modern boulevards with French influence when the area was developed during the period of the French protectorate during the occupation of Morocco.The district of Hivernage is a very lively area,very modern with wide avenues,new modern buildings,Hotels and Clubs.The city is growing in recent years, particularly in the western suburbs with the emergence of new residential areas of the region of Targa and the extension of thee relevant Avenue Mohamed VI. The Medina the old town has largely kept its historic identity surrounded surrounded by a wall built by Ali Ben Youssef the dynasty Almoravid in 1132.

That walled constructions extends over a length of about 12,0 kilometres,it is still well preserved, though part of it was extended at the time of the successive enlargements of the Medina, in particular in the Almohad period.That huge site has 19 Babs (door)s,among them worth a mention the main called Bab Doukkala which is a very imposing work composed by two bastions on either side and crossed by a large hallway.


Djemaa El Fna is the central square and lively core of Marrakech,the most important of the Medina.It was declared World Heritage site by UNESCO.It develops the public life of the city,day and night and the best highlight of that special place is its transformation which it has in the course of the day.

The name Djemaa el Fna is the composition of Djemaa meaning temple or Mosque and El Fna which translated is courtyard or place outside a building.That immense square hosts a vibrant market,it is the main meeting point of attraction of many tourists,always packed by musicians,local stalls with foods and other products,acrobats and performers,artists and painters.

You will notice many other things which capture the attention from monkey tamers,snake charmers,magicians traders with everything and a relevant detail is the presence of stalls which give a mixture of smells and flavours, selling oranges,lemons,fruit,spices,mint and snails.According evening the square changes completely and by nightfall the stalls disappear in the morning and filled with food stalls where you can dine improvised with music and performances of different kinds.If you dare to dine at the positions of the square,the food is not bad and prices are quite cheap.Anytime is good to walk around Djemaa El Fna and you will enjoy running through it at different times.

The square is surrounded by souvenir shops, bars and restaurants.Recommendation if you enter in one of the bars having a terrace,take a drink for some dirhams and loon at the life of the square from the top,that is is a must.So sit down for a while and taste the typical Moroccan mint tea called Atay and also have a Sfenj which is a sort of a deep-fried Moroccan donuts.

To continue to enjoy the atmosphere of that place changing place a good idea is  to take a place in one of the many cafes surrounding the square some suggested places are the Cafe de France or the Cafe Argana which are among the most popular.The terraces offer a privileged place to take away from the crowd and watch the entire movements of people,all that dynamism of the real show in the open,classified as World  Heritage by UNESCO in the year 2001.

That unique place is often present in several promotional spots of Moroccan Tourism Board in the most important Tourism International Fairs,that huge space in the heart of a magic city will show you something special,difficult to live in other places.

If you want to try something else,also romantic and lovely way to visit Marrakech is by Kaluch a small horse-drawn carriage and they can be hired at Place de Foucauld just at the bottom of Djemaa El Fna.It is wise to agree on a price before setting off.

The Souks of Marrakech are really fascinating.There are many,some of most important are in the Moussine District.That place is a labyrinth of narrow streets but really charming  and interesting to explore.The Marrakech Souks were all developed in the same way,developed since long time ago in urban areas packed by  a maze of streets,considered by the vendors the best places to place their stalls in area populated and
 where Moroccans do their shopping and shopkeepers trying to do their "business with tourists.

You can find the same if you visited or you will visit Alger,Damascus,Cairo,Tunisi or Casablanca,or also Istanbul but in Instanbul is a Bazaar not a Souk,you have to discover the difference just there.From Djaama El Fna Square you can, take Rue des Banques and then turn on the right in Dabachi Derb,and across Rue Biadine you will be in the heart of Moussine district with its souks.There you can buy all kinds of clothes,spices, food, crafts and local products,there are excellent products some pretty cheap,including you can also find some excellent objects in silver and leather.

In the street Ben Saleh Taoulat turn on the left in Derb Sidi Isha on the right side there is the little Mosque Azbedz turning on the right you can visit Souk Ahl Fes another Souk.That place is a really amazing experience,where you will find artisans grouped into guilds,dyers,basket makers and hardware dealers,the most enchanting detail is the atmosphere coloured and lively.

You know the Souk is the birthplace of bargaining,you will have to pay no more than a third of what you originally requested.When you have an idea of what you like or what you want to buy, is when you have to start negotiating.

Do not do that if you are not sure you want the item.Some useful information ; if you do not know that part of the Muslim world there is the Tea ceremony.When you come to a store and the owner will see you are inclined to buy something,that is a good start and all that will make the owner happy and you will be welcome.They will offer you an Atay bi na a mint tea and toy should accept it, that is important and it is a signal of respect.

Drinking the Atay is not only a social drink,it is also ceremonial for Berber culture, mint tea is a sign of friendship,hospitality,brotherhood and the seller will offer it as a sign that you can start an excellent negotiation.Do not reject..Never..When almost finished the mint tea,the shop owner will show you all the items he thinks might be of interest,from there you can start the negotiation,listening to the price,never go down to half price in the first instant.

If you do that it  is the end of the business and also do not mention other Souks where you saw something similar.That is not considered respect,the owner can think and "why are you here ? Be diplomatic,clever and  sympathetic,diplomatic and if you speak some Arab or French it will help you a little bit more.

The Moroccans since the times of the first Berber dynasties are culturally skilled marketers,commercial masters in their activities and they know they can offer you a lot of of interesting things (and they have) and you will like them,they follow your attitude,they know when something attracts your taste and preferences.The signal is they will come with one or a couple of possible alternatives in front of you,not a multitude.In that moment you will understand that the offer is the best with one or two alternatives.

Once you have decided what you want to buy, bargaining begins.In some traditional Souks (some of the old generations who also have excellent products) the owner can give you a paper,where you have to target a global price for which you are willing to compare all the items you like.If you do not want to buy anything,do not  negotiate.If you are determined that it isn´t  a good day to buy,it is better to not start the negotiation and simply say you will come back.

