What Everybody Ought to Know About Marrakech, Morocco

by Ethan
(Dallas, TX)

If Casablanca is the only name that comes to mind when thinking of Morocco, consider adding Marrakech to your working North African vocabulary. Some 254 kilometers south of the city made famous by Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, lays the famous Red City, a highly esteemed ancient imperial capital resting at the foothills of the impregnable Atlas Mountains.

The name Marrakech (of which the name Morocco is merely one pronunciation) means Land of God in Berber, which is fitting considering that it is the cultural capital of Morocco, known for its seven Sufi saints. The story of Marrakech is an old one, stretching back to the 11th century when it was built as the capital of the newly emergent Berber-Muslim Almoravid Dynasty.

The city itself is comprised of the old fortified center (called the medina) and an adjacent modern city (Gueliz). The city as a whole boasts a population of 1,070,000. Marrakech boasts the largest souq (traditional market) in Morocco (called the Djemaa el Fna) and one of the busiest town squares in Africa, even the world. The Djemaa is the heart of Marrakech and pulses daily with acrobats, dancers, story-tellers, musicians, and various other novelty performers. At night the streets multiply makeshift eateries of a million local flavors.

The lure of Marrakech rests in the prospects of exploring its ancient palaces and forts, religious sites, museums, gardens and parks. Whether walking the ruins of the El Badi (Incomparable) Palace, standing in awe of the city's largest place of worship, the Koutoubia Mosque, or admiring the Museum of Islamic Art near the beautiful Marjorelle Gardens, one can find a host of sights to please the eye and uplift the soul.

It is often recommended that visitors spend no fewer than three days in Marrakech. The fact that this city of considered the cultural icon of a nation as rich in heritage as Morocco should enable us to understand why. Although hot in the summer, July in Marrakech tempts the traveler with its famed Popular Arts Festival. Artists, performers, and venders from all over Morocco, North Africa, and even the Greater Mediterranean come together to celebrate the creativity of the nation. The arts festival is also home to the Fantasia horse-riding spectacle.

This is the only place where one can witness hundreds of galloping horsemen dressed in traditional Moroccan garb, showcasing the splendor of the ancient dynasties. In the mood for a romantic local wedding? Try forty all at once! The nearby village of Imilchil, in the Atlas Mountians is known for its mass weddings and festivities.

Plus, there's the skiing. What?! Skiing?! Yes! From mid-January to mid-February, the Atlas Mountains are heavy enough with snow to give you a run for your money!

Lodge in a Riad (a traditional house) and sip a relaxing cup of mint tea in one of their courtyards, or find your way to one of many luxury hotels on a caleche (traditional horse-drawn carriage), by taxi, or sporting a moped with local flair.

If you are searching for the whole North African experience and don?t have the time or funds to spend months roaming the Sahara like a nomad, then look no further than a journey to Marrakech!

Photo provided by Kriss69 - Flickr