CENTRAL MEDINA OF MARRAKECH

Koutoubia mosque

The Koutoubia mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques of Northern Africa and is as today the emblem of Marrakech. The square minaret in finely-worked dressed stone is 77 metres tall. The first attempt of the construction began in the year 1147 but was rebuilt after destruction because it didn’t face Mecca. This jewel of hispano-moorish art is made up of 16 outlying naves and one larger nave. It’s luxurious decoration, inspired by Almoravide, is enhanced by a certain sobriety. Remark: only Muslims are allowed access to the mosque.

CENTRAL MEDINA OF MARRAKECH

Djermâa-el-Fna

The Djemâa el Fna square is an inescapable place in Marrakesh. It really characterise the imperial town. The charm of the square comes from the multitude of street-artists, stalls of dried fruit or orange juice freshly-pressed before you, and the multitude of small restaurants that take over its centre from early evening, and contribute to the scent of its surroundings. At nightfall, a colourful crowd converges. The several traditional festivities, stalls, restaurants or famous water-sellers make the Djemâa el Fna a must to visit.

CENTRAL MEDINA OF MARRAKECH

Souks

You can find food, clothing, jewels, potteries, etc. And you can find many kinds of spices which scent the lanes as well. In the heart of Medina of Marrakech, the souks appear among the best and largest of Morocco. With the origin, these souks were divided into various specific sectors good delimited and whose names depended on the economic activity of each one, but with time, this separation disappeared. The souks are the true economic lungs of the red city where the craftsmen still use in many fields the old techniques.