Djemma el Fna
The Djemma el Fna is
really the heart of
Marrakech. It is a
large central square
in the old city
(Medina) and during
the day it's a
perfect place to
grab a
freshly-squeezed
orange juice and a
handful of dates. At
the end of the
afternoon the Djemma
el Fna transforms
into an entertainers
paradise -- if
you're in to snake
charming, juggling,
music and that sort
of thing. Snack
stalls are replaced
with stalls offering
more substantial
fare and the square
comes alive with
entertainment that
hasn't changed much
since medieval times.
The Djemma el Fna is surrounded by cafe's overlooking the square so you can just relax and watch the world go by if you're tired of jostling the crowds below. Be prepared to be asked for money when you take photos of the performers and stop to watch the entertainment.
Souqs
The souqs are
basically undercover
markets that sell
everything from
chickens to
high-quality crafts.
The souqs of
Marrakech are
considered to be
among the best in
Morocco, so if you
like shopping and
bargaining you'll
enjoy yourself
tremendously. Even
if you don't like
shopping, the souqs
are a cultural
experience you
wouldn't want to
miss. Souqs are
divided in to small
areas that
specialize in a
certain good or
trade. The metal
workers all have
their little shops
clustered together,
as do the tailors,
butchers, jewelers,
wool dyers, spice
merchants, carpet
salesmen and so on.
The souqs are situated north of the Djemma el Fna and finding your way around the narrow alleyways can be a bit tricky. Guides are plentiful in Marrakech, so you can always use those services, but getting lost in the chaos is also part of the fun. It's often more interesting to peek in to souqs where local wares are being produced, than to be taken to yet another carpet shop by your guide. If you get lost, just ask for directions back to the Djemma el Fna.
Majorelle Gardens
and the Musuem of
Islamic Art
In the 1920's,
French artists
Jacques and Louis
Majorelle created a
stunning garden in
the middle of
Marrakech's new town.
The Majorelle
gardens are filled
with color, plants
of all shapes and
sizes, flowers, fish
ponds and perhaps
the most pleasing
aspect, tranquility.
The designer Yves
Saint Laurent now
owns the gardens and
has also built
himself a house on
the property. The
building that gets
most of the
attention however is
the bright blue and
yellow building the
Marjorelles used as
their studio and
which now houses the
Museum of Islamic
Art. This small
museum includes some
good examples of
Moroccan tribal art,
carpets, jeweler,
and pottery.
The gardens and museum are open daily with a 2 hour lunch break from 12-2pm.
Saadian Tombs
The Saadian dynasty
ruled much of
southern Morocco
during the 16th and
17th centuries.
Sultan Ahmed
al-Mansour created
these tombs for
himself and his
family in the late
16th century, 66 of
them are buried here.
The tombs were
sealed up rather
than destroyed in
the 17th century and
were only
re-discovered in
1917. Consequently
they are beautifully
preserved and the
intricate mosaic is
stunning. Despite
being situated in
the heart of the
somewhat hectic old
town (medina) the
tombs are surrounded
by a nice peaceful
garden.
The tombs are open daily except Tuesday. It's advisable to get there early and avoid the tour groups.
The Ramparts of
Marrakech
The walls of the
medina have been
standing since the
13th century and
make for a wonderful
early morning stroll.
Each gate is a work
of art in themselves
and the walls run
for twelve miles.
The Bab ed-Debbagh
gate is the entry
point for the
tanneries and
provides an
excellent photo
opportunity full of
vivid colors from
the dyes used. It is
a little smelly
though.
Palais Dar Si Said
(Museum of Moroccan
Arts)
A palace and museum
in one and well
worth a visit. The
palace is opulent
and beautiful in
itself with a lovely
courtyard where you
can relax and take
some pictures. The
museum's displays
are well laid out
and include jewelery,
costumes, ceramics,
daggers and other
artifacts. The
museum is open daily
with a couple of
hours break for
lunch.
Ali ben Youssef
Medersa and Mosque
The Medersa was
built in the 16th
century by the
Saadians and could
house up to 900
religious students.
The architecture is
beautifully
preserved and you
can explore the tiny
rooms where the
students used to
live. The mosque is
adjacent to the
Medersa.
El
Bahia Palace
This palace is a
wonderful example of
the best of Moroccan
architecture.
There's lots of
detail, arches,
light, engravings
and what's more it
was built as a
harem's residence,
which makes it even
more interesting.
The palace is open
daily with a break
for lunch although
it is closed when
the royal family
visits.