There are cultural, economical, and scientific cities in Morocco. However, Marrakech is considered among the first touristic cities in Morocco. It was founded in 1062 by Abu Bakr ibn Umar the cousin of Almoravid king. Also, it was the capital city of Morocco at that time, and it’s one of the 4 imperial cities now. Marrakech is the fourth largest city in Morocco after Casablanca, Tangier, and Rabat. Moreover, you may hear many different nicknames about Marrakech. For example, you may wonder why they call it “the red city”? that is because the color of the ground is red and maybe the king’s favorite color at that time was red.
Furthermore, the red city of Marrakech is the capital of the region, Marrakesh Safi. There are many things to do and see here:
Jamaa El Fna:
First, as in most of Morocco’s cities, there is a square, Marrakech also represents itself with the fascinating square of Jamaa El Fna. Here, expect snakes charmers, people performing Halqa “circle of people around someone telling stories”. Not to mention, there are also people selling different stuff. For example, there are immigrated South Africans who sell watches, clothes, phones.., and there are restaurants and cafes with wonderful views as well.
Koutoubia Mosque:
There are many mosques in Marrakech. However, the largest and the most famous is the Koutoubia or Kutubiyya one. It has many different names but with the same pronunciation. Also, it has an old name as the booksellers because around it is an open area where they used to sell books. Not to mention, the mosque was built in 1147 by Abd al Mu’min ibn Ali, the caliphate of Almohad. Furthermore, the minaret is about 77 meters height and is one of the sisters of the Giralda mosque in Seville and Hassan Tower in Rabat.
Majorelle Garden:
This garden is one of the most visited sites in Marrakech, it receives around 900000 visitors all year round. The word Majorelle is coming from the name of the French artist Jacques Majorelle, it took him about 40 years to establish it since 1924. After he died, the tow French fashion designers Yves Saint Laurent and his friend Pierre Bergé has bought it in order to preserve it and open it for the public. Now, to enter here, you will need a ticket of about 70DH. However, the tickets reduce according to some relevant IDs.
Menara Garden:
The Menara garden was built in the 12 century during the power of Almohad by the leader of this movement Abd al Mu’min ibn Ali. Also, the meaning of it is the lighthouse. However, there is no existing to any lighthouse here. Here, people come to enjoy the garden and to escape the hot temperature.