The nine must see places in Marrakech
Morocco is undoubtedly a great holiday destination for various reasons: its proximity, the price and its beauty. It is worth spending a few days in the imperial city of Marrakech as it has much to offer its visitors. In fact, in 2015 it was chosen as the most popular destination in the world. These are the nine must see places in Marrakech.
Jamaa el Fna Square
The Jamaa el Fna square is the heart of Marrakech and the lung of the Medina. In 2001 it was recognized as an oral and intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO. The square is used for commercial purposes, for shows, for eating … Both during the day and at night, the animation takes place continuously. At night, it is the perfect place to try the most traditional Moroccan cuisine in its mobile restaurants. We also recommend you take some Moruno tea on one of the rooftops of the square’s bars, since from there you can enjoy some great views.
The Souks
The souks are the perfect place to get lost, buy and admire the Moroccan craftsmanship. In the middle of the souks there are more than 40,000 artisans. These lively souks are organized in corporations: souk Cherratine for leather goods, Zrabi for carpets, Fekherine for potteries, Sebbaghine for dyers, Seffarine for copper etc. The “maâlem”, is the expert craftsman and the guardian of the secrets of the trade.
The neighborhood of Sidi Boudchich is one of the largest craft production centers in the city. Undoubtedly, the souks of Marrakech are a must visit.
Saadite Tombs
The Saadite tombs is the royal necropolis of the Saadite dynasty, the first set of funerary rooms was created in 1557. A second building was erected containing the central hall or also called the “twelve columns room”. There is also another space reserved for children’s tombs. All the rooms are decorated in detail.
These tombs are one of the few remaining remains of the Saadite dynasty that reigned during the Golden Age of Marrakech. The historical and patrimonial interest of these tombs is enormous. Also worth visiting are the Mansour Mosquewhich is very close to the tombs.
The Koutoubia
The Koutoubia was built by the Almoravids in the 12th century and is now the symbol of Marrakech. It is one of the most emblematic and impressive monuments of Marrakech. In addition, it is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. The first Koutoubia was inaugurated in 1557, and the second, a few years later.
Its carved stone minaret is 77 meters high and has served as inspiration for the construction of the Hassan Tower in Rabat and the Giralda in Seville.
Badii Palace
The palace of Badii or “Dar El Badii” is a palace that was built between the years 1578 and 1603 by Yacoub El Mansour. This sovereign Almohade created the palace to celebrate the victory over the Portuguese army in the “Battle of the Three Kings”
The palace was built with rich materials that came from India like marble, onyx, gold … The building has a great Andalusian influence so it is thought that its architect (unknown) was originally from Granada. The interior gardens are called “gardens of desire”, of which there is only one esplanade full of orange trees.
Medersa Ben Youssef
The Medersa Ben Youssef is located in the heart of the medina and is one of the largest in the Maghreb. A medersa is a Muslim school of higher education. It is also one of the most beautiful historical monuments in Marrakech. It was built in the year 1570 by the Saadita Abd Allah Al Ghalib.
It was built according to the Arab-Andalusian architecture and houses 132 rooms of students that surround an interior patio.
Bahia Palace
Bahia means “the beautiful” or “the beautiful” and is most likely to refer to the favorite wife of Ahmed Ben Moussa, Grand Vizier and the palace’s deputy. Bahia is a great maze of rooms and nooks. The best Moroccan and Andalusian craftsmen worked in this palace for six years at the end of the 19th century.
The marble of the palace comes from Meknes, while the cedar wood used for the roofs comes from the forests of the Altas.
Dar Si Said Museum
This building was built in the second half of the 19th century and was the home of Si Said Ben Moussa. It is a real testimony of the domestic architectural art of the late nineteenth century. From the year 1932 it became a museum and a workshop of artisans. At the moment it is the regional museum , where you will be able to see pieces of the popular art of Marrakesh and of the berberiscos towns.
Majorelle Garden
Majorelle gardens were created in 1931 by the French painter Jacques Majorelle. This garden full of greenery and blue tones is a work of art. In 1980 the designer Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé acquired and restored the villa and the garden.
The garden is structured around a long central pond and contains plants and species from around the world. Majorelle is adorned with ponds, fountains, pergolas, ceramic jugs … What was Jacques Majorelle’s workshop is currently the headquarters of the foundation Yves Saint Laurent – Pierre Berger which houses a large collection on the Berber people.
