The Marrakech of today boasts boutique hotels, celebrity chef run
restaurants and deluxe hammams. But look behind the glitzy wrapping of
its contemporary dynamism and you'll find the charm and mystery of the
original city intact. This large city is pided into two parts, the old
quarters, known as the Medina and the new town called the Gueliz. Get
hold of a Marrakech guide, or a map if you will, and proceed to discover
the wonderful experiences the city has to offer.
Djemaa el Fna
is the most famous landmark of Marrakech. It is a large open space in
the heart of the city where a daily age-old ritual continues till date.
As the day proceeds, locals and visitors gather around the square to
watch orange juice vendors make way for healers and henna-tattoo artists
who in turn melt into the darkness to allow cobra charmers, astrologers
and acrobats to perform. Once they're done entertaining you, its time
for the male belly dancers and storytellers to begin their epics. The
best way to enjoy the evening's assorted entertainment is to seat your
self at one of the many cafes that line the square. The grilled meats
and cooked salads served at these 100 odd cafes are fresh and delicious!
The Koutoubia
is a seventy-meter high tower of the Koutoubia mosque, a landmark that
dominates the entire city. Visible for miles, this 12th century tower is
to Marrakech what the Eiffel is to Paris. The tower is laced with
intricate tile work and topped with three golden orbs. Many visitors use
it to navigate the old city's maze-like streets.
The Jardin Majorelle
is easily the most visited attraction of Morocco. It took French artist
Jaques Majorelle forty years of dedication to create this enchanting
place. This walled botanical garden, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent,
offers a magical stroll right in the middle of the city, yet very far
away from it. Walk through green foliage and exotic flowers placed
artistically around mosaic-lined ponds brimming with lotus flowers and
water lilies. Splashes of a distinctive blue color appear in every other
corner. There is also a delightful Art Deco styled building that seems
to appear out of nowhere.
Souks of Marrakech. For
a first timer, the souks of Marrakech can be quite overwhelming. There
is, however, some sort of order in all this chaos and once you get your
bearings, you're not going to want to leave this labyrinthine maze of
streets! The best time to visit is early in the mornings if you're
looking to avoid the rush, but if you're after good deals then go toward
the end of day. It is quite an experience, with each souk named after
the product being sold there, like the dyers souk, carpet souk, slipper
souk and so on. This market is famed throughout the world as one of the
most exotic places to shop.
The Saadian Tombs. Discovered
as recently as the early 20th century, these tombs are the original
burial place of the Saadian princes. Lavishly decorated, they give the
visitor an insight into the opulence of this period of Moroccan history.
The El Badi and the Bahia Palaces. The
El Badi Palace was reputed to be one of the most beautiful palaces in
the world. As of today, it stands in its ruins, but enough remains to
suggest its former grandeur. Built in the 16th century, it was later
plundered to such an extent that everything movable was removed! The
Bahia Palace on the other hand, built in the late 19th century, was
recently restored to its former glory. It stands in stark contrast to
the nearby El Badi Palace. Only a part of the palace is open to
visitors, since the royal family it is still in residence.
After
all this sight seeing, be sure to rejuvenate with a steam clean and an
orange-flower oil massage at the nearest domed hammaam! Or just relax at
the Ménara Garden on a picnic and soak in the magical essence of the
"Red City"!