The Best Places to visit in and around Marrakech Morocco
Don’t deprive yourself of the magical places of Marrakech, a city of a thousand and one discoveries; you will discover and rediscover beautiful landscapes, different architectures, a multitude of decorations, exceptional geometric shapes, wood and plaster sculptures that differ from one place to another, whatever is in inside or in the surroundings of Marrakesh; in short, an extraordinary journey through places and time.
Places to visit in Marrakech
Jamâa El Fna Square
The mythical Jamâa El Fna Square is located southwest of the medina (historical old city) of Marrakech; it was inscribed by UNESCO on the list of World Heritage in 1985 and as intangible cultural heritage in 2008.
Jamâa El Fna is a popular place where meet and gather from morning until late at night: showcasers of monkeys, snake charmers, henna tattooers, jugglers, storytellers of good adventures, folk groups and Gnawas ... for offer every day open air excellent shows.
Throughout the years, celebrities from the world of music, theater, cinema, intellectuals and politicians ... have found refuge in this place for inspiration, concentration, relaxation, or simply to get rid of the negative energy of everyday life.
THE MOSQUE KOUTOUBIA
The Koutoubia, the most important mosque of Marrakech, was built by the Almovids in 1120, then renovated in 1162 and completed in 1196 under the reign of the Almohad Caliph Yaqub al-Mansour (1184-1199) by the construction of the beautiful minaret of a height of 77 meters. The Hassan Tower of Rabat and the Giralda of Seville were built in the same years inspired by the important architecture of this building.
It is essential to make a visit to enjoy its large garden during the day and its beautiful lighting at night.
SAADIEN’S TOMBS
Returning by the big door "Bab AGNAOU", the Saadien’s tombs are located right next to the big mosque of the district Kasbah. They were discovered in 1917 after being sealed for centuries. Consisting of three rooms, the hall of twelve columns is the most prestigious mausoleum; the building houses the bodies of sixty Saadians, Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour (1578-1603), his family and his successors. Outside, in the garden of the necropolis; there are the graves of the servants and the soldiers of the Saadians.
The place of the tinsmiths
Called Ksadria in Arabic, Tinsmiths Square is located at the main entrance to the Badii Palace between the Jewish quarter Mellah and the Arab neighborhoods of Marrakech, its name comes from metal craftsmen and tinplate who developed their workshops on the place throughout the centuries; it is in these small workshops that beautiful objects of decoration in iron or metal were worked to be exported, in order to decorate prestigious apartments, villas and palaces in the four corners of the world. Recently, as part of the restoration of the medina of Marrakech, the place has a new look, but there are still artisans who allow you to contemplate the painstaking work passed on from generation to generation for several hundred years.
BADII PALACE
Located near the place of Tinsmiths, El Badii Palace is a ruined palace, it is currently a major tourist attraction in Marrakech; influenced by the Granada Alhambra in Spain, the palace was built in 1578 by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadian dynasty, shortly after his coronation. It took 16 years to build it while using the most valuable materials from Asia, Europe and Africa. A jewel of Islamic art, symbol of power; he expressed, in a framework of solemn audiences and feasts, the splendor of the sovereign both with foreign embassies and with his subjects.
By 1696, most of the materials of the Badii palace were reused for the construction of Meknes, the capital of the Alawite Sultan Moulay Ismaïl.
Nowadays, the Badii Palace hosts each year prestigious festivals such as the festival of Moroccan folklore, Jamel Debbouz's Marrakesh of laughter (Marrakech du Rire) as well as fashion shows.
The Mellah of Marrakech
The Mellah is the district where once lived the Jewish population of Marrakech, it is located between the Place Tinsmiths and the Bahia Palace. Very particular, with its spice souk, its market of fresh products, its jewelers, its cafes and restaurants make The Mellah a charm to discover.
THE BAHIA PALACE
The Bahia Bahia Palace located a few steps from Tinsmiths Square and near the Jewish Quarter Mellah; richly decorated with sculptures and floral paintings; Several gardens cultivated with palms, pomegranates, orange trees ... ; A spacious courtyard of 50 meters by 30 ..., The Bahia Palace is considered as one of the most important tourist places in Marrakech and the most majestic palace of Morocco of its time, it was built between 1866 and 1867 by Si Moussa (1836 -1894) the chamberlan, rich and powerful man of the Alawite Sultan Hassan I. In 1894, following the death of Si Moussa, his son Ahmed Ben Moussa known as Ba Hmad, also chamberlan Sultan Moulay Abd al-Aziz has expanded the southern part of the palace; in 1894, following the death of Si Moussa, his son Ahmed Ben Moussa known as Ba Hmad, also chamberlan Sultan Moulay Abd al-Aziz has expanded the southern part of the palace, to reside with his harem, his four women and a large number of children. He named it Bahia, the name of his most brilliant and beautiful woman.
