Taking a Walk Through Marrakech, Morocco
Jemaa El-Fna, Marrakech, Morocco (ISO 800, 45 mm, f/4.5, 1/640 s)
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**This post is the 1st of a 5-post series discussing what to see in Morocco. (You can check out the other parts in the list below, separated by each specific city. Everything is also summarized in another post here.**
Morocco is a country in Northwest Africa, whose region has been inhabited for over 300,000 years. It bears a rich geography with the Atlas Mountains in the center/south of the country, the Sahara desert to the west, with Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines to the north and west, respectively. The official languages of Morocco are Arabic and Berber, but you will also find French spoken in many of the country’s institutions.
In this post I will talk about some of the places to check out in Marrakech. If you would like to read more about Morocco, feel free to check out the blog posts below:
Marrakech (Blog Post: Taking a Walk Through Marrakech, Morocco)
Essaouira (Blog Post: Explore Essaouira on the Moroccan Coast)
Chefchaouen (Blog Post: Just a few reasons why you HAVE to see Chefchaouen in Morocco)
Merzouga - Sahara Desert (Blog Post: Why you should see the Sahara Desert in Merzouga, Morocco)
Summary (Blog Post: Which city in Morocco is best for you?)
Marrakech is the 4th largest city in Morocco, but it undoubtedly one of the more popular cities in the entire region. It was founded in 1070 and first inhabited by berbers (an ethnic group from the Maghreb region). At one point in Moroccan history, it served as the capital and is currently one of the four imperial cities of Morocco (the others being Fez, Meknes, and Rabat). Present Day Marrakech is full of history with old souks and palaces that are still maintained well, along with newer construction in other parts of the city.
Marrakech, Morocco (ISO 3200, 10 mm, f/4.5, 1/13 s)
How to get to Marrakech
You can fly into Marrakech via the Marrakech Menara Airport (Airport Code: RAK) from most international destinations. Conversely, you can reach Marrakech by train, even directly from stations in Casablanca and Fez (though from more places are possible with a change). Lastly, in addition to the train, you can get to Marrakech by bus. Companies CTM and Supratours offer bus services to and from Marrakech and tickets can be booked online.
Once you are through airport security, you can take a taxi to the (old) city center which should run you anywhere from 70-100 Moroccan Dirhams. Insist on this price as the drivers will usually say 120 Dh for 1 person and 100 Dh per person for the ride. However, at the time of reading this, the prices may have increased due to rising global inflation. If anyone has an update to these prices, please let me know in the comments!
Marrakech, Morocco (ISO 3200, 10 mm, f/4.5, 1/13 s)
Jemaa el-Fna
This is the main market square of Marrakech that is busy at all times of the day. The arabic word ‘jamaa’ means congregation or mosque in Arabic while ‘fina’ means ‘open area’. The square is honored by UNESCO by having the title of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, which is a rare designation given to culturally significant places in the world.
It is located in old Marrakech (not a surprise when you consider that its origins date back to the 17th century) and here you will find stalls with local good like leather bags, pashminas, metallic lamps in addition to food stalls with fresh juices, coffee, and other local cuisines like tagine and tangia (more on that later).
At night, the square comes alive as vendors set up their dinner stalls and tables for their patrons. I found the nightlife here to be a sensory overload of smells, sights, and sounds. It was pleasant at times and not so much others. I found that being an obvious Westerner, I was nearly constantly summoned to different food stalls, which is by no means unusual in this part of the world. However, I found some of the shop keepers to be quite aggressive. Furthermore, I have heard (not experienced), tourists being price scammed at some of these establishments. So my advice is to make sure you always see a menu with prices and be very clear about what you intend to pay for (even the water and bread they offer you will not be complimentary).
Nonetheless, this area is not to be missed as its located in the heart of Marrakech, flanked by old mosques and a rich history that you will sure to learn more about in the days you spend discovering Marrakech.
Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech, Morocco (ISO 200, 11 mm, f/5.0, 1/2000 s)
Koutoubia Mosque
Also spelled Kutubiyya Mosque, this mosque is the largest in Marrakech. You can find it in the medina quarter right near Jemaa el-Fna. It was founded back in 1147 but was rebuilt in 1158 with construction culminating in 1195. It is a textbook example of Almohad architecture. The grounds of the mosque are surrounded by gardens. I did not enter however as I am not of the Muslim faith.
Marrakech, Morocco (ISO 800, 10 mm, f/4.5, 1/640 s)
Ben Youssef Mosque
The Ben Youssef Mosque is the oldest mosque in Marrakech. The square shaped mosque has a large internal courtyard and contains galleries nearly on all sides. It is named after Ali ibn Yusuf, the 5th emir of the Almoravid dynasty (A Berber Muslim dynasty). He is known for fortifying the walls of Marrakech and introducing irrigation systems to the city complex. Unfortunately, it is also not accessible to non-Muslim visitors, but you are feel to appreciate the mosque from its gorgeous architecture and decor!
Marrakech, Morocco (ISO 3200, 10 mm, f/4.5, 1/800 s)
Bahia Palace
The Bahia Palace was built in the late 19th-century and first constructed by Si Musa, grand vizier of Alaouite sultan Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rahman. It is an immensely popular monument in Marrakech today, mostly known for its elaborate decoration. The walls are inscribed in Arabic, arabesques, and geometric patterns. Even the wood ceilings have floral patterns and its floors are marble. It is a great example of the treasures that Morocco bears, as materials and workers from all over Morocco came to construct the palace.
El Badi Palace
Another palace within Marrakech is the El Badi Palace. It is questionable whether it is ‘better’ than the Bahia palace, but this is truly in the eye of the beholder. It was commissioned back in 1578 by the sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadian dynasty. The name ‘el-Badi’ is translated to ‘the incomparable’, perhaps a nod to the sultan himself. Nonetheless, the palace featured elements from Italy and Mali and was and is currently used for exhibitions. Some of the marble that once existed back in its halcyon days, have been stripped away and used in other buildings in the country.
Marrakech, Morocco (ISO 800, 11 mm, f/10, 1/6 s)
The Saadian Tombs
These tombs dates back to the reign of Ahmad al-Mansur, which was from 1578 to 1603. They are located in the Citadel (Royal Kasbah) district of Marrakech and is the burial site of members of Morocco’s monarchy throughout the histories. Perhaps despite the morose vibe of the place, it is best known for its exquisite architecture and interior decor. It is because of this that it is still considered one of the popular tourist sites today.
Marrakech, Morocco (ISO 800, 24 mm, f/5.6, 1/320 s)
Tagine and Tangia
There is one dish that you will hear constantly while in Marrakech, and Morocco as a whole, and that is Tagine. It is describe as a dish but the word itself is a ceramic cooking vessel used by Berbers. Root vegetables such as carrots along with nuts and herbs and spices are combined with lamb, chicken, or fish and cooked for long periods of time. It is a very hearty meal and usually found all over.
Marrakech, Morocco (ISO 3200, 24 mm, f/4.5, 1/800 s)
One dish you may hear less about is Tangia, which is also a cooking vessel made of ceramic. It also uses some of the same ingredients as tagine, however it is cooked over a wood fire, as opposted to charcoal. Tangia is also cooked for longer which gives rise to a more stew-like consistency, flavored by the fats and bones of the protein that is used (along with vegetables). I found this dish to be substantially more flavorful and enjoyable than tagine but that is of course my own opinion! Try them both and see which one you like best.
Although not a comprehensive list of places to see in Marrakech, you cannot go wrong with some of the sites to see. Be sure to make some time to check out other places in Morocco like Essaouira, Casablanca, Fez, and Chefchaouen.
For your family and friends back home, you can bring them back anything from soaps, pottery, plates, textiles, pashminas, lanterns, etc. If you do plan on going to the smaller Moroccan cities like Essaouira on coast, I would say wait to purchase these items there, the prices will undoubtedbly be cheaper, oftentimes by less than half.
