Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Bab Berrima
Apart from
being perimetre
defences, other
walls and gates
divided up the
interior of the
medina. For
instance, a wall
separated the royal
kasbah quarter
from the city; Bab
Berrima was one
of the gates bet-
ween these two
distinct zones.
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Bab Debbagh
This gate gives
access to the tanneries,
and when it's open to
visitors, you can ascend
an internal staircase to
the gatehouse roof for
sweeping city views.
&
Bab El Khemis
The most northerly of
gates
(above)
is also the
most decorative, with a
semi-circle of stalactite
mouldings arcing over
the entranceway. Outside
the gate is a pretty little
marabout
or shrine.
The Red City
Marrakech's distinctive
colouring is from pig-
ments in the local soil,
mixed to make
pisé
from which its buildings
have traditionally been
constructed. In the last
century, this was threat-
ened by new building
materials such as
concrete. Therefore the
ruling French decreed
that all new buildings
be painted pink. This
rule continues to be in
force even today, with
pleasing results.
*
The Seven Saints
Just outside the walls stand seven stone towers
each topped by a tree. This giant ensemble is in
homage to the seven saints of Marrakech
(see p68)
.
Dar El Haoura
(
West of the Agdal
Gardens, this curious
free-standing fortress
used to be a garrison for
cavalry and its horse
ramp is intact to this day.
)
Calèche tours
The best way to view
the walls is by a calèche
(see pp8-9).
Take a
complete circuit for the
equivalent of a few dollars.
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