Marrakech Tourist-Attractions

Marrakech Tourist-Attractions information

Djemaa el Fna

There are few places on earth as exotic, or as strange, as Djemaa el Fna (Place of the Dead), the busiest square on the entire African continent, and much of the reason why travellers have been lured to Morocco for centuries. At any time of day there is something beguiling occurring on this public square, where wealthy sultans once beheaded enemies and criminals. Snake charmers, musicians, palm readers, gypsies, bedouins, dentists, men selling dried animal parts for potions, and an endless array of colours mix in a swirling rhythm of energy. Wander around and soak up the atmosphere, or stop off at one of the stalls to sample harira soup, couscous, tripe, tajine, freshly squeezed orange juice, dried fruits or tea. For a great view and a chance to escape the hustle and bustle try one of the rooftop cafes overlooking the square, where you can relax with a cup of mint tea and enjoy the spectacle.

Koutobia Mosque

Named after a bazaar of booksellers that once stood nearby, the Koutobia Mosque is one of the most stunning pieces of architecture you will find in Morocco. The mosque was constructed in the early 12th century by Almohad Sultan Abdel Moumen, and is topped by three golden orbs, offered, according to legend, by the sultan's mother as penance for missed fasting days during Ramadan. The red brick minaret stands approximately 70m high, and can clearly be seen from all points of the city. If you think the mosque looks vaguely familiar, it may be because it was used as a model for the Hassan Tower in Rabat and the Giralda in Seville. South of Avenue Mohammed V. Closed to non-Muslims, however, the gardens outside are open to all.

Jardin Majorelle

Majorelle botanical garden, owned by French fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent since 1980, is quite stunning and offers a wonderful break from the otherwise dry, dusty cityscape - it is an oasis in the city if ever there was one. The blue hues, lush green plants from five continents, and small lily strewn ponds show a side of Morocco that you shouldn't miss. Designed by the expatriate French artist Jacques Majorelle in 1924, the shade of bold cobalt blue which he used extensively in the garden, and on the studio walls is named after him, Majorelle bleu. The garden also houses the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech, whose collection includes North African textiles from Saint-Laurent's personal collection as well as ceramics, jewellery, and paintings by Majorelle. Ave Yacoub el Mansour. Open: daily 08h00-17h00 (Oct-May); 08h00-18h00 (Jun-Sep). Admission: MAD30, gardens; MAD15, museum.

The Bahia

The Bahia (meaning "brilliance") Palace was built in the late 19th century by Si Moussa, Grand Vizier of the Sultan, also known as Abu Ahmed, a black slave who rose to power and enormous wealth. With plans to create the most magnificent palace of its time, Ahmed commissioned craftsmen from Fez to design the ornate building for him and his favourites concubines. Blending Moroccan and Islamic styles, the buildings are highly decorative and elaborate - arguably too much so for most modern tastes. A central, two-acre garden is surrounded by rooms intended for his concubines and is one of the highlights of a tour. Rue Riad Zitoun el Jadid. Open: daily 08h30-11h45 & 14h30-17h30. Admission: MAD15.

Palais Dar Si Said

Built by Sidi Saïd, brother of Vizier Bou Ahmed, this 19th century palace is now the best museum in Marrakech. (Museum of Moroccan Arts). The highly valued collection of Moroccan antique crafts includes jewellery, carpets, leatherwork and pottery from the seaside town of Safi and from Tamegroute, near Zagora. On the ground floor you can find clothes, objects in beaten copper, arms and Berber jewellery. The first floor is detailed in Spanish Moorish decoration and you can also find elegant cedar furniture. Riad Zitoun el Jedid. Open: Wed-Mon 09h00-11h45 & 14h30-18h00. Admission: MAD20.

Menara Gardens

Containing centuries-old olive groves and palm trees, the country retreat of Menara Gardens is an ideal place to flee the chaos of the city. To this day the original underground canals innovatively irrigate the 30,000 plus olive trees. Replacing older buildings from the 16th century, the current pavilion was rebuilt for Moulay Sulieman in the early 19th century and has a stylised European appearance, with arched openings and faux red bricks trimming them. Ave de la Menara. Open: daily 08h00-19h00. Admission: free.

Saadian Tombs

Situated in the north-west of the Kasbah, the beautiful Saadian Tombs date back to the mid 1500's and feature stunning coloured tile work, intricate carvings and grand marble pillars. Sultan Ahmed Al-Mansour, who ordered the construction of the mausoleum complex, was also the first to be buried there, and his tomb, not surprisingly, is one of the most ornate. The tombs were sealed in the early 1700's and nearly forgotten until 1917 when they were reopened. Rue de la Kasbah. Open: Wed-Mon 08h30-11h45 & 14h30-17h45. Admission: MAD15.

Medersa Ben Youssef

This medersa (Koranic school) was built in 1565 for Sultan Moulay Abdullah el-Ghalib of the Saadians and was the largest in Marrakech with several hundred teachers and students. In its heyday it was the preeminent medersa in Marrakech, but it was closed in 1960 and is now open solely for visitors. The complex is centred on a lovely courtyard, with a fountain and reflecting basin. The walls and doorways are ornately decorated in a variety of materials: look out in particular for the fine prayer hall containing the mihrab (prayer niche). Place Ben Youssef, just north of the souks. Open: daily 09h00-17h00. Mosque is closed to non-Muslims. Admission: MAD20.

The Tanneries

The Tanneries, located within the souks, are where you'll find the dreadful smelling, stone vats that have remained relatively unchanged for hundreds of years. Traditional, natural ingredients such as saffron, poppies and indigo are still used for dying the leather, which is then left to dry in the sun. Tourists are not generally welcome in the tanneries, but a small tip can go a long way and if you get the chance to have a nose around inside, it makes for an interesting (if malodorous) experience.