Some time, after the disappearance of Ahmed Ben Moussa in 1900, the palace became the personal residence of the Lyautey genaral during the period of the protectorate and museum after the independence of Morocco. It is also today a cultural meeting place as it often hosts music concerts and art exhibitions.
DAR SI SAID MUSEUM
Located a hundred meters from the Bahia Palace in the neighboring streets; Dar Si Said, this great riad was built at the end of the 19th century by Si Said, brother of Ba Ahmed the builder of the Bahia Palace. In 1932, it was transformed into a museum during the French protectorate, renovated several times since the late 70s. Smaller than the Bahia palace certainly, but also interesting and unavoidable, it makes us discover a typical architecture and also informs us , on the art and the way of weaving carpets as well as objects from certain regions of Morocco.
The souk of the medina
The souk of the medina, a labyrinth of alleys full of Moroccan craft shops, traditional clothes, leather slippers, carpets, decorative objects, copper lamps, cakes and many other things; a treasure of value to discover in Marrakech.
MARRAKECH MUSEUM
The museum of Marrakech, former palace of Mehdi Mnebhi agent of authority (Mokhazen), then Minister of defense of Sultan Moulay Abdelaziz; and in 1901, ambassador of Morocco in England and Germany.
Mehdi Mnebhi ceded the great palace riyad, to his son-in-law Thami El Glaoui, Pasha of Marrakech, after his definitive departure from Marrakech to settle in Tangier, where he died on January 27, 1941.
In 1956, after the independence of Morocco, the palace became state property; it housed the first school of girls in Marrakech. It was closed for several years, following the gradual deterioration of its state of conservation.
In the 90s, the palace was restored by the Omar Benjelloun Foundation, a great businessman passionate about collections, art and culture; which turns it into a museum. The kitchen (La douiria) has become a gallery of contemporary art; as for the salons, they offer embroidery, weapons and collections of Moroccan art.
MADRASA BEN YOUSSEF
Ben Youssef Madrasa was founded by Abu al-Hassan (1299-1351), Merinid Sultan; its current structure was built by the Saadians around 1570 and recently restored in 1950 and in 2019
His name Ben Youssef is taken from the Almoravid sultan Ali Ben Youssef son of Youssef ben Tachfine.
This medieval madrsa is one of the main tourist attractions and one of the most important historical monuments of Marrakech. A foster home; on two floors, its 132 rooms could accommodate for more than four centuries up to 900 non-Marrakesh students, eager for knowledge in various sciences, particularly in Islamic law and theology.
DAR EL BACHA MUSEUM
Dar El Bacha was the residence of Thami El Glaoui, Pasha of Marrakech, appointed by Sultan Moulay Youssef in 1912. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century and is considered as one of the most extraordinary palaces of the ocher city Marrakesh.
Dar El Bacha, Museum of Confluences highlights the unique character of Morocco, the diversity of components and the richness of Moroccan identity.
They are displayed writing books, tablets and various objects related to science and Islamic knowledge, as well as the personal collection of American philanthropist Patty Cadby Birch.
The Dar El Bacha Museum regularly hosts high-quality exhibitions that are very rich in emotion.
Riad Denise Masson
Going from Dar El Pacha to Bab Doukkala, Riad Denise Masson is located in Derb Zemrane street opposite the shop Bio Shop Atlas specializing in the sale of naturals cosmetics of Argan, products of associations and cooperatives.
Denise Masson nicknamed the Lady of Marrakech (born August 5, 1901 in Paris - Deceased on November 10, 1994 in Marrakech), a nurse by profession and social worker, translated the Quran from Arabic to French, which was published in 1967 and who received, the label of "test of interpretation of the Quran inimitable" by "orthodox" Islam in Beirut and Cairo around 1970.
Cultural meetings, art exhibitions are often organized in this Riad; Huge, simple decor, but with exceptional spirituality, it's a place not to be missed.
The Riads
Riads, old large houses, palaces that previously belonged to the elites and nobles of Moroccan society, ceded by their heirs; acquired by foreign and Moroccan investors who renovated them, while at the same time using traditional materials such as tadelakt, sculture on wood and plaster and modern materials; and then transformed into a guest house to welcome tourists from all over the world.
