Located in the southern portion of Morocco, Marrakech lies at the foot of the High Atlas mountains (only 70 km [110 miles] away). The snow-covered mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to this red city. As most of the buildings are made of a reddish clay, it has become known as the red city. The photo below right was taken near the city walls (visible at left side of photo) with the spectacular Atlas in the background and the ever-present palm trees. The area around Marrakech is an oasis full of native palms. The medina in Marrakech is full of life and business. Like most medinas, it is a warren of narrow streets, but it is not as large nor as confusing as the medina in Fès. Here we wandered through with a local guide to discover the variety of souqs (shops) and the wares available. A brief stop at an herb shop gave us an idea of the outstanding array of herbal remedies available, as well as cooking spices. The photo above left shows the relative openness of the Marrakech medina, with its trademark red buildings.

We visited the tombs of the Saadians, started in the late 1500’s by the Sultan al-Manour, with the last burial around 1792. As the access to the tombs was hidden, the tombs were forgotten for centuries, only to be rediscovered in 1917. Because of this, they are in excellent condition (although there has been some restoration) and open for visiting. There is one large structure for al-Mansour and his successors, one for the children, and about 100 tombs outside for the servants and workers.

Also worth visiting is the Palais de la Bahia built towards the end of the 19th century as a residence of the Vizier of the Sultan al-Hassan I. It contains a series of rooms and gardens, each with their own special decor. The palace has been restored and provides the visitor with an idea of how the rich and famous of the time enjoyed life. The cedar ceilings are deliciously decorated with carvings and paintings, a real treat for the eyes. The Vizier had four wives, each with their own room arounda central courtyard. There was a separate courtyard and sleeping rooms for the many concubines.

One of the most striking sights in Marrakech is the huge minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque. It sits just outside the medina area and can be seen for miles around, due to its 70 meter height, making it the tallest in Marrakech. The minaret is a classic of the Moroccan-Andalusian architecture and has 2 sister minarets located in Rabat and Seville, Spain. Evidently when it was first built it was decorated with tilework and painted plaster, all of which has disappeared. However, that does not distract from its overwhelming presence. Near the medina is the famous Djemaa el-Fna square, the site for street performers and luscious street food in the late afternoon. Here is where you will find the performing Berbers, the snake charmers, storytellers, performing monkeys and the acrobats. Many of the cafes around the square have an open patio on the upper floor, providing visitors with a bird’s-eye view of the activities for the price of a beverage.

Click here for a slideshow of Marrakech.

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