Marrakesh ..
has acquired a number of nicknames over the years - Pearl of the South, Jewel of the South and The Rose City. The pearl and the jewel symbolize its importance as the centre of Morocco ever since it was a trading and resting place on the crossroads of ancient caravan routes from Timbuktu. The rose attests to a city still painted entirely in salmon pink, in keeping with the red-clay earth below.
Part Berber, part Arab, part African, Marrakesh is the heartbeat of Morocco, where palaces and monuments of unrivalled refinement sit calmly alongside the snake charmers and Gnaouan drums pulsing constantly from Djemâa el Fna Square -- the most exuberant marketplace in the world. Literally translated, Djemaa el Fna means ‘assembly of the dead' and refers to a time when sinners, Christians and criminals were executed and their heads were left to serve as an example to others. Times have changed and today the square is a virtual festival of acrobats, dancers, fortune-tellers, musicians, and public scribes with their black umbrellas.
Founded in 1062, Marrakesh was once the capital of an empire that stretched from Toledo to Senegal, and is formed by three very different neighbourhoods; the Medina, Hivernage and Gueliz. Marrakech riads are located in the medina, along with the ancient workshops, or souks, of the artisans, in the heart of the city. Seducing lovers of traditional Moroccan architecture, Marrakesh has a magnificent collection of mosques, gardens, palaces, and Koranic schools and is still encircled by ancient ramparts that were constructed to protect the medina that once hid Sultan palaces, mansions of rich merchants, and some of the most lively bazaars in the world, many of which still exist today. Just north of the Djemâa el Fna Square is a lively souk selling everything from stylish dresses to medicinal herbs.
The terraces overlooking the main plaza of Djemaa el-Fna are in high demand from sunset onwards. There are many so you can afford to be selective. As a rule of thumb, restaurants located in the medina are generally the least expensive and offer a lively ambiance. Many restaurants don't list prices and you might want to ask the price of a dish before ordering in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Marrakech monuments are continually being renovated as a personal project of the King who happens to be in love with this city. Gardens are well maintained and more and more land is being put aside for parks as the government plans ahead for the city's expansion. As tourism is such an important feeder of the Marrakeshi economy, the number of tourism police is higher than ever, making visitors to the Pink City feel secure and at ease.
Located next to the Medersa Ben Youssef, the Museum of Marrakesh is housed in the Dar M'Nebhi Palace and is one of the most beautiful structures remaining from the end of the nineteenth century. Contemporary art expos of photography, paintings and ceramics are housed on a regular basis; covered by a domed tent supported with columns, the large courtyard measures over 2000 square meters. Artfully hidden in the medina, the Palace is a must see!
Ali Ben Youssef Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakesh and was originally constructed in the second half of the 12th century. Later the mosque was destroyed and rebuilt several times, each time altering its size and changing in architectural style. The most recent renovation was completed in the Merenid style (19th century).
The vast and dazzling Koranic school was founded by the Merinid sultan Abou el-Hassan (1331-1349) and is one of the most remarkable monuments in Marrakesh. Architecturally speaking the mosque is amazing. Refined and simple at the same time…look everywhere, the floor, ceiling, detail of the arches, how the light plays with the colours….sculpted wood where you can still see traces of the original paint.
Dating from the twelfth century, the Koutoubia Minaret measures 69 meters (as tall as Notre Dame in Paris), and is the first thing seen by visitors to Marrakech. Each arch and façade of the Koutoubia Mosque is different. The surrounding gardens include the Almoravid Palace remains as well as those of a mosque that was destroyed because it was not perfectly aligned with Mecca. Non Muslims cannot visit the interior of the mosque or minaret.
Hiring a guide for private tours of the monuments would be prudent and you can always find an official guide at the entrances. It is a good idea to agree on the cost before beginning your tour.
Undisputedly cosmopolitan, yet respectful of its culture and traditions, Marrakesh has put itself on the short list of sophisticated travellers. Stylish lounges and restaurants have sprouted up everywhere. Travelling art expositions have added Marrakesh as a venue in recent years and cultivated art lovers will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of choice this city now offers.

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