The riads are usually enclosed on the inside, insulated by fairly wide walls and a minimum of openings to protect from the noise of the street and heat, with a patio planted with trees to bring freshness, attract the birds and a fountain which together provide calmness and serenity.
Each riad has its charm; riads are hidden treasures that must be discovered and rediscovered, a dream not to be missed.
MENARA GARDENS
The gardens of Menara are located next to Marrakech airport, about ten minutes by car and about thirty minutes walk from Jamaâ El Fna square; they are a peaceful place very favored for walks and camel rides.
The Menara basin was created around 1147 during the Almohad dynasty to irrigate the surrounding olive groves. It has been supplied with water for seven centuries, thanks to a hydraulic system that carries water from the neighboring mountains of the city of Marrakech. As for the pavilion with the green roof, it was built a little later, in the 16th century during the Saadian dynasty and redone in 1869 by the Alaouite Sultan Moulay Abderrahmane who stayed there in summer.
Aman : Water Museum Marrakech
Aman is the name of the water in Berber language, the water we see running daily before our eyes but we do not know that it has a history; a story that can be discovered at the Mohamed VI Museum of the water civilization: Aman. Place not to be missed.
Places to visit Around Marrakech
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AGHMAT CITY
Located 30 km from Marrakech at the foot of the High Atlas, the city of Aghmat is considered one of the oldest Moroccan city, it was a meeting place commercial caravans, residence of major traders, scholars, saints, politicians, poets and philosophers. It is in this city where the plan of Marrakesh was drawn by Youssef Ibnou Tachfine following the idea of his wife Zineb ENAFZAOUIA.
Exiled by Youssef Ibn Tachfine, Aghmat houses the mausoleum of the prince-poet Al Mouaatamid Ibnou Abbad, last prince of the dynasty of the Abbasids of the Kingdom of Seville: great Andalusian poet; as well as his wife Litimad Rmiqia and his son. Verses composed by the prince-poet are written above his tomb following his request.
As for the archaeological site of Aghmat, it shelters the traces of a mosque and an ancient bath, a bath which will make you travel back in time a thousand years ago, once inside; it is a visit that will take about twenty minutes, but it will remain engraved in the memory all the life.
OURIKA VALLEY
The Ourika Valley begins 36 km from Marrakech in the High Atlas down the road to the Oukeimden and ends 55 km to Setti Fatma the last village in the valley through Oualmas and other villages. A relatively preserved route, formed by mountains of oaks, waterfalls, streams, freshness, fruit trees and greenery, traditional Berber life ... offering a multitude of beautiful natural landscapes all year long, to revive and deeply nourish the senses, the soul and spirit.
OUKAIMDEN
The OUKAIMDEN ski resort or Oukaïmeden is located 80 km south-east of Marrakech in the High Atlas Mountains, located at 2,620 meters above sea level, it is the main ski resort of Morocco, it has been ranked by CNN as one of the 100 best ski resorts in the world, Whatever your level, beginner or experienced, you can fully enjoy the ski season which extends, generally and according to the years, from December to 'in March. But you can still enjoy a green landscape and clean air, while hiking, all year round.
Lalla Takerkoust Dam
The Lalla Takerkoust Dam located on the road leading from Marrakech to Amzmiz, is also a beautiful place to see, with its lakeside restaurants, to please the eyes, water, Jet Ski and mountains, and enjoy the best of Moroccan and European gastronomy. A place not to be missed.
IMLIL VILLAGE
The village of Imlil is located 70 km south of Marrakech in the High Atlas. Going through Tahanaout, Moulay Brahim and Asni to Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa (4167m), is the village of Imlil. IMLIL is an idyllic place that offers endless landscapes for mountain tourists, nature lovers and hikers, as well as incomparable panoramic views to immortalize and share.
In recent decades, the village of Imlil has developed in an incredible way offering visitors a large number of beautiful hotels, riads, kasbahs, cottages, apartments, restaurants, cafes ... well located to better contemplate the beauty of nature .
OUZOUD Waterfalls
Located 150 km northeast of Marrakech, taking the road to Azilal which is itself 180 km from Marrakech, between the mountains of the Middle Atlas and the High Atlas.
The OUZOUD waterfalls is a very beautiful tourist place, considered among the most beautiful and the highest of Morocco, with these extraordinary waterfalls of 110 m height, usually dominated by a rainbow and in the surroundings always full greenery with plantations of fruit trees, almond trees, fig trees, olive groves and others that make the place a land Eden, which you must visit, you find good hotels and riads to welcome you.
So, don’t hesitate to discover and explore the magic treasures of Marrakech, the red city of Morocco.
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