If they see you are interested and then you indicated you do not want to buy after a good negotiation and the price went down from the first offer (almost three stages) it can be considered offencive because they see you are playing and to them sounds like a game.Moroccan and Maghreb culture is particular,there are many differences to a Bazaar you visited in Turkey or the Middle East,exists a code,mutual respect,the seller respects the potential client but he wants to receive respect too.

From Souk Ahl Fes take Derb Timija street and turn on the left to Derb Zaouiat.Once you are on that street turn on the right in La Kissariat which is a square where you can admire the Djamaa Ben Youssef Mosque.It is the oldest in Marrakech.

Built in the 12th century in honour of Sidi Ali Ben Youssef,a wise theologian master in that time proclaimed one of the seven Patron Saints of the city by their example of unwavering faith despite being very sick with leprosy.The Mosque had numerous restorations,so nothing remains of the original and former construction and one of its main highlight is its stoned minaret 40,0 metres high dominating the Medina.

Located next to the Mosque there the Madrasah Ben Youssef,the Medersa which is the Muslim school and it is one of the most prestigious monuments of the city a real jewel of Arab-Andalusian architecture.If you visited Granada there is a Medersa in that Andalusian city,dated 1349 called Youssufia built by a King Nadzarí Yusuf I,very similar to that one which today is a Museum of fine arts,(it is one of the best examples of Medersas in Europe).

The Medersa is a Muslim school college or a sort of Institute based in higher Religious education specialised in theology some of them at high level. Medersa Ben Youssef was built to serve students of that Mosque nearby with the same name of rite Sunni and it is the largest Medersa in Morocco and it was built in the 2nd half of the 16th century on an old school founded in the 14th century.

On the lintel of the door you can read an inscription which says "I have built for science and prayer for the Prince of Believers,descendants of the prophet Abdellah, the most glorious of the Caliphs.Pray for him you who cross my door,so that their highest hopes are granted".That statement and the registration of the final year 1565 attributing the construction of the Sultan Sadid Abdellah El Ghali.

Several works aimed at enhancing the image of the city,then capital of the Empire,such as beautification of streets and parks,complete reorganisation of some areas,such as water supply sources,Mosques and gardens were the framework in which the sultan also wanted Marrakech providing a venue for the dissemination of theology and science.

The name was chosen as a  a tribute to Ali Ben Youssef,son and successor of the founder of Marrakech, Youssef Al Ibn Al Tachfin.The Medersa is 1680 square meters in its surface,it is one of the most beautiful buildings of that time with sturdy walls,harmonious spaces,the materials used were stylish tiles, marble, plaster and carved wood wisely combined giving it a very notable aspect.

The entrance is located along the east wall of the Mosque, covered by a dome decorated with carved plaster stalactites.An imposing cedar doorway leads into a long hallway which ends at the bottom with a sort of quadrangular space crowned by a high wooden ceiling dome covered with glazed tiles were green.

On the right side there is a large patio,a courtyard with white marble floor,as central source provides the serenity necessary to share a space created to study and meditation.Across the courtyard there the prayer hall,developed with Carrara marble columns and a dome similar to a lobby,but larger.

To either sides of the courtyard,on the ground floor and first floor,there are 132 rooms which were occupied by students.The school's popularity was such that in its heyday came to house over 900 students also for that number it reached that important popularity.

 The Almoravid Dome or Koubba Barudiyne  is another monument of great value of city, not only for its antiquity but because it is also an example of the advanced techniques used in that time to supply water to Marrakech.That building is dated the 11th century and it was commissioned by the second  Almoravid King Youssef Ben Ali.

The mother of that Sovereign was Christian and that is why he spent part of his life in Andalusia and also that is not a surprise you will notice in many architectonic details a lot of similarities,also in that kind of constructions.Although apparently widely promoted in the city building, nothing was left of that buildings, destroyed by the Almohads who invaded in the mid-twelfth century,only the dome remained,which was found and restored several centuries later.

Described in documentations by Muslim historians as an extraordinary construction,the dome remained buried underground and it was discovered in the year1952. Its rectangular plan measures 7.3 by 5.5 metres and it has two levels with arches of different styles, giving a total height of approximately 10 meters including the dome.

That Koubba is the major attraction of that important monument,the outside is beautifully decorated with beads, made of interlaced arches and gallons surrounding a seven pointed star and inside the dome,there is the most spectacular Cedar carved wood which resisted the passage of all that time.

That spectacular architectonic element  is finely decorated with vegetables pineapples, palm leaves and acanthus and calligraphic inscriptions,also notable for being the oldest scriptures in italics throughout North Africa.

That dome was part of the premises of a Mosque no longer exists and its source was used for the ablution of believers.The complex also had three other sources,the first of Marrakech, for supplying drinking water to the city, which was brought by means of underground pipes,the Khettaras from the Atlas Mountains. The different levels of channelling can be observed at the site which shows that the system which was in use for a long time and witness the skills of the Almoravid dynasty.

Marrakech Museum is housed in the former palace where Mnebhi Mehdi lived,he was the former defence minister of the Sultan Moulay Abdelaziz.The building houses that exhibition since 1997,when Omar Benjelloun Foundation bought it to restore,as it did with the Ben Youssef Medersa and Almoravid .

Previously,that palace was used as housing a college female.The main part of that museum is the garden with its charming big lamp and the rooms arranged around it.In those spaces the museum exhibits the collection, mainly consisting of pottery, weapons,carpets and other traditional objects of Morocco.Inside the building you can also admire the traditionall hammam (bath) and a temporary exhibition hall.It worth a visit,because it is one of the most interesting visits of the entire city.

