marrakech museums & attrac

8/7/2019 Marrakech Museums & Attrac...

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Marrakech has many wonders for the first time visitor and the following are the main attractions which people areinevitably drawn to. The centre of activity in Marrakech is Jemma el Fna, a truly magical experience in the eveningwhich can be viewed from one of the terrace cafes. All except Jardin Majorelle and Jardin Menara are located withinthe medina and easily accessible on foot.Museum of MarrakechIf you're not a fan of museums do not be put off as it is worth a visit for the building alone, which is stunninglyimpressive. If you're interested in art then that is an added bonus as there are some amazing works of artdisplayed, you may also be interested in the Moroccan items although there is no English labelling or informationso it's more for visual pleasure.

Palais la BahiaConstructed around 1880, this is a fine example of Moroccan architecture with plenty of detail, arches, light,engravings, magnificent wooden ceilings and was actually built as a harem residence which makes it even moreinteresting. Open daily but closed when the Royal family visit who have direct access from the adjoiningpalace. The name Bahia means 'brilliance' and the palace was intended to capture the essence of the Islamic andMoroccan style. Entry fee 10Dh . Recommended.

Palais el BadiiThis construction was ordered by the Saadian Ahmed el Mansour in 1578 and was not completed until after hisdeath in 1603. No expense was spared, items were even transported from China. Entry fee 10Dh.Jardin MajorelleBuilt in the 1920's by the Majorelle brothers these world famous gardens have a predominantly blue and yellowcolour scheme. Large scale planting of desert and succulents of all sizes with ponds and terrapins. Also houses the

Museum of Islamic Art but with additional entry fee. Formerly owned by Yves Saint Laurent who occupied aseparate house. Entry fee 30Dh . Recommended.

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Koutoubia MosqueIn the southwest part of Marrakech, not far from Jemma el Fna, the landmark of the Koutoubia Mosque is situatedwith its great minaret which can be seen from a great distance. The height of the minaret is 69m and wasconstructed by the Almohads in the late 12th century and is the only one finished during their reign. Surroundingthe mosque are gardens, fountain and the remains of the Almoravid Palace next to the mosque. No entry tonon-Muslims .

Jardin de MenaraOn the outskirts of town towards the airport, these gardens were designed as a summer escape with orchards andolive groves. The original pavilion predates the present structure which was built in the mid-19th century by SultanAdu Rahman. The building is one of the most photographed settings ofMorocco with Atlas mountains in thebackground, sadly it is also very rundown with no detail, furnishings, murals etc, probably the burglars got herefirst. Entry fee 10Dh.

La Mamounia hotelThe world famous hotel visited by the rich and famous since it opened in 1923 and located in the very heart ofMarrakech and just at the entrance to the medina called Bab Jdid. La Mamounia is set amid idyllic gardens that arealmost three hundred years old and surrounded by the city's 12th century ochre-coloured ramparts.

Tombeaux SaadianLocated near the Bab er Rob entrance in the southwest of the medina, the Saadian tombs are those of the rulingdynasty of the 16th and 17th century. Created by Sultan Ahmed al Mansour in the late 16th century, 66 in total forhis dynasty, they were sealed up in the 17th century but only re-discovered in 1917. The two attached mausoleumsinclude more than 100 unrelated tombs. In spite of their location in a very busy part of the medina, it is a verypeaceful and tranquil place. Access is via a very narrow passageway. Open daily except Tuesday and is best viewedvery early to avoid the numerous tourist parties. Entrance fee is 10Dh. Recommended.The MellahThis is the old Jewish district located in the southern part of the medina, again with some very old and finearchitecture and very low arched tunnels.

Chez AliArabian Nights complex north of town best described as a sort of Moroccan Disneyland. Despite the crowds thatflock there nightly, you may just want to make the pilgrimage because it presents a variety of folk music andfolklore from parts of Morocco you might not otherwise see.

