Memorable Marrakech

Arriving in Marrakech, you soon realise that, there is no other city quite like it. From the outset, you are besieged with noises ranging from the hectic market, chaotic roads and the calling out of the Adhan (call to prayer). At this point, you may wonder how you or anyone else living in the city can cope with such an imposing and muddled way of life. By some unexplained means, Marrakech just works, and during your stay, you become immersed in its charming blend of colourful and historic architecture and its flourishing and famous markets.

Begin your trip around memorable Marrakech by meandering through the Jemaa el-Fnaa square and marketplace. During the day, the square is open to a handful of brave snake charmers and medicine men offering their wares for all aches and pains. Around dusk, the square gradually becomes swamped by acrobats, musicians, Henna tattooists and food stalls. As you walk through this landscape, you will be amazed to see that such a way of life still exists. For me, you don’t really get a sense of the vibrancy, of the square, unless you take a step back and watch from the sanctuary of a rooftop terrace. From there you can see the entertainers and crowds from a new and enthralling perspective. My tip for traversing this landscape and getting the most out of the Souks is to say no; as long as it is done respectfully and to bargain with market stallholders for the best deals.

There is more to Marrakech than just the thriving Souk. The medina is the place to explore gardens, historical sites, Mosques and former private palaces and mansions which now provide the city’s most atmospheric accommodation. For a glimpse of the city, I would recommend making use of the horse-drawn carriages or Caleches, remember to negotiate a price before you set off to avoid any nasty surprises when you have reached your destination.

There is no better example of Marrakech’s botanical wonder, than the Majorelle Garden. This 12-acre garden has been open to the public since 1947 and is home to more than 15 bird species that are endemic to North Africa. Since 1980 the garden has been owned by Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé and has many fountains and collections of cacti. Nestled in the grounds is the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech. Within the museum are Saint-Laurent’s personal effects such as textiles and jewellery and artwork by Majorelle. Five times a day, a voice rises above the city, calling the faithful to the Koutoubia Mosque. Legends say that the original mosque wasn’t properly aligned with Mecca, so it was levelled and built to be realigned. When the mosque; as it stands today, was finished in the 12th century, 100 booksellers clustered around its base, and from there one of its many names were derived, the Mosque of the Booksellers. Being the largest mosque in Marrakech, Koutoubia serves both a spiritual purpose and a point of reference for the architecture of the time. Another site of interest in Marrakech is the Bahia Palace. The stately home was set up in the 19th Century by Si Moussa, Grand Vizier to the Sultan. His personal sanctuary includes a vast courtyard decorated with a central basin and surrounded by rooms for his mistresses. The palace’s design was intended to establish it as the greatest palace of its time; by capturing the essence of the Islamic and Moroccan style, and with its name meaning “brilliance” you can see that the Bahia Palace lives up to its name. Marrakech is blessed with many more things to do and see; than what I have spoken about here,  and will continue to be a timely reminder of the past, providing luxurious and memorable experiences for all who take the time to visit.