Coming back to Djamaa El Fna square take Triq El Koutoubia street"and crossing Avenue Mohamed V you can admire Djamaa Koutoubia.That Mosque is one of the most important sites of Marrakech and the most representative of the Almohad art in the city.

.As in most of the Mosques, the entrance is forbidden to non-Muslims,.Its minaret is 70 meters high and it is visible evens several kilometres far from the centre.Located in an ideal position,the Mosque is very close to the Djemaa el Fna square and not far from the Souks,a strategical point for people to go there to pray,after a walk and on the other hand, the Avenue Mohammed V part opposite the Mosque the avenue directly leads to Gueliz, the New Town.

That majestic religious building was erected in the 12th century during the reign of Sultan Abd al Mu a representant of the Almohad dynasty belonging to soon be installed around many merchants of manuscripts,for which the Mosque was named after Koutoubia, which means Mosque of the booksellers from the word kutub which means book in Arabic,and Koutubia is of the books.Its name,which means is due to the numerous stalls of books which surrounded its early stages.

The Dynasty Almohad made some changes,they wanted a Mosque which stood out for its simplicity and clean,simple lines but also responding to the traditional way and the Koutoubia plan reflect a sort of letter  "T",extending over a rectangle of approximately 60 meters long and 90 meters wide.

The square minaret is a characteristic element in Western and Muslim architecture was added later,in the late 12th century,exactly in the year 1196.It is the largest mosque in the city and it was also one of the bigger in the Islamic world when its construction was completed in 1158.

It  was originally initiated in the year 1141 by the Almohad Caliph Abd Al-Mu Min and noted for its high minaret and its colour,pink sandstone, typical of the city.The height of the minaret is 69 meters,it is decorated differently on each side,combining floral and epigraphical with embossed interlocking paintings, tiles and arcades and bands.Although quite affected by the passage of time,the minaret still owns a sober beauty.

Inside, six overlapping rooms are connected by a ramp that allows access to the balcony, a task carried out by the "Muezzin the person selected in the mosque to call people to prayer screaming from above five times each day and every Friday.

The minaret is topped with four golden balls and Legends say that those spheres were originally three representing the terrestrial,celestial and spiritual worlds. The 4th would have been a donation of one of the wives of Sultan Yaqub el-Mansur,who had cast their gold jewelry to do it as penance for breaking the Ramadan fast by eating three grapes.Its architecture and sobriety in its decorations,it has been taken as a model for the construction of the Hassan Tower in Rabat and the Giralda in Seville.

From the Mosque crossing Parc Lalla Asna the park behind the religious building when you are next the Bibliotheche Municipale,the Municipal Library take the street Hommane Al Fatouaki and walk until Place Bab Al Jadid there you can admire one of the ancient gate of Marrakech walls called Bab Al Jadid and turning on the right in Avenue du President Kennedy you will be in the modern district of Hivernage.

That area corresponds to a more recent development,due in part to the demands of a growing tourism,but also to meet the needs of foreigners living in Marrakech.Hivernage extends west of the Medina and south of the Avenue Hassan II, which arguably is the limit with Gueliz another modern district.Its main focus is the Avenue Mohammed VI, a wide boulevard flanked trees that despite its recent opening was developed rapidly in its 5,0 kilometres of extension and with several Hotels, luxury villas and beautiful parks.

Walking along Avenue du President Kennedy and then turn on the left in El Quadi Ayad from there turn on the right in Hassan Ben Barek a short street linked to Avenue Hassan II and on the left side you will see the Theatre Royal.

The impressive aspect of the Royal Theatre of Marrakech and especially its dome,immediately call the attention you are in the to the new area of the city,many people mistakenly believe that it is an old restored palace or at least a building with a few years of history but its construction is modern,it was erected in the year 1978 by the architect Charles Boccara.

That large venue has spaces for temporary exhibitions and at the first floor there are rooms reserved for companies, travel agencies or other organisations which require special assembly and meetings areas.The two gardens can also be used for receptions,parties and gala opening,but without doubt the most important theatre area is the Amphitheatre,opened in summer and covered and heated in winter, which by way of a Roman theatre can accommodate about 1200 people.

The Royal Theatre hosts several times a year the visit of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Morocco, each March hosts a popular magic show which attracts a multitude of people and in July they develop the Folk Arts Festival and the National Festival Professional Theatre.

Taking Avenue Mohamed VI and walking until  Avenue Moulay El Hassan and turning from there on the right you can  admire the stupendous Jardins de Menara,the Menara Gardens,a large park next to the Hivernage,in the southwestern side of Marrakech and practically at the foot of the Mounts Atlas.

That peaceful garden is so special to enjoy a walk in the evening after a hectic day in Marrakech and its main charm lies in the central zone,around an artificial pond beside which is a harmonious construction,the Hall of Menara.The large pond measures 200 by 150 metres and it was created in Almohad times concretely in the 12th century.

It was designed there a  system of underground pipes to bring water from the the Atlas mountains to irrigate the surrounding olive groves and orchards and that system is also used even today, after almost 9 centuries, but so often to drain the pond to perform maintenance

The pond is populated by countless tents The elegant hall or Minzah (meaning beautiful view) is one of the most photographed monuments in the city, it is not very ancient, although it is believed that it was the first Saadian member of the dynasty who governed Marrakech who built a pavilion in the 16th century and current pyramidal roof covered green tiles is dated 1870.

The charm of the Menara Gardens varies with the seasons,in winter and spring, the snow-capped Atlas seem even closer, while from October to January you can see the collection of green and black olive which packed that area.

In summer, when the city is very hot,Menara Gardens offers a cool and quiet space for relax or enjoy a picnic to many people who find in that place a sort of fresh oasis.Legends say that these gardens were used by the Sultans for their dating. It also has one of them, after spending the night with his occasional conquest, when the sun throw it into the pond.

