WONDERS OF THE PINK CITY
Marrakesh, a Melting Pot of Colour, Culture & Sensations
A mixture of traditional and contemporary, Marrakesh holds the promise of incomparable sensations. Stroll through the Jemaa El Fna and the bazaars with their bright colours and oriental scents, and the red city will whisk you into another world in the blink of an eye. Rides in horse-drawn carriages, sun-soaked terraces, street artists and other activities both day and night will all add to your stay in Morocco.
Admire the architectural wealth of the Medina by visiting one of its many riads, small oriental palaces arranged around a central courtyard, or relax at the Menara, a large pooled garden typical of the city.
Marrakesh relies on its incredible diversity to provide choice for its visitors. You need only head out of the walled centre to become immersed in contemporary Morocco. The Guéliz and Hivernage districts offer the most up to date infrastructure, luxury boutiques and international brands along broad spacious avenues; all in Marrakesh's own inimitable style.
As a sign of a growing economic buzz, there are also festive and cultural locations including the Palais des Congrès and the magnificent Théâtre Royal. Enjoy Marrakesh at night by paying a visit to the many themed venues, trendy clubs and traditional evenings that reflect the zest for life of its inhabitants.
Take a deep dive into the bustling souks of Marrakesh
Other markets around the city have their own their stands. The Attarine souk, for example, is dedicated to brass and copper work: from bronze to gold finishes, the sumptuous pieces come in every possible shade and dress up any table with their finely wrought details. A bit further, tanners and dyers work on all sorts of leather, filling the streets with babouches and other leather goods and flooding the air with the heady scent of hides tanned in the Moroccan sun.
Marrakesh is a true microcosm of Moroccan handicraft. Keep your eyes peeled in the souks and discover the treasures of everyday arts. Imagine a narrow, sinuous street lined with overflowing food displays.
You get a sense of abundance and the sounds of animated bargaining ring through the air like a joyous racket. There's no mistaking it – you are right in the heart of one of Marrakesh's famous souks!
Traditional arts are showcased in these markets. Duck under a gate and find yourself in the Semmarine souk, which may be one of the most interesting in Morocco. Berber and Arabic craftsmanship spills out from its alleys. Every artisan has a stall, where they display selections of ornamental candles, earthenware, lights and more.
Marrakesh, a hotbed of Moroccan history
Bathed in the pink glow of its adobe walls, the lovely Marrakesh throws open its doors to all culture lovers. Architectural masterpieces and traces of the human experience stand within these walls. Marrakesh is composed of an array of influences that defy eras, a mosaic of colours where the wonders of the past and the present come into focus.
Stroll through the city. Walk through a gate into the Medinaq and advance into the old district. This is where you'll find the beating heart of the former royal capital and the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque.
The tower rises 250 feet like a beacon over Marrakesh. It is also a signature of Islamic art, for its design and proportions inspired Hassan Tower in Rabat and the Giralda of the Seville Cathedral.
Press on a bit further to the expansive Menara gardens created by the Almohad Caliphate to enjoy the cool calm of its olive tree-lined paths. As the sun sinks toward the horizon, the place takes on an enchanting amber glow that evokes the tales of the Arabian Nights. Get lost in time as you marvel at these treasures bequeathed to the ochre city by history.
Jardin Majorelle
A visit to Marrakesh is not complete without seeing the Jardin Majorelle. It took French painter Jacques Majorelle (1886-1962) forty years of passion and dedication to create this enchanting garden in the heart of the “Ochre City” and then 1980 due to neglect it was lovingly restored by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berger. When Yves Saint Laurent died, his ashes where scattered in the garden.
Amble along shady lanes, in the midst of trees and exotic plants of dreamy origin; walk past refreshing, burbling streams and pools filled with water lilies and lotus flowers; hear wafting through the air, laden with sugared fragrance,
the rustling of leaves and the chirping of numerous birds who come here to take refuge; stop, and the path turns unexpectedly, revealing a building with Moorish charm, with a hint of Art Deco, painted in astonishingly vibrant primary colours, glowing with an intense blue the artist perceived in the Atlas Mountains.
Be soothed and enchanted by the harmony of this luxuriant and vivid imagery, which issues a delicate summons to the senses, offering a calming retreat near, and yet so far from the bustling city, sheltered from time by high earthen walls.
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