Marrakesh
Marrakech, the 'red city', is Morocco's most popular tourist destination, renowned for the winding streets of its medina and the bustle of its souks. Located in western Morocco, Marrakech is a former imperial city on the slopes of the Atlas Mountains.
A trip to Marrakech can be a whirlwind of the senses as you enter the bustling souks, experience the volume of traffic, much of it on motorbikes and donkeys, and soak up the buzzing atmosphere. Fortunately, after a day in Marrakech's medina, the city offers plenty of opportunities to relax, from the many rooftop cafes and restaurants with stunning views of the city and the mountains, to the many riads, guest houses built around a central courtyard to ensure maximum tranquility.
Marrakech dates back to the Berber Empire and has been inhabited by Berbers since the Neolithic period, but the city was officially founded in the 11th century by the Almoravid dynasty. It was during this period that the old city walls and several red sandstone buildings were constructed, giving the city its distinctive look and nickname. Marrakesh grew rapidly and established itself as the cultural, religious and commercial center of north-west Africa. The golden years of the Saadian dynasty saw the construction of many elaborate palaces and monuments in the city, such as the ancient Badi Palace, and the wealthy sultans are buried in the exquisitely decorated Saadian tombs, one of the main attractions for visitors on an organised trip to Marrakech.
With its rich and varied history, the city is like a living museum, as you can enjoy the main traditions of Marrakesh and the culture that has shaped it in every corner. Standing in Jemaa el-Fnaa, the busiest square in Africa, you may not know what to look at first: lively stalls, folk dance performances or the imposing Koutoubia Mosque.
Marrakech, the 'red city', is Morocco's most popular tourist destination, renowned for the winding streets of its medina and the bustle of its souks. Located in western Morocco, Marrakech is a former imperial city on the slopes of the Atlas Mountains.
A trip to Marrakech can be a whirlwind of the senses as you enter the bustling souks, experience the volume of traffic, much of it on motorbikes and donkeys, and soak up the buzzing atmosphere. Fortunately, after a day in Marrakech's medina, the city offers plenty of opportunities to relax, from the many rooftop cafes and restaurants with stunning views of the city and the mountains, to the many riads, guest houses built around a central courtyard to ensure maximum tranquility.
Marrakech dates back to the Berber Empire and has been inhabited by Berbers since the Neolithic period, but the city was officially founded in the 11th century by the Almoravid dynasty. It was during this period that the old city walls and several red sandstone buildings were constructed, giving the city its distinctive look and nickname. Marrakesh grew rapidly and established itself as the cultural, religious and commercial center of north-west Africa. The golden years of the Saadian dynasty saw the construction of many elaborate palaces and monuments in the city, such as the ancient Badi Palace, and the wealthy sultans are buried in the exquisitely decorated Saadian tombs, one of the main attractions for visitors on an organised trip to Marrakech.
With its rich and varied history, the city is like a living museum, as you can enjoy the main traditions of Marrakesh and the culture that has shaped it in every corner. Standing in Jemaa el-Fnaa, the busiest square in Africa, you may not know what to look at first: lively stalls, folk dance performances or the imposing Koutoubia Mosque.
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