Coming back after your visit in Hivernage district,that place was developed since the authorities adopted a more tolerant attitude toward alcohol consumption and the parties settled in Marrakech,despite Morocco is a Muslim country,the city is also populated by a big colony of foreign people.

That district was and is populated by many of them.In that modern neighbourhood also were built some clubs,venues and discos as The House on the Avenue President Kennedy, and Le Palais Jad Mahal,a mix of bar,club and offering entertainment shows.Other choices are the modern cinema complex Megarama,with the halls Le Colisée and the Cinema Rif,all those places are very famous and pretty busy in the weekends.

Bab Agnou is an important and historic gate of the city,a relevant access erected along the ancient walls which once crossed led to the palace of the Almohads Kings.It is located opposite the Kasbah Mosque near of another one of the gates Bab Al Robb.Bab Agnou is one of 19 Babs of Marrakech and it was built in the 12th century.

As iconic symbol and for its charming architectonic image,the the New Marrakech Station was inspired by that historic door and as further detail It was one of the first stoned monuments of Marrakech decorated with carvings and green Gueliz stones.

In the street Rue D´Ourika, you can admire Djamaa Moulay Al Yazid well known as Kasbah Mosque Mosque.In Arabic the word Kasbah has several means such as old part of the town,it derives from the word Qassabah which also means citadel,fortress,or something behind or inside defencive walls.In that case you are in the Kasbah inside the city walls.

Kasbah Mosque,it is not open to non-Muslims.That Religious building is dated 1190 and it was restored several times.The minaret has Almohad darj wa ktaf (step and shoulder) and shabka (net) motifs on alternate sides,all on a background of green tiles,it is a a significant construction and despite it has  not an impressive minaret as the iconic the Djamaa Koutoubia Mosque,it is a notable landmark.

Next to Rue de la Kasbah are situated the Saadian Tombs and they represent a sort of Royal Necropolis.The Kasbah Mosque once was the only access for centuries to that place when the Sultan of the dynasty Alawi Al Moulay Ismai decided to remove all traces of the Saadi grandeur ordering the destruction of any buildings.

In many cases with a succession of a new dynasty in that culture,there was the rite to delete all what was erected before and to build something more attractive,in some cases there was something took as inspiration but never was developed a copy or a replica,including there was a selected choice of different materials and also many architectonic concepts were totally altered,the reasons were mainly pride and to show a sort of superiority and major talent.

However,for fear for committing sacrilege,that Monarch did not destroy the Mausoleums and ordered to close the garden cemetery with a large wall.That site was accessible through a single doorway from the Mosque, which in turn allowed only Muslims from entering, and then remained well hidden until the year 1917.

Once discovered that in the same age,they were open to the public thanks an operation by the Department of Fine Arts and Historical Monuments,whose intense restoration work today can appreciate the magnificence of the royal cemetery,the only witness to the sophistication and power of the Saadian dinasty who ruled between 1524 and 1659.

Those tombs dated from the late 16th century are located in an enclosed garden which is accessed through a small hallway.Although the place was already used as a cemetery since the 14th century, its glory goes back to the 16th century, when after the death of Sheikh Mohammed in 1557, his son Ahmed Al Mansour, known with the nickname the Creator built a Mausoleum over his grave.

The mausoleum,on a homer, was later called Qubba Masaouda Lalla, the name is of his mother Lalla, who was also buried there.Later the tomb was embellished and enlarged with a small shrine, a large hall and two loggias.The second Mausoleum is the most impressive for the care and beauty of its decorations.Of the three rooms which make up that shrine undoubtedly the most attractive is the so called Hall of the twelve columns.

Occupying a central position,it is a large square room which holds the tomb of Ahmed Al Mansour and his two successors, the son and grandson.It is crowned by a large central dome supported by twelve columns of Carrara marble,surrounded by galleries covered by smaller domes,notable are the ceilings,finely carved in brown cedar.

The walls were covered with glazed tiles up to two meters above ground and for the auction were used Koranic phrases,friezes above the walls are completely covered in stucco imitating the honeycomb design. The flat marble tombstones were adorned with inscriptions and arabesques,some with poetic phrases which recall the virtues of iconic figures.

A second room houses the Mihrab,a small niche which according Moorish architecture linked to the Muslim Religion has always to be built looking at in the cardinal point of La Mecca the holy centre of Islam in Saudi Arabia.Four white marble columns subdivide the Mihrab in three ships and a large skylight provides light.

That room,which served as a Mosque,only keeps the graves of the Dynasty Alawi, including the Sultan Moulay Yazid, who died in the year 1792.The third room,called Hall of the Three Niches, is also richly decorated with mosaics and stucco you can see something similar in Southern Europe if you visited Andalucia Granada,Seville and Cordoba.

Coming back to the Mosque and take Rue de la Kasbah again.Next to the garden Jardin Sidi Ahmed El Kamel turn on the in Rue Berrima and there you  will see another Marrakech gate,and on the right you can visit El Badii Palace.The history about that building has an important mean.It was originally erected as a triumph celebration after a Sultan Ahmed Al Mansur victory against Portuguese troops in 1578.

The Sultan decided to develop a monumental palace dedicated to the great receptions and real audiences audiences and that impressive palace complex consisted in 360 rooms arranged in large pavilions around a central courtyard such as The Glass Pavilion,the Hall of Audience,the Green Pavilion and the Heliotrope.In the huge courtyard which measures 135 by 110 meters had been installed a pond of 90 by 20 metres with a beautiful fountain.

Other ponds marked the corners of that large area and the grandeur of that imposing building further emphasised by the abundance and richness of decorations with materials like onyx,jasper and gold, the latter coming from Sudan which was a conquest of the Sultan Al Mansur.

The columns were made of marble from Carrara,apparently the Sultan had traded that material with Italian merchants from Tuscany and Genova in an exchange of equal value equivalent of sugar cane Maybe it was as a sort of visual message,something magic for some people believing in suggestive histories as the great Sultan transformed sugar in fine marble and many artisans came from all over to beautify wood ceilings and finely carved stucco.

