Marrakech - attractions

Filled with oriental aroma of spices, smoke of hookahs, tender sun rays and hot sand, the country of Morocco attracts tourists from all over the world. This is an Islamic state, but it treats to foreign guests cordially and politely. When planning a trip to Morocco , you should definitely visit Marrakech and see its sights.

The cultural capital of Morocco

There is a legend that it was this resort that gave the name to its country. Marrakech is the fourth largest in Morocco (after Casablanca , Rabat and Fez , respectively). Several centuries ago it even served as the capital of the state, and today it is its most important cultural center. The name of the city is translated as "City of God". Although among the locals there is a somewhat different name - "Red City". All the fault is the brownish-pink walls of the houses, which do not so blind the eyes of residents and tourists. Since most often the sun shines here, the residents try to avoid bright and white tones when building the buildings.

The city justifies its title of cultural capital. Interesting places here are quite enough for curious tourists. This article will help you to find out which of the sights of Morocco can be seen in Marrakech in order to plan your trip competently and productively.

What places will be interesting for tourists in Marrakech?

1. Perhaps, first of all it is worth mentioning Medina - the old part of the city, which is a kind of tangle of narrow and narrow streets, in which it is easy to get lost. But it is here that you can penetrate the atmosphere of the ancient East and feel yourself as a native. By the way, in this area are the main attractions of Marrakech.
2. The main symbol of the city is the square of Djemaa al-Fna . This is the busiest place in Marrakech, but once here it was pretty creepy. It was at this place that the criminals' heads were hacked, lynched and tortured. Today, Jemaa el Fna, along with the medina, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around the square there are many hotels and restaurants with traditional Moroccan cuisine .
3. Next to the square is another attraction of Marrakech - the mosque Kutubiya . Its minaret is the highest in the city and reaches 77 m. Because of this height, the mosque is a kind of landmark - its golden balls that crown the building are visible from virtually every corner of the old city.
4. The unchanging gem of the city remains the palace of Bahia . These elegant mansions were once built by the Vizier Sidi Mous for his wives and concubines. Previously, it was a chic palace, which even the sultan himself would envy, but to this day lived only the echoes of the former luxury - exquisite stucco, a variety of mosaics, carved doors and ceilings, chic patios with gardens and swimming pools.
5. Among the attractions of Marrakech is also the El-Badi Palace . They built it for the sultan Ahmad al-Mansur as a symbol of victory over the army of Portugal. Today, the palace of El-Badi - it's impressive walls, grassy courtyard and orange trees in place of a large pool. There are various festivals and religious holidays.
6. A rather peculiar sight in Marrakesh is the shrine of the Saadis . This is a mausoleum complex in which the dynasty of rulers and their confidants is buried. Popular among tourists this place has become because of its rich decoration. The halls are decorated with elaborate carvings, and the tombstones are made of marble.
7. This oasis in Morocco is such a landmark of Marrakech, as the gardens of Menara . Today it is a public park, where you can hide in the shade of trees and abandon the noisy city and the roar of the crowd. Grow here mainly ancient olives, orange trees and palm trees.
8. While in Marrakech, you should definitely visit the museum of the city . It is located in the building of the palace of Dar-Menebhi and stores many items of antiquity, ancient books and artifacts.

In conclusion, I would like to note: in Marrakech there is something to see, and the number of attractions is not limited to the places described in the article. The city itself makes an Oriental spirit imbue, and the local active tempo of life is absolutely amazing - it's hard to imagine that only the mountains separate it from a lifeless desert.