Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Marrakech Highlights
An oasis in every sense of the word, Marrakech was once a beacon for the
trading caravans that had driven north through the desert and navigated over
the often snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Marrakech may be Morocco's third
most important city after Rabat and Casablanca, but its fabulous palaces and
lush palm groves exercise a powerful hold over tourists. It has always been
the place where sub-Saharan Africa meets Arab North Africa,
and, even today, this market town located on the edge of
nowhere remains a compellingly exotic port of call.
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Jemaa El Fna
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This is a vast plaza at
the heart of the medina
(the old walled city), as
old as Marrakech itself.
The site of parades and
executions in the past,
modern city life is centred
around the Jemaa El Fna
(
see pp8-9)
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The Night Market
By night, Jemaa El Fna
transforms into a circus, theatre
and restaurant, with itinerant
musicians and entertainers
drawing excitable crowds
(see pp10-11)
.
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Koutoubia Mosque
Marrakech's landmark
monument boasts a tower
that dominates the skyline
for miles around. Like most
mosques in Morocco, it is
closed to non-Muslims but
it's an impressive sight
nonetheless
(see pp12-13)
.
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The Souks
Laid out in the narrow streets
to the north of central Jemaa El
Fna are a dizzying array of souks,
or bazaars. Different areas
specialize in their own specific
wares, selling anything from
carpets, lanterns and slippers,
to ingredients for magic spells
(see pp14-15)
.
6
Preceding pages
City Walls along Agdal Gardens