That profusion of ornamentation gave the palace the nickname of El Badii the incomparable..Marrakech was the city chosen by the Saadian as capital, but when the Alawi dynasty came to the power, the Sultan Moulay Ismail decided to erase all traces of Marrakech of the previous dynasty and thus was sent dismantle the palace to build the imperial city of Meknes another Imperial town in Morocco,established as the capital of the empire in 1675.

The chronicles relate that the Badi construction of which claimed about 25 years, was stripped of all their wealth in less than a decade and it is said that there was one city in Morocco that have received part of its ruins.The archaeological excavations started in 1953 just might give proof of the greatness of the Incomparable to the determination of the plane of the palace.

About the Glass Pavillion there is practically nothing and the Audience Hall survived until today in the form of high eroded walls eroded.There are only a few fragments of marble columns,the remains of the sources,tile and stucco and climbing the terrace you can appreciate a beautiful view of the city.

Each year during the weekends of July, Badii Palace hosts the festival of traditional music and dance, and films shown in September during the Marrakech Film Festival.The complex hosts a small museum displaying the remains of the palace,a mobile Minbar and a pulpit for sermons from Jamma Koutoubia mosque.

From the Palace Badiî turning on the right you are in in Rue Bahia Bab Mellah and in that place  you are in the Mellah the ancient Jewish quarter.In Rue El Jadid you can admire Al Bahja  Palace which is one of the most important architectonic works presents in Marrakech.

 It was built in the 19th century with the goal of being the most impressive palace of all time.The construction of that building took more than a decade and it was conducted by the Grand Visir of Sultan Abdelaziz,Ahmed Ben Moussa.In the late 19th century,it was in the hands of Bou Abu Ahmed, a slave who became later a Visir later.

In the eight hectares of the palace surface there are are 150 rooms located overlooking several courtyards and gardens.The most interesting section of that building Palace is the area corresponding to the harem suitable for the 4 wives and 24 concubines of Bou Al Abu Ahmed.Curiously,the name of the palace Bahjia means beautiful and there are different opinions about the origin of that name.

Some legends say the favourite wife of the Visir,in which case it would be the Palace of Beauty and there is something to blame for that palace in which all thee rooms are today empty.When the Visir killed many people,including the wives and the Sultan himself,decided to completely rob each of the rooms,fortunately, the impressive ceiling decoration remains and you can also admire the beautiful honor courtyard and the splendid decorated roof and it is one of the buildings which can be visited in the city.

Mellah district of Marrakech is another highlight,it was developed in the 16th century as Jewish quarter when the Jews were expelled from Spain. The long history of persecution and exile of the Jewish people also had a stage in Morocco and the city of Fez was the first important place where it was officially a Jewish neighbourhood.
 
The local Mellah was created in the year 1558 during the reign of King Moulay Abdallah of the dynasty Saadi in an area that although is not totally sure,but according some sources was a place which was previously used for activities linked to the salt.

The King  to avoid conflicts with the Muslim population,the Sultan  allocated a space near the Royal Palace,surrounded by a wall and with only two gates connected to the Medina and guarded by soldiers, the doors were locked each night so nobody could enter or leave until the next day.

That community played an important role in the local social and economic life of that city of Maghreb and
the Sultan granted asylum to the Jews but not for charity,they were well known as very skillful commercial and diplomatic figures and the Sovereign thought to take advantage of all that,in exchange of residence and  protection,the Jews received should now pay heavy taxes to the Monarchy and the most skilled of them often covered important positions as counsellors and Royal ambassadors.

 The visit of that district may begin in a square called Place des Ferblantiers which was restored a few years ago.It is an urban space populated by palm trees surrounding a central fountain surrounded by shops devoted to objects of metal and especially tinplate worked in a thousand different ways. In that square,across a street, there is an entrance to the Mellah and just on the the left  there is  the Kyssaria a covered market of jewellers and  two galleries selling jewels of excellent quality.

The Jews had their own busy and ample market within the Mellah,its synagogues and a cemetery.The major part of them were excellent artisans and specialised in the metalworking such as goldsmiths and silversmiths a very active community who was very important in the artistic and economic life of the city.They were considered as the best jewellers in the entire city and  although work is still handmade,all came from that period when there was in the Mellah an area which was a market and also a place of workshops.
 
In that place there is today a Souk dedicated to sell spices with a succession of aligned stalls where you can breathe the most aromatic smells and scents of saffron,cumin,cinnamon coriander or ready mixed spices to flavor the most delicious gastronomic specialities.

That Souk also offers the chance to buy different kind of medicinal herbs,nuts,dates,including you can find skin creams, foot stones, perfumes and soaps.In addition there is is also an interesting selection of tapestries and textile products too.

Two synagogues still function in Marrakech and they are called Negidim and Alzama,they do not present a a striking appearance or signs allow easy reference in the network of streets,someone can ask you there for a few dirhams to be your guide to reach and visiting them if you are interested to know more about the history of those places.Currently there are few Jews in Marrakech,mainly in the Gueliz district.Most Jews left Marrakech and Morocco after the establishment of Israel in the mid-20th century and the the Mellah was mainly occupied by Berbers.

The old cemetery or Miâara, stuck to the walls of the Medina,it is a series of white rectangular mounds of different sizes.Apparently abandoned, however surprising that some gravestones have recently,it is also surprising that someone close to tourists posing as manager of the place and ask for a contribution for maintenance.

Worth a visit the House Tiskiwin the Bert Flint Museum,very interesting to know the rural Moroccan art.Bert Flint met the valuable collections throughout his life and he left it in a Riad of the Medina.Moroccan rural art talks without mentioning Bert Flint is completely ignored the issue.

