Marrakech

🏜️ Marrakech: the pearl of the South in the heart of the Atlas

📍 Location

• Marrakech is located in the central Morocco, at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, at about 500 meters above sea level.
• It is part of the region Marrakech-Safi and has more than one million inhabitants, making it one of the largest cities in the country.

🧬 History and identity

• Founded in 11th century by the Almoravides, Marrakech was the capital of Morocco under several dynasties: Almoravid, Almohad, Saadian, and Alawite.
• Its name comes from Berber Amur n Yakuš, meaning “land under the protection of God”.
• She gave her name to the country: Morocco drift from Marrakech.

🕌 Heritage and architecture

• The city is famous for its medina, classified in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its labyrinthine alleys, his lively souks, and its traditional riads.
• Emblematic monuments :

• Jemaa el-Fna Square : living heart of the city, storytellers' theater, musicians, snake charmers and food stalls.
• Koutoubia Mosque : with its majestic minaret visible for miles.
• Bahia Palace and El Badi Palace : masterpieces of Moroccan architecture.
• Saadian Tombs : funerary jewels hidden behind discreet walls.
• Majorelle Garden : a botanical oasis with vibrant colors, formerly owned by Yves Saint Laurent.

🌆 Atmosphere and neighborhoods

• Marrakech is a city of contrasts :
• The Medina : traditional, artisanal, vibrant.
• Gueliz and l’Hivernage : modern, with luxury boutiques, chic cafes, art galleries and nightlife.
• We come across carriages, the motorcycles, the street vendors, and the street artists, in an atmosphere sensory and captivating.

🍽️ Gastronomy

• Rich and fragrant cuisine :
• Tanjia marrakchia, couscous, tagines, pastilla, Moroccan salads.
• Mint tea, honey and almond pastries, fresh orange juice in Jemaa el-Fna square.
• The traditional restaurants rub shoulders with the contemporary gourmet tables, often nestled in riads.

🎭 Culture and festivities

• Marrakech welcomes many festivals : cinema, music, contemporary art.
• She is also a major craft center : leather, pottery, weaving, ironwork, zellige.
• In 2016, it hosted the COP22, asserting its role on the international scene.

✨ Why Marrakech is unforgettable

It is a city where every stone tells a story, where the scents of spices float in the air, and where the desert light kisses the ochre walls. Marrakech is sensory, mystical and deeply alive — a journey between oriental dream and vibrant reality.