Marrakech
Marrakesh, the "Red City" of Morocco, combines modern and historic facets in its 230 square kilometer expanse. Its ochre buildings tell tales of the past, while the towering minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque symbolizes Morocco's rich religious history. The city's heart pulses in the narrow, vibrant streets of the UNESCO-listed Medina, teeming with shops, street performers, and stunning architecture. Djemaa El Fna, the city's central square, mesmerizes with its unique spectacle of snake charmers and musicians. Attractions like the ornate Bahia Palace and the city's elegant gardens narrate stories of grandeur. As a jurisdiction hub, Marrakesh houses significant courtrooms. The city's exotic allure is amplified by the aroma of spices, taste of dates, and refreshing mint tea.
Hotels in destination
Pickalbatros Savoy Le Grand Hotel – Marrakech
Savoy Le Grand Hotel is a luxurious city hotel situated in the heart of the city, offering a magnificent stay to both business and leisure travelers. This hotel is packed with an impressive set of amenities, including multiple swimming pools, state-of-the-art meeting rooms, and a wide range of luxurious guest rooms.
Pickalbatros Aqua Fun Club Resort – Marrakech
Imagine your family laughing uncontrollably as you wave goodbye to the stress of everyday life, splashing into a new adventure at Aqua Fun. Just kilometers from the heart of Marrakech, this water park and hotel is a haven for those seeking fun in the sun.
Top Highlights
DJEMAA EL FNA SQUARE
Marrakesh's central square, Djema el-Fna, once a site of public executions, is now a 24/7 bustling marketplace filled with color, aromas, and diverse activities. Daytime sees snake charmers, vendors, and various entertainers, while nighttime brings lit stalls, street theatre, musicians, acrobats, and fortune tellers, though caution is needed against pickpockets and scams. Recognized by UNESCO for its oral and intangible heritage, the square hosts vendors selling juice, handcrafts, food, and local produce. As evening falls, it transforms into an open-air restaurant. Surrounded by impressive structures like hotels, gardens, cafes, and the traditional North African market - the souk.
KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE
The mosque, known for its 70 meter-tall Almohad minaret, features 16 parallel naves, a larger central nave, and 112 columns. While non-Muslims cannot enter, its design, including ceramic tiles, decorative motifs, and merlons, influenced structures like the Hassan Tower and La Giralda. The minaret has six rooms on six levels, and a ramp for the muezzin to ride up for the call to prayer. Its roof has a unique spire made of smaller copper balls, usually three but here four, linked to seven legends about Marrakesh's patrons. Despite entrance restrictions, visitors can explore the surrounding gardens.
MEDINA (OLD TOWN) OF MARRAKECH
Marrakesh's Old Town, known as the Medina Quarter, houses several key landmarks and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This vibrant, fortified city is encapsulated by 19km-long 12th-century rose-colored walls with decorative gates and towers. The Medina is known for its 18 markets, each specializing in products like clothing, glass, and metalware. Excursions often begin at the central Jemaa el-Fnaa square, famous for snake charmers, performers, and market stalls, and continues through the labyrinth of markets. The traditional riads, courtyard homes, former mansions, palaces, and landmark mosques like Koutoubia Mosque and Ben Youssef Mosque are among the highlights. Other notable sites include the Tombs of the Seven Saints, Bahia Palace, Photography Museum, and Jardin de Bab El Khemiss.
BAHIA PALACE
The Bahia Palace and gardens, renowned for Islamic and Moroccan architecture, were built in two phases by a father-son duo, Si Moussa and Ahmed Ibn Moussa, between 1859 and 1900. The initial phase was for Si Moussa's residence, named after one of his wives. His son, Bou Ahmed, later expanded it, adding a hammam, mosque, and extra gardens. Ahmed held substantial power as the Grand Vizier and Regent, governing the entire state.
The palace features a harem with a large courtyard, pavilions, gardens and buildings. The oldest part, Dar Si Moussa, houses a courtyard, garden, and decorative tiled rooms. The newer section boasts a 30x50 meter marble courtyard divided into quadrants by marble pathways with colorful tiles and fountains. Noteworthy details include carved stucco, cedar wood, painted ceilings, mosaic fireplaces, and stained glass windows. The 8,000m² gardens are as beautiful as the palace itself. Although the palace is occasionally used by the royal family, it is generally open to visitors.