All those who are attracted by the culture and traditions of the peoples of the Atlas and the Sahara should absolutely visit in that place, the private museum of the Dutch art historian who devoted his life to bring together the collections presented in that residence.

Bert Flint was very young when he moved from Holland to Morocco and for many years he taught at the Lycée Mohammed V and the School of Fine Arts in Casablanca, primarily interested in the Arab-Andalusian tradition as living in cities like Fez and Marrakech.

Tiskiwin is the name of a traditional dance of the peoples of the High Atlas.The seven museum rooms occupying two floors of the building and the collections are geographically along a path through the villages of Morocco.Thus,it can be seen from daggers and jewelry of the High Atlas,Middle Atlas carpets djellabas of northern Morocco, and a collection of ornaments from the Sahara where caravans continued their route to deliver their goods.

In addition are also displayed cooking utensils, containers, belts, bags, weapons and ceremonial objects which complete the exhibition.In the  late 2006, Bert Flint decided to donate much of his valuable collection to the University of Marrakech, which is committed to create a research institute dedicated to the cultural heritage of the Sahara and Bert Flint Institute for African Heritage Northwest started to operate n June 2007.

That Institution seeks to ensure the continuity of his work of a lifetime and while he has already reached a certain age, the work does not stop and now his interest is directed to people south of Morocco, such as Mauritania,Burkina Faso and Mali.

In Rue Derb Si Said do not miss to visit Dar Si Said Museum, where you can have the opportunity to admire masterpieces of art,wooden made presented in that distinguished residence of the late 19th century.In that exhibition Si Said Moussa acted as minister of war under the regency of his brother,the Visir Ahmed Ben Mossa, who built the Bahja Palace.

At his death in 1900 the house was affected about various uses until 1914 was occupied by successive presidents under the French protectorate in the city.Only in 1930,the house was transferred to the Department of Fine Arts to install the offices of the Local Arts Service,a museum able to house art and craft workshops.The visit begins in the adjacent rooms by introducing visitors the knowledge of the different kinds of wood used in Morocco displaying civic architecture,lintels carved doors,partitions, rural doors and pillars.

That small guest house decorated with refinement exhibits moucharabiehs wooden shed which served to protect windows,balconies and allowed women to look out without being seen,an impressive size doors, including a monumental one,dated 15th century, exquisitely decorated .

The visit continues in the great Riad,it immediately seduces the stillness of the place shaded by the lush vegetation surrounding a small fountain.The courtyard gives access to four rooms where various objects are presented: one of them,work items of ancient times,tables for weaving,oil presses and in other traditional musical instruments and the third shows typical weapons such as knives, guns and saved the last room everyday utensils,combs and sandals for the hammam,the pool.

In the upper floor there is another very interesting room, a real masterpiece of Andalusian-Moorish decorative art.All the walls of the rooms are decorated with stuccoes or cedar with a multitude of geometric patterns, arabesques,calligraphy and mosaics with a predominance of saffron and red and orange surprise ceiling height, which reaches 15 meters.The first room is called bride's room and shows double furniture chest, wardrobe and mirror. Right and left there is  the reception room and called living women with kitchen utensils.

If you are interested East to the Medina you can visit the Tanners souk which treat skins of cow,goat,sheep or camel and they are kept in vats of lime stone for some time to remove the hair,then washed and immersed for several weeks in a special compound ,a process aided by dozens of young barefoot inside the bowls pressing them can soften the skin.

The skins kins are hung out to dry and be ready for artisans to transform into handbags, shoes and other items.It should be noted that the area is permanently impregnated with an almost unbearable stench.To remove the strong smell, hides are washed and soaked in baths scented with bark and flowers,but care must be taken when buying, more than a tourist unnoticed acquired a beautiful Moroccan leather bag then could not use the strong smell coming.To complete the process the skins are hung out to dry and be ready for artisans to transform into handbags, shoes and other items.

The New city corresponding to the area called Gueliz is the big modern district of Marrakech and that name Gueliz derives from Al Djebel Gueliz which is a hill located nearby and pretty famous for its appreciated stones used for several architectonic works and constructions.

That area was established during the French protectorate,when it was also called La Nouvelle Ville and you are entering in another "planet",completely different from the historic and picturesque centre in the Medina.When the French came to Morocco,every important city faced restructuring and development plans
Casablanca and Tangier are two classic examples but also Marrakech received in some urban areas notable changes embracing European influences.

The result of that project was that you can see today it was also known as the European Quarter, northwest of the Medina,with new buildings mainly erected in the 20th century the inventories of houses and Riads in the old city developed a draft planning outside the walls to accommodate the increasingly Europeans who came to settle the city.

In the square Place 16 Novembre you can see a fountain which is a symbol of that western urbanisation a work by the French Architect Henri Prost who also participated in the Mamounia Hotel project.

Facing that square you can see Bureau de Poste which is the building of is the central post office,one of the few buildings left standing from the time of the French protectorate.Next to the Post Office is situated the Marrakech Plaza,a large shopping centre with an international reputation and extensive underground parking.

Walking along Boulevard El Fassi,another important avenue,you are in an urban area which was the first residential section which was gradually becoming Gueliz,an active commercial and business centre with the installation of shops,both artisans and estate,banks,modern hotels,restaurants, cafes and European style clubs ideal places to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Marrakech night.The main city services such as hospitals, hospitals,universities and schools and the Central Railway Station are also in that modern area of the city.

Another symbol of the modernity established dirung French rule is definitely Avenue Mohammed V is a large avenue resembles the style of the great boulevards of Paris or another French city,it covers a longitude of over 4,0 kilometres and it is that important artery, linking the Medina,the Koutoubia Mosque and the square of the Djamaa el Fna.

Among the places worth a visit in the northwest side of Marrakech is Jardin Majorelle (I wrote a post about that place if you are interested to know more).Considered for its charm and combinations a masterpiece,it is  beautiful villa surrounded by a lush garden, whose enormous dome stands at the junction of Avenue boulevard Hassan II and Mohammed VI.

