Marrakech: "Morocco City",as early travellers called it -has always been something of a pleasure city,a marketplace where the southern tribesmen and Berber villagers bring in their goods, spend their money and find enter-trainment. For visitor it's an enduring fantasy - a city of immense beauty low, red and tentlike before a great shaft of montains-and immediately exciting. At the heart of it all is a square, Djemaa El Fna, really no more than an open space in the centre of the city, but the stage for a long-established ritual in which shifting cir-cles of onlookers and comedians. However many times you return there, it remains compelling. So, too, do the city's architectural attractions: the immense, still basins of the Agdal and Menara gardens, the delicate Granada-style carving of the saadian tombs and, above all the Koutoubia Minaret, the most perfect Islamic monument in North Africa.

 

Unlike Fes, for so long its rival as the nation's capital, the city exists very much in the present. After Casablanca, Marrakesh is Morocco's second largest city and its population continues to rise. It has a thriving industrial area which reflects the rich farmlands of the Haouz plain which surround it: notably flour mills, breweries and canning factories. And it remains the most important market and administrative centre of southern Morocco. None of this is to suggest an easy prosperity-there is heavy unemployment here, as throughout the country, and intense poverty, too -but a stay in Marrakesh leaves you with a vivid impression of life and activity. And for once this doesn't apply exclusively to the new city, Gueliz; the Medina, substantially in ruins at the beginning of this century, was rebuilt and expanded during the years of French rule and retains no less significant a role in the modern city.

 

The Koutoubia excepted, Marrakesh is not a place of great monuments. Its beauty and attraction lie in the general atmosphere and spectacular location -with the magnificent peaks of the Atlas rising right up behind the city, towering through the heat haze of summer or shimmering white of winter. the feel, as much as anything, is a product of this. Marrakesh has Berber rather than Arab origins, having developed as the metropolis of Atlas tribes-Maghrebis from the plains, Saharan nomads and former slaves from Africa beyond the desert, Sudan, Senegal and the ancient Kingdom of Timbuktu. All of these strands shaped the city's souks and its way of life, and in the crowds and performers in Djemaa El Fna, they can still occasionally seem distinct.

 

For most travellers, Marrakesh is the first experience of the south and-despite the inevitable 'false' guides and hustlers-of its generally more relaxed atmosphere and attitudes. Marrakchis are renowend for their warmth and sociability, their humour and directness-all qualities that (superficially, at least) can seem absent among the Fassis. there is, at any rate, a conspicuously more laid-back feel than anywhere in the north, with women, for example, having a greater degree of freedom and public presence, often riding mopeds around on the streets. And compared to Fes, Marrakesh is much less homogenous and cohesive. The city is more a conglomeration of villages than an urban community, with quarters formed and maintained by successive generations of migrants from the countryside.

Marrakech Introduction

Marrakech, situated in south west, is Morocco’s second largest city and lies in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Most people, when they think of Marrakech, conjure up a picture of narrow streets, busy markets in bustling squares and mosques with their minarets calling the faithful to prayer and this is indeed the reality. The city is full of activity with local craftsmen making and selling their wares, stalls selling a huge variety of goods which must be haggled over and entertainers singing and dancing.

Why Go To Marrakech?

Marrakech is a city like no other and displays a very different way of life. The magnificent backdrop of the Atlas Mountains frames the city. The walled city is a maze of narrow alleyways lined with medieval buildings crowded with shops. The large square, said to be the busiest in North Africa, is a hive of activity with traders and entertainers during the day and food sellers at night. Although many thousands of foreign visitors come to the city every year, the way of life remains the same and holiday makers in Marrakech enjoy a traditional Moroccan experience.

Who Is Marrakech Popular With?

Marrakech appeals to those who like the experience of a completely different culture. Although the hotels generally have good swimming facilities the nearest beaches are a two hour drive away. Golfers have a choice of three golf courses. Those who like to meander through the twisting alleyways of old towns seeking their holiday bargains and sampling the local food will find that Marrakech is the perfect destination.

When To Go To Marrakech

Morocco is a year round holiday destination with hot summers and mild winters. Marrakech is cooler in the winter with snow on the mountain peaks. The summer temperatures are in the high eighties.

Marrakech - The Place

Marrakech is a large city with a population of one million. The small area of the old town with its narrow, traffic-free cobbled streets is the tourist centre of Marrakech. In the labyrinth of alleys are the ‘suuqs’ where the craftsmen make and sell their wares. The Djemaa el Fna is a huge square with the largest and busiest market in Morocco. It is a place of frenzied activity with stall holders vying for the customer’s attention and money. In addition there are entertainers such as acrobats, storytellers and snake charmers. Traditional music fills the air to accompany the folk dancers in their brightly coloured costumes. In the evening the food sellers come out and the square becomes a huge outdoor café.
The Koutoubia Mosque, built in 1199, is visible all over Marrakech with its 77 metre minaret. Away from the centre of the city are the Menara Gardens where you can relax among the trees and by the lakeside away from the noise and bustle of the town. Spa treatments are available in the ‘hammams’ where you can avail yourself of soothing body wraps and massages.

Marrakech Culture

An international film festival is now held in Marrakech and attracts many famous names.
The Moroccans are a hospitable and friendly people, welcoming visitors to their country and going out of their way to be helpful. Nothing ever seems to be too much trouble.

Marrakech Nightlife

The nightlife in Marrakech is lively and the square becomes the main focus for evening entertainment. Lined with bars and restaurants it is the perfect place to view the entertainment. Bars are usually open until midnight while nightclubs, often with open air dance floors, are open until dawn. Many hotels have their own clubs which are open to the public.

Marrakech Shopping

Marrakech is a great place to shop with a huge variety of gift and craft shops, bazaars and markets. The art of bartering is at its best in Morocco where most of the pleasure in shopping is the negotiation process. If you show an interest in an expensive item you may be offered a cup of green tea while the haggling takes place. There is a wide range of goods including carpets, leather goods, jewellery, spices, pottery and ceramics. Remember that you have a limited baggage allowance on your return flight. It could be expensive if you forget.

Marrakech Eating

Food in Morocco is generally spicy with sweet and sour combinations. Chicken is by far the most popular meat. Pastilla is a favourite dish made filo pastry filled with egg and meat or vegetables. Harari. the lentil and chick pea soup is another popular food. Mint tea is a favourite drink.
Hotels and restaurants in Morocco serve a wide variety of international cuisine to cater for the less adventurous diner.
Drink only bottled water.

Local Marrakech Customs

All people working in the tourist and leisure industries are heavily reliant on tips that are usually much deserved. The kindness and helpfulness of the people is renowned. Children are always made especially welcome.
Remember that Morocco is an Islamic country and overt displays of affection can cause offence.