Marrakech, the ancient city