Jardins Majorelle were created in 1924 by Jacques Majorelle,a French painter who settled in Marrakech in 1919.At first the gardens were used by the artist as a source of inspiration and in the year 1947 it opened to the public.

Since 1980, Majorelle Gardens,owned by Yves Saint Laurent the famous fashion designer.If you like Islamic art in the gardens you can visit a small museum.That exhibition is situated in the original studio of the painter .and it exhibits the personal collection of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé who became the owners of that site. That well organised museum displays objects consisting in ceramic items,pottery, weapons, jewelry,textiles,carpets, carved wood and other treasures from the Maghreb, Asia and Africa.

Very popular was the history of that painter who gradually became one of the most prominent local personalities for his success he also reached a notable fame in his motherland and in Paris he was nicknamed the painter of Marrakech.

Feeling more and more the city as his beloved place in the year 1923,the man decided to build an impressive house in Moorish style,the villa was designed with with zellij, those typically Moroccan tiles covering walls and also surfaces and brightly coloured paintings mainly using green,red and blue would later be known as blue Majorelle.

The same colours were used in the interior, whose decoration apparent reference to the traditional Moroccan art.The garden is enriched with species from five continents: with over1800 varieties of cacti, tropical flowers,banana,bamboo, aquatic plants,giant mushrooms and 400 varieties of palm trees.

Jacques Majorelle died in Paris in 1962, where he was repatriated after a femur fracture due an accident. The garden despite remained open to the public suffered great damage and to save it by a sad destiny,two fans of the works of Majorelle, the mentioned Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, decided to buy the villa and gardens in 1980, saving well from real estate speculation that constantly attack the heritage of the gardens of Marrakech.

The palm grove of Marrakech is another place you can visit to admire another great attraction,it reached by taxi and it consists in  a huge centuries old park, populated by countless palm trees and dotted with luxury Hotels

Situated in the outskirts of the city with a spectacular view of the peaks of the Atlas as stupendous background.That places is very special because it confuses reality and legend and it is that without its existence the city itself had not prospered ever.Legend has it that Ben Youssef Tahfine,founder of Marrakech, was the one who gave birth almost accidentally to that large palm garden.T

The glorious Sovereign, having reached the plain of Haouz with his soldiers decided he would rest in that place and while doing that,the soldiers ate dates which had collected in the pre Saharan regions,throwing the seeds there of them would have been born in time thousands and thousands of palms.

According  the story,his son and successor,Ali Ben Youssef, developed an extensive irrigation complex system  known as Khettara,inherited and learnt by Persia,consisting of a network of underground pipes bound together that allow the water rise of the groundwater to the surface.The whole system is visible only with wells where the water emerges,whose number is estimated at about five thousand in all the plain.

Thanks to that system could grow palm trees in whose shade prospered growing vegetables and olive trees which allowed the population survive.Today the palm covers about six hectares,while they may seem many represent only half of what was formerly. Someone can ask what are the causes of the decline of the surface.. For many blame financial speculation due to the boom of tourism in the city led to the sale at exorbitant prices of many acres for the construction of luxury Hotels, and villas,while others argue that the irrigation system, and ancient, lack of maintenance and many wells dried causing illness and death of many specimens of palm trees.

Do mot miss to visit the Hotel Mamounia which is also a relevant city landmark.Next to the Mosque Jamma Koutubia and the walls of the Medina,the Hotel always attended by important personalities and the Mamounia is one of the world's most luxurious hotels.

Surrounded by a beautiful garden,it was since the beginning symbol of luxury,distinction and glamour and among the guests always find entertainment celebrities, top politicians,artists and writers.The happy story of  Mamounia Hotel began with its gardens,which have more than two centuries.

The Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah was accustomed to marry their children reached adulthood and give them a house.Thus,the names of their four children,Abdessalam, Moussa, Hassan,Mamoun, and went each to his time the names of the gardens that the king would give.

While those areas still exist today,only the Al-Mamoun Arsat became famous.Legends say Mamoun organising lavish parties in those gardens,in those times retain a small square pavilion,a Riad attached to the walls of the Medina now fully restored and the simple design of the park, then populated by olive groves.

Mamoun left Marrakesh to be Caliph in Fez,where he died in 1786, but the garden also remained one of the most beautiful in the city.In 1922,with the land of the French  in Marrakech,was decided to build a Hotel, which was designed by the architects Prost and Marchisio.Both quickly realised that they could not build in a space as prestigious as the Al-Mamoun Arsat without returning to the place's history and past environments.

There were artists such as Delacroix and Matisse who expressed interest in Marrakech and their devotion to the Mamounia, around 1929 came the music-hall stars: Edith Piaf, Maurice Chevalier,Yves Montand and Charles Aznavour among others.

The filmmakers also succumbed to the spell of Marrakech and thus came the French and American Cinema directors:Morocco was filmed in 1930,with Marlene Dietrich and Gary Cooper in 1956, Alfred Hitchcock made Mamounia Marrakech and the scene where he filmed The Man Who Knew Too Much,starring Doris Day and James Stewart.Also Charles Chaplin visited the city in 1955 and he was warmly received at the hotel.But not only artists and entertainment personalities were attracted by that so charming place.

In 1935, Winston Churchill visited the city and fell in love with their scents and colours,so he often came back there to rest,write and indulge his passion for painting.A famous phrase "It is the most enchanting of the world," was said by Franklin Roosevelt,, many other political figures such as Charles de Gaulle,Ronald Reagan,Nelson Mandela and many others were also guests of the Hotel.The steady parade of stars and personalities make the list endless, but it is worth mentioning among them the Rolling Stones,Jane Fonda,Omar Sharif, Sharon Stone,Sylvester Stallone,Luciano Pavarotti,Al Pacino, Charlton Heston,Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.