Dinner is a rather mad affair served under caidal tents and includes the famous Mechoui roast lamb, couscous withchicken & veg, fruit, tea and Moroccan pastry with half wine and half water.This is followed by ringside entertainment comprising a staged camel caravan, belly dancer, singer, bareback ridingand finally the charge of the horsemen firing rifles and a flying magic carpet (?).Place Jemma el Fna




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. ,dancing troupe, performing monkeys, dentist, snake charmers, orange juice sellers (not always fresh), fruit andspice sellers and sellers of general tourist items. Leading off the square are entrances to a labrynth of souks andnumerous riads.It is quite manic in the daytime but as sunset approaches, the square is transformed before your very eyes. Firstlythe restauranteurs move in whilst still light and begin setting up the numerous restaurant stalls, all with seating.One loses track of time and before realising it, darkness has arrived. The stalls are all brightly lit and for a smallpayment of typically 30Dh you can enjoy a good selection of f ish served with bread, salad, fiery chil i sauce, grilledaubergines, olives and salsa, all in generous quantities; best to agree a price before sitting down.There is also a friendly boxing match in the square surrounded by a small crowd, elsewhere in the nowovercrowded square there are more musicians and performers and storytellers speak of times long past and it is forthis reason the Jemma el Fna is classed as a world heritage site.A spectacle not to be missed. Recommended




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Dar Si SaidPrivate museum of Moroccan arts and crafts including jewelry, costumes, weaponry, ceramics, wood carvings,furniture and other artefacts. Set in a dar of three storeys. Each craft is carefully situated in its own room so as toavoid the appearnace of being cluttered. The gardens are tastefully crafted with mossaics and a fountain where onecan relax not caring that you are in the busy medina. Entry fee 30Dh. Open daily. Recommended

The TanneriesDescribed by some as a paintbox of colours which is very inaccurate. Profound smell of pigeon droppings used totreat the skins. Bab ed-Debbagh is the the entry point for the tanneries otherwise it is a long way going through

the winding alleyways from Jemma el Fna. There are opportunist guides to lead you there and put you in the handsof one of the workers, you are then expected to pay a minimum of 100Dh to each.




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Marrakech Tour Bus

On this you can observe the most important monuments from a double-decker bus while learning more about thecitys history. There are two circuits with about 25 stops each: Marrakech Monumental and MarrakechRomantique which goes too far out and shows you little. It operates on a 24 hour hop-on, hop-off system so onecan get off at any stop and then get on later using the same ticket, although it does not operate at night (so notreally operated 24 hours).Ciel d'AfriqueTake a relaxing fl ight up in the sky in a hot air balloon with Ciel d'Afrique, looking over the breath taking views ofMarrakesh . Fly over the wide open tranquil deserts and the small local villages while travelling through the sky ina relaxed and peaceful manner. This fantastic activity is available to any one with a sense of adventure and aninterest in the magnificent culture that Marrakech has to offer..Medersa ben YoussefBuilt in the 16th century as an Islamic school by the Saadians and could house up to 900 religious students. If youare thinking of visiting a medersa, you should definitely take a look at the one next to the Ben Youssef mosque. Itis one of the most significant monuments of Marrakech, and one of the largest medersas in Maghreb. Here you willbe able to see some of the best examples of Saadian art anywhere. Entry fee 10Dh. Recommended

The Ramparts of MarrakechThe walls of the medina have been standing since the 13th century and make for a wonderful early morning stroll.Each gate is a work of art and the walls run for 12 miles.SouksThere are many souks to visit, each one with its own speciality. The Souk Laghzal is devoted to wool, El Batna tosheep skin and Zarbia to rugs and caftans, although there are more.Many of these are situated off Jemma el Fna square at different entrances. In these you will also observe hardworking folk creating many items from wrought iron works, ornate lampshades, wood carvings, leather crafts andsilverware in addition to the usual tat for tourists. RecommendedPopul ar Arts FestivalThis is one of the most important festivals in Morocco since it first started in the 1960's. It takes place every yearin June in the ruins of the El Badii palace. There you will be in awe of the music, dances, costumes, etc. Manynational and international groups come and entertain the crowds during ten days. At the end of each show, there isalso a superb display of fireworks.



marrakech museums & attrac

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