Attractions Of Marrakech

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 230
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Marrakech is a city with a long and proud tradition, formerly a seat of Imperial power. A visit Marrakech is an experience that you simply will not find in Europe, and a good place to visit for an introduction to the culture of Morocco, and North Africa.

No visit to Marrakech would be complete without a visit to the Jemaa el Fna ? the great square of Marrakech that hosts the largest traditional souk (market) in Morocco. The name Jemaa el Fna means ''Place of the Dead'', a name of mysterious origin that may refer to a long vanished mosque.

The Jemaa el Fna is frequently cited as the busiest square in Africa, and bustles with activity both day and night. Entertainment comes from all angles, with the impromptu street theatre of acrobats, belly dancers, musicians and snake charmers competing for your attention amongst the stalls of water and orange juice sellers.

By night, the stalls of orange and water sellers give way to a plethora of food stalls, and the square becomes a great place to sample authentic Moroccan street food. The square is ringed by cafes and restaurants if you are looking for a more relaxed, ...
... sit-down meal.

Another attraction of the city speaks of the French colonial past. The Majorelle Gardens were built by Yves Saint-Laurent as a gift to the city he loved so dearly. The botanic gardens are kept in immaculate condition, with a manicured lawn that would be the envy of any Englishman. The garden contains pools, bamboo, cacti and banana trees, with painted walls that betray the influence of the famous fashion designer.

Not far from the Jemaa el Fna is one of the most popular attractions of Marrakech, the Sa''adian Tombs. As with many cultures throughout the world, some of the most ornate and beautiful buildings in the city were constructed in honour of the (wealthy) dead ? in this case the Sultan Ahmed el-Mansour, and these mausoleums are no exception. The Sa''adian Tombs have been excellently preserved, mainly thanks to being undisturbed until relatively recently ? until 1917, the only access to the tombs was through the adjoining mosque. There are two separate mausoleums, and over 100 intricately mosaic-decorated tombstones.

El Badi Palace is an intriguing set of ruins of a once magnificent palace famed as the venue for the extravagant parties of sultan Ahmed el-Mansour, known as the Midas of Marrakech. The palace one had 360 lavishly decorated rooms; it is now home to some photogenic nesting storks, and a restored pulpit that allows a glimpse of the past.

The Koutoubia Mosque boats an imposing 70m high minaret, which comes in handy as landmark when exploring the city. The mosque has been expertly renovated, and dates back to the 12th century. #Pen name# is the author of this article about Morocco. If you are planning a trip and looking for accommodation, try Octopus Travel for a selection of Marrakech hotels.