History of Marrakech
Discover The 10 Best Places to Visit in Marrakech: The Almoravides established Marrakech as the center of their vast empire, which spanned much of the Maghreb region of northwest Africa and deep into Europe.
With the conquest of southern Spain by the Almoravides, Marrakech was given the cosmopolitan culture of Andalusia and transformed into a stronghold of Islamic civilization and an intellectual hub where the greatest thinkers of the time congregated.
Rich structures were built, and beautiful gardens were planned. The city historic gates and ramparts serve as monuments to its preeminence during the Middle Ages.
On March 23, 1147, Almohade armies stormed Marrakech walls and took control of the Almoravide capital.
Under the leadership of Abdal Mou’min, the Almohades expanded their sphere of influence into Algeria and Tunisia and crossed the Mediterranean to seize Seville, Cordoba, and Granada. Marrakech expanded as an even greater Islamic capital under Abdal Mou’min.
Under the rule of the Mermaids, who took control of the city in 1269, Marrakech experienced a period of decline. Marrakech was abandoned for 2.5 centuries because the Merenid capital was already based in Fes.
The Saadian dynasty restored Marrakech fortunes. Tribal members from the Souss region, known as the Saadians, fought the Portuguese colonists in Agadir and eventually took control of all of southern Morocco.
Mohammed Al Mahdi, the leader of the Saadians, established Marrakech as his capital in 1551 and started to rebuild the city when they took over all of Morocco.
Marrakech new city district, which was built in 1913 while France was in control and exhibits this European influence, is a genuine Islamic city in terms of its origins and traditions, unlike Fes. 10 Best Places to Visit in Marrakech
10 Best Places to Visit in Marrakech
1. Be Dazzled by Bahia Palace
The Grand Vizier Bou Ahmed, who served Sultan Moulay al-Hassan I, had this exquisite peacock-shaped palace constructed for his home in the late 19th century.
The interior design is a stunning exhibition of Moroccan craftsmanship that combines zellige tiles, painted ceilings, and intricate wrought-iron embellishments to depict the rich lifestyles of those who were influential with the sultan at the time.
The great riad’s interior courtyard, which is green and home to citrus trees and banana-leaf plants, provides a calm escape from the city, while the imposing marble grand courtyard and lavish salons of the haram section are the two primary attractions.
Place of business: Medina, Marrakech, Rue Riad Zitoun el Jedid
2. Hot-Air Balloon Ride Over the Marrakesh Countryside
In Marrakech, several businesses provide morning hot-air balloon flight excursions that offer sweeping panoramas of the city, the neighboring palm groves, the parched plateau, and, in the distance, the spine of the Atlas Mountains.
The stunning landscapes are worth the early morning start for photographers.
The majority of flights depart shortly after sunrise, last an hour, and include a picnic meal of traditional Berber delicacies served after the trip as well as return transports to the city center.
After the hot-air balloon trip, more expensive tours frequently provide quad bike tours or camel rides, or they offer private baskets rather than shared baskets.
3. Cycle or Horse Ride in the Palmeraie
The palm groves of Marrakech are located just northwest of the city.
The Palmeraie, which has many villa-style luxury boutique hotels, is an alternative to lodging in central Marrakesh and has about 50,000 date palm trees.
Even if you aren’t staying at the Palmeria, you can still take a break from the city in this peaceful, shaded refuge because it’s a well-liked spot for camel rides, horseback riding, quad biking, and cycling excursions.
A few neighborhood businesses provide thorough Palmeraie half-day cycle excursions, and Palmeraie-based stables provide horse rides that explore the Palmeraie and some of the nearby countryside.
4. Check Out the Saadian Tombs
66 members of the Saadian dynasty, which ruled over Marrakech between 1524 and 1668, are interred in this graveyard from the 16th century.
Al-Mansour the ruler, his successors, and their nearest relatives are all buried here in tombs.
The mausoleums are surrounded by an overgrown garden in this rambling, eerie location.
Particularly beautiful mihrabs (prayer niches) still exist in the main mausoleum, which houses the tomb of Moulay Yazid.
By their Alawite successors, the Saadian Tombs were sealed up, and they weren’t rediscovered until the early 20th century.
The tiny alleyway next to the southern wall of the Kasbah Mosque serves as the entrance to the Saadian Tombs.