Among the special theme suites,the most demanding guests could never resist the Winston Churchill Suite, dedicated to the great English statesman, obviously to be loyal to that famed guest,the room was furnished with a predominance of English furniture and objects from its membership, making the space a little "museum" in his honor.

For the nostalgic recalling the legendary London-Istanbul train was prepared Orient Express Suite, recreating one of the luxury compartments.The Suite Palmeraie was arranged in Louis XV and Empire styles and it is the largest in the Hotel,while the Menzeh Suite offers a spectacular view of the Jamaa Koutoubia Mosque,a great view from there especially when the square is totally illuminated at night.

The beautiful Bridal Suite,is another gem,dominated by  pastel colours,it has magnificent views over the gardens, pool and a spectacular panoramic view of the Atlas mountains,without doubt, the scenes are ideal for many memorable honeymoons.

La Mamounia Hotel complex offers an international cuisine from around the world in its five restaurants, and furthermore other stylish spaces such as  the Churchill Piano Bar,a luxurious European-style Casino with restaurant and bar,elegant conference rooms, space for gym, Spa,sports such as golf, tennis,squash, and billiards,refined goods stores contribute to the relaxed atmosphere and dreamy demanding tourists requests,in that Hotel all is possible.

 Marrakech with Its gardens,squares and mosques have attracted and inspired important artists as Alfred Hitchcock and writers such as Nobel laureate Elias Canetti,Juan Goytisolo,George Orwell ,English writer Esther Freud grand daughter of Sigmund Freud wrote a novel Hideous Kinky adapted in Marrakech.

Anglo-Bulgarian,Nobel laureate Elias Canetti wrote a book The Voices of Marrakech: Record of a Visit"American anthropologist Elizabeth Warnock Fernea wrote Street in Marrakech while the Spanish writer Juan Goytisolo wrote Marrakech"Jamâa-el-Fna’s thousand and one nights.Also Moroccan writers have been inspired by this magic town as Touria Oulehri with The repudiated and Ben Jelloun made the child of sand.

Many artists lived or live in Marrakech, such as famous singer Charles Aznavour,actor Alain Delon, German painter Werner Geerdtsbut also High Fashion Designers as Jean Paul Gaultier,Yves St.Laurent, and Serge Lutens.

 The cinema also fell in love with the city Italian director Gabriele Salvatores with his movie Marrakech Express and  Josef Von Sternberg created Morocco,( starring Marlene Dietrich) Alexander by Oliver Stone starring  Colin Farrell and Angelina Jolie is adapted in the city of the Atlas,and many other famous films such as  Hideous Kinky, Exorcist and Absolutely Fabulous have been shot  there.The rock group Crosby, Still, Nash and Young wrote in the city their song Marrakech Express.

Marrakech cuisine is great, you can taste the famous and traditional Couscous served with a very spicy sauce called Sarissa.Another popular recipe is the Tapine, excellent stew meat and vegetables flavoured with herbs and spices.Some traditional Berber specialities are the Mechoui,a whole lamb roasted and seasoned with saffron and hot pepper and the the Bastaila which is a mixture of pigeon meat, eggs, flavoured with lemon, almonds,cinnamon, saffron and sugar,all wrapped in several layers of a pastry called Ouarka.

Other famous gastronomic plates are the famed Tajiine,Mqualli and Mshermel and you can taste in some places famous sweets are Kaab el ghzal gazelle's horns while the national drink "Atay"is mint  tea, Recommendation,drink mineral water in bottle and buying it in the Hotels.

If you want to enjoy a great stay in Marrakech and to know better the lifestyle a suggest is to spend your days in a Riad.(I wrote a post about those charming accommodations) The word Riad in Arabic means the Eden,a garden, and by extension applies to a house whose rooms are arranged around a courtyard, often covered with mosaic floor, in whose centre stands a fountain surrounded by a formal garden,rich aromatic and ornamental plants, orange trees and palms.

The existence of the Riads in Morocco dates back several centuries back in time.They were the most refined and noble residence of senior government officials.The Riads in the Medina are generally about 5 or 6 rooms on two floors at most,each room is unique and tastefully decorated in Moorish style.

In addition, many of them are cheaper and do not cost more than a simple hotel in any European city, with the addition of being in the heart of the Red City. One thing to note if you plan to book a room should be done early enough, because in general it is difficult to find a place and more in high season the European summer.

Menara Airport is the International airport of Marrakech.It is located approximately 11,0 km  southwest of of the city.Through its doors over 3 million passengers per year,it is the second largest airport in Morocco behind the Mohammed V in Casablanca.

The airport has two terminals,If you fly with a low cost airline you will usually arrive at the terminal B.Getting from the airport to the centre of Marrakech is more practical to take a taxi. Before getting into the car you will have to set the price while renting a car depending the traffic in 20/25 minutes you can reach the city centre.

Marrakech is a mixture of magic,mystery and enchanting corners, the story of the Arabian Nights,its intriguing Medina and the splendid Kasbah ,a typical mint tea in every corner that magic place contemplating its architecture in all its charm are sensations unique generating more than special vibrations and for that a thousands of things more Marrakech is a very special destination and an unforgettable experience.

Francesco Mari


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Recommended Accommodations in Marrakech

Riad Noir D´Ivoire
Riad Assakina
Riad Les Clos Des Arts
Riad Al Badia
Riad Kniza
Riad Dar Dialkoum
Riad Lorsya
Riad Dar Selen 
Riad de la Belle Epoque
Riad Menzeh
Hotel La Maison Arabe
La Mamounia Hotel


 www.marrakech.net
www.noir-d-ivoire.com
www.riadassakina.com
www.leclosdesarts.com
www.riadalbadia.com
www.riadkniza.com
www.dardialkoum.com
www.riad-lorsya-marrakech.com
www.riad-menzeh.com
www.lamaisonarabe.com
www.mamounia.com