MARRAKESH

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Although the exact meaning of the name Marrakesh is debated, it is most likely the name comes from the Berber words murr akush, which mean "Land of God" or "Land of Journey". Nowadays, Marrakech is frequently referred to as the Red City, because of the shade of the walls that surround its old town district.

WHERE ABOUT?

Morocco is a country in the North-West of Africa, hence right below the European Spain. Marrakesh lies in Morocco. It lies north of the Atlas Mountains and south of Casablanca. Meanwhile it lies 327 km southwest of the Moroccan capital of Rabat and another 246 km northeast of Agadir. Even though it is the 4th largest city in the country (Casablanca is biggest, then Fez and thirdly Tangiers), it is also the capital city of the mid-southwestern region of Marrakesh-Safi.

WHY GO THERE?

Clearly it is not Morocco’s capital city, (that’s Rabat), nor is it the country’s largest metropolis (that’s Casablanca). Furthermore it is not even the African nation’s oldest city, (that’s Fes). However, Marrakesh is possibly the most important of Morocco's four former imperial cities, that Moroccan Berber empires have built. Marrakesh grew rapidly and consequently established itself as a cultural, religious, and trading centre for the Maghreb and sub-Saharan Africa. Noteworthy is that Jemaa el-Fnaa (the main square and market place in the medina quarter) is in fact even the busiest square in Africa. Therefore, Marrakesh triumphs over other Moroccan cities as the unofficial cultural center.

SOME IDEAS FOR WHEN YOU ARE IN MARRAKESH:

• Visit the souks and relish the look and feel of the alleys of the medina and relive the old village, or relax in an authentic Hammam.
• Go to the Novelle Ville for a wide variety in restaurants and enjoy the exquisite Moroccan cuisine, or go shopping in one of the modern shopping malls.
• Or learn how to cook the Moroccain way yourself in a certified cooking class.
• Visit the Maison de la Photographie for rotating exhibitions of more than 6,000 original photographs They showcase beautiful black-and-white scenes taken between 1870 and the 1950’s. Additionally, it is one of the medina’s tallest buildings. Therefor, you will get a good view from the tea salon on its roof.
• Do not miss the Majorelle Garden in New Town. Enjoy the sun next to mosaic fountains. Previously this Garden was owned by Yves Saint Laurent.
• Admire the city's architecture. From star-shaped Moorish lattices to sunken fountains to aromatic gardens and glittering mosaics, all are dazzlingly beautiful and a feast for the eyes.
• Also have a look at he Moorish minaret of 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque. It is a symbol of the city, and visible for miles. See Marrakesh's monuments and Palaces on a private tour.

SOME IDEAS FOR WHEN YOU ARE IN AND AROUND MARRAKESH:

• Check out the golf courses that Marrakesh has to offer and enjoy the resorts and villas of the Palmeraie district.
• Admire the city from above out of a hot air balloon
• See the Atlas Mountains. It is only a few hours’ drive outside of Marrakech. The snowcapped Atlas Mountains are quite a site when you’re standing in an ocean of hot sand. You can even experience the Atlas Mountains from the back of a camel.
• Experience the Moroccan Desert on a trip to Merzouga
• There is also a wide offer in day trips in and around Marrakesh, check the possibilities here.

In conclusion, you should go there because of its versatility and big contrasts. From mouth-watering local cuisine, to fascinating historic sites, shopping at the souks, or golfing under the shade of palm trees up to treks in the Atlas Mountains. Marrakesh has it all and is therefore certainly worth going to.

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