Mysterious Marrakech summons up images of enigmatic and colorful souks, thrilling sounds, smells, and the heat of the sun.  All this, and much more can be found in the stunning city that is Marrakech. 

Even though geographically near Europe it feels as if its a million miles away; stretching out less than a hundred miles inland and with a setting of the Atlas Mountains, Agadir together with Morocco is the rising star of British and European holiday destinations.

Ever since the 11th up to the 17th century, Berber Clans have fought over Marrakech.  The extremely lengthy war has made Marrakech's history fascinating and makes for a wonderful holiday past time.  It was not until the 1700's that peace and order was brought by the Alaouite sultans.  It was during this that progress seemed ongoing.  This is with the construction of buildings when goodwill was promoted by the two cities, Fez and Marrakech. 

It was on the 20th century that the French dominated the region.  Thus, they were not welcomed by the locals.  They have built the town Gueliz and most infrastructures that are still being used up to this day. Though now governing and seating in Rabat, King Mohammed loves to visit the city of Marrakech.

While Marrakech may seem familiar layout and design wise, this is not your typical European holiday.  There are lots of tombs, gardens, and palaces in Marrakech as well as thousands of hidden beauty that one can enjoy.  Even today, Marrakech still has horse carriages and bikes in the streets.  This shows that Marrakech is not a fast growing city.

The place to visit in Marrakech is the old town.  The Koutoubia Mosque that was built in the 12th century can be found in the main square.  The mosque is still being used until the present.  It is however for Muslims only but you may enjoy looking at the ruins and surrounding scenery.

East of the minaret is the general meeting place of the Medina which is the Jemaa El Fna, it is the market's entrance as well.  Once you become accustomed to this, the noise and busy sound of the market becomes music to one's ears.  There are various items sold in the souk (market).  It feels as if you are in medieval times once you wander around the colorful market.  You can see horses and donkeys prancing around, bringing customers to the souk.  Bargaining for any item you want is considered a ritual in Marrakech. A lot of items are sold in the market, from colored silks to animals.

When you are in the market, be sure to stop by and see the three important sites that Marrakech offers; the Ben Youssef Medersa, which is conjoined to a mosque with the same name that is dated from the 14th century.  There are similar Koranic carvings as to the Alhambra Palace in Spain.  Next is the Koubba Ba’Adiyn, a two storey porch dating from the 12th century with Moorish style details in it. Third is the Dar M’Nebhi, a privately owned museum that has a collection of Moroccan art.

Marrakech Facts:

Marrakech is a Muslim city that produces wine. People are being resourceful, they cook what they have.  Local cuisine includes pigeon, chicken with olives and couscous, lamb kebabs, and mint tea, the national drink.

Dirham is the currency being used in Marrakech.  It is best to change your money upon arrival in Marrakech.

When getting around town, you can ride a taxi or a petite.  This is the finest way to travel when you are in Marrakech.

Though we now know that Marrakech is a Muslim country, Women are not required to be covered up entirely.

Moroccan-Arabic is the native language spoken. Half the inhabitants speak French.  In some places, people understand English.

Friday is the Muslim Sabbath day which means banks are closed all day.

Marrakech is known to be the seductive, sensual city.

Travel Tips:

White sandy beaches can be found at Essaouira, a two hour drive from Marrakech.  It is a local fishing town that has the most excellent weather for windsurfing.  They serve the best sizzling sardines that can be mouthwatering.

You can hire a tour guide to take you to the heart of the Berber countryside.  Reaching there means a mule ride at about 3,000 feet.  You will be greeted with the snow filled Atlas Mountains.  90 minutes away from Marrakech you can reach the village of Ouirgane where you can find olive and lemon trees as well as wild flowers.

You can eat your lunch at a well renowned hotel or horse riding facility.  You can even do this at a garden in La Roseraie. 

Take a half-hour trip to the wonderful Lake Lalla Takerkoust.  It is located at the High Atlas foothills.  They offer water sports that are to die for.  For about 200 dirhams, you can go wakeboarding, water skiing, or jet-skiing.  If you are more on the peaceful serene side, you can opt for a pedal boat and kayaks and enjoy the peaceful water and magnificent scenery.  If you prefer some dry daring excitement, you can choose the hiking trails or go biking around the lake.

The palaces and gardens of Marrakech is what the Europeans and Americans fell in love with.  Although Marrakech has the reputation as a city of hustlers, this is unworthy.  By being alert at crowded places, and by showing respect, it is believed that no bad thing can ever happen to you.  This may be the case because there are a lot of poor people there with a slim chance of finding work, which lurk the area.  With this dilemma, Marrakech has employed tourist police in various places to help resolve the problem, so you should not be frightened to visit this country.

It is not only a symbol of Morocco. Marrakech is a fantastic city as well.  Marrakech's tourists have transformed medieval construction to a blooming business by searching for the "real" Morroco.  The old and restricted streets have not allowed cars to flow through them.  Tourists come to Marrakech all year round.  The high amount of tourists has been a factor to preserve things as they were in the past.  The residents are very proud of the fame of the city. As a city full of history, you must come and see for yourself the wonders of Marrakech.  Experience the wonderful history the city has behind it.