Visit Marrakesh
Get lost in Morocco’s cultural capital in the Sahara sands.
With its sand-coloured buildings, bustling streets and colourful markets, Marrakesh is Morocco’s cultural jewel. Located in the shade of the stunning Atlas Mountains, at the very edge of the Sahara Desert, it has been home to a vast variety of people over the ages from native Berbers to Arabs, as well as French colonisers and folk coming from all over Africa. The result is a real melting pot of influences and it really shows.
Officially founded in the 11th century by the Almoravid Berber chieftain Abu Bakr ibn Umar, Marrakesh became a cultural centre, as its rulers erected a number of stunning mosques and madrasas (centres for Islamic learning). Over the years, its reputation spread across Africa, and people came from all over the continent to trade goods with each other.
Sticking up in the Marrakesh skyline is the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque, located at the very centre of the city Marrakesh seems to sprawl out around it. If you think you’ve seen it before, you probably have the minaret served as an inspiration for La Giralda’s cathedral spire in Seville. Opened in the 12th century, it was built next to the king’s residence, and designed so that nosy worshippers couldn’t get a look into his private quarters from the minaret. Inside, there are six rooms, each with its own architectural style. The grounds of the mosque feature destroyed ancient foundations (with information boards to tell their story), as well as expansive gardens with tall palm trees fanning the pathways.
Seeking to build upon Marrakesh’s lofty reputation as an intellectual hub, Saadian dynasty sultan Abdallah al-Ghalib embarked on a massive construction project in 1565: the Ben Youssef Madrasa. At the time, it was the largest Islamic study centre in all Morocco, said to accommodate up to 800 students. As well as Quranic teachings, students learned about literature, history and science. The buildings are centred around a stunningly symmetrical courtyard, featuring a classically Moroccan reflecting pool, and the walls are adorned with beautiful Islamic geometric patterns. Besides the educational buildings, you can also look around the student living quarters, perhaps to see how they compare with modern-day dorms. Much better, probably.
Built by Abdallah al-Ghalib’s successor, Ahmad al-Mansur, the El Badi Palace ruins are another must-see. In its heyday, the palace was easily the grandest in the city, built using costly materials such as onyx and gold. Archaeologists estimate that the palace once had 360 rooms, playing host to political intrigues, private scandals and foreign dignitaries from far and wide. After the fall of the Saadian dynasty, their Alaouite successors stripped the palace of anything valuable, and left it to rot. Today, its ruins are carefully preserved.
Follow Ahmad al-Mansur to the grave by visiting the Saadian tombs, another major landmark on the Marrakesh trail. The tombs are the final resting place of al-Mansur and his family, as well as some servants and soldiers. Constructed from dazzling Italian marble, it’s surprising to learn that these beautiful royal tombs were hidden from the world for centuries. The Saadians’ vanquishers, the Alaouites, were keen to downplay their predecessors’ influence, so the tombs were walled up. The only way to get to them was through a small passageway in the Kasbah Mosque, accessible only to a few. howeverthanks to newly inverted aerial photography. the tombs were disccovered from above in 1917. since then they've been lovingly restored to their fromer glory. and you're able to wander around them at your leisure.
Marrakesh's rulers, no matter which dynasty they hailed from, seem to have been avid gardeners. they built many lovely green spaces throughout the city. arguably the most famous of these is the menara botanical gardens. a little way out of the city centre right next to the airport, in fact. Among the fruit orchards and olive trees, a golden Saadian-era pavilion overlooks a rectangular reflecting pool. It’s best to visit the Menara gardens in the evening, if you can that way, you’ll see the gardens bathed in a warm sunset glow. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see the snow-capped Atlas Mountains in the background the perfect spot for taking some great photos.
Jump forward in time a few centuries to capture a shot of your own at one of Marrakesh’s most-Instagrammed landmarks, the Bahia Palace. Walk through its halls to experience all the different eras in Marrakesh’s past although the palace was built in the 19th century, its builder, Si Moussa, wanted to showcase the best of his country’s history. Inside, you’ll find a homage to traditional Moroccan styles, including sandstone walls, geometric marble rooms and colourful Islamic art. The gardens are even better there are a number of courtyards filled with palm trees, water features and brightly coloured stained-glass windows to admire. The pièce de résistance, however, is the final courtyard, a vast expanse of intricate tiling; blue, yellow and red ceiling decorations; and picturesque fountains scattered with delicate petals. You could easily spend an entire afternoon here, soaking up the sun and revelling in the greatness of Moroccan design.
For a taste of modernist Marrakesh, step inside the walled Majorelle Gardens otherwise known as the Yves Saint-Laurent gardens, after the famous french designer led efforts to restore the gardens in the 1980s. originally laid out in the 1930s. the gardens. known for their trademark cobalt buildings and terracotta pathways. are unique because they blend traditional moroccan landscaping with unmistakeably european architecture. the bright-blue cubist villa(which now houses the berber museum) at the top of the gardens looks like it would be more at home on the french riviera than in marrakesh. still. you’ll never forget the incredible colour scheme and botany on show here.
Last but certainly not least on the Marrakesh itinerary is a trip to the famous souk and we suggest you do save it until last, otherwise you might spend all your money here! Entering from Jemaa el-Fnaa square, apparently Africa’s busiest square, explore the endless narrow passageways packed full of exciting goods and wares. As well as standard souvenirs, you’ll find all manner of spices, food, traditional cooking items (yes, including tagines), furniture, clothing and even books here. Try to grab a good deal by giving haggling a go but be warned, Marrakesh’s market sellers drive a hard bargain!
Although Marrakesh’s old character is part of its charm, you can also take advantage of the city’s modern side. As well as top-ofthe-range hotels with rooftop pools and romantic spots ideal for sipping cocktails, you’ll also find an array of cultural pleasures to take your fancy. Visit the House of Photography to learn more about this useful art, or the Yves Saint-Laurent Museum to find out about the notable designer. Or, if you tire of souk shopping and want nothing more than to grab a coffee and hit up the boutiques, visit the Carré Eden shopping mall in the modern neighbourhood of Gueliz. You’ll find it close to Marrakesh’s shiny new train station, built in 2008. To end your day in modern-day Marrakesh, enjoy one of Morocco’s bestknown pastimes: a visit to the hammam. Though these spas have their origins in Ottoman bathing, their popularity in Morocco has soared, in part thanks to the country’s tourist boom. Enjoy a massage for a fraction of the price you’d pay at home, then take a dip in a blue pool, surrounded by sensual aromas and ambient lighting.