Address: Rue Kasbah, Medina, Marrakech
5. Visit Dar Si Said
The exquisite collection of Berber jewelry in well-crafted silver, Taroudant oil lamps, pottery antiques, embroidered leather, and marble can be found inside this lovely old palace, which Vizier Si Said erected.
Best Places to Visit in Marrakech: The remarkable collection of traditional Moroccan door and window frames and an exhibition of Moroccan carpets are also present, showcasing the nation regional architectural designs.
It’s a great spot to wander around for a few hours if you’re interested in the development of North African art and crafts.
The Maison Tiskiwin, a collection of Saharan-focused clothing, jewelry, weapons, musical instruments, textiles, and furniture located next to the Dar Si Said, was assembled by Dutch art historian Bert Flint. The museum has a second location in Agadir.
Location: Off Rue Riad Zitoun el Jedid, Medina, Marrakech
6. Admire the Interiors of the Marrakech Museum
Best Places to Visit in Marrakech: The Marrakech Museum (Musee de Marrakech) houses a diverse collection that includes everything from modern art to Qur’anic inscriptions, as well as regional ceramics, carpets, and coins.
The building itself, though, is what most people find to be the primary draw of a trip here.
The museum is located in the Mnebhi Palace, which was once the palace of Pasha Thami Glaoui, the ruler of Marrakesh, but was subsequently Mehdi Mnebhi (a minister in Morocco government) mansion.
The building, which boasts an incredibly spectacular central courtyard space replete with a priceless chandelier, is a tasteful fusion of regional North African form with Portuguese components.
Address: Place Ben Youssef, Medina, Marrakech
7. Explore the Badi Palace
One of the most evocative views in the Kasbah region is the ruins of Al-Mansour once opulent palace. The sumptuous palace, with pavilions set within a vast park of reflection waters, was constructed by the Saadian prince during his glorious reign, but it was soon looted and destroyed.
All that is left now are the meager remains of the high enclosure walls, destroyed pavilions, and mosaic-tiled flooring. From the top of the walls, where storks have also made their nests, there are fantastic views of the entire medina.
After seeing the palace, proceed to the neighboring Mellah, Marrakech former Jewish neighborhood. It was founded in the sixteenth century and is today primarily populated by Muslims.
You can visit both the sizable Jewish cemetery and the tiny synagogue, both of which have been tastefully renovated.
8. Peek into the Almoravid Koubba
The Almoravid Koubba, often referred to as the Koubba Ba’adiyn, was erected in the 12th century under Ali Ben Youssef and is the oldest monument in Marrakech that is still in existence.
Its original purpose is uncertain, however, some specialists have hypothesized that it might have served as the ablution house for the mosque that formerly stood next door.
Its unassuming façade (a square, squat structure with a dome on top) conceals an intriguing interior with a dome ceiling decorated with Almoravid patterns.
Best Places to Visit in Marrakech; One of the few structures to withstand the destruction suffered by the Almohad conquerors, who mostly destroyed the earlier Almoravid architectural legacy, was the koubba.
Address: Place Ben Youssef, Medina
9. Picnic in Manara Gardens
This expansive garden, which was formerly a royal retreat, is a haven of peace tucked away right in the middle of Marrakech. Locals who wish to get away from the crowds and enjoy some peace use this location frequently.
Manara Gardens: Although olive groves make up the majority of the area, the big reflection pool and its elegant pavilion are the main draws for tourists. Many local Marrakesh families frequent the pool and pavilion, which were built in the late 19th century, and come here for picnics and strolls.
On a clear day, there are fantastic photo chances of the pool with the Atlas Mountain Range reflected in its water.
Address: Avenue Menara, Marrakech
10. Photograph the Marrakech Tanneries
The tanneries sector in Marrakech is less expansive than the one in Fes, yet it is no less evocative. The bright shoes, bags, and other items you can find at the souks are made from multicolored leather hides, which are then dyed in a variety of hues in this location.
If you wish to observe the Tanners at work in the colored vats of dye, come here early in the morning.
Some of the leather workshops that surround the Tanneries offer fantastic vistas of the entire area for photographers. To access the store’s rooftops or balconies, you must tip the personnel, and you may anticipate them to push you to stay and make a purchase.
Address: Rue Bab Debbagh, Marrakech
10 Best Places to Visit in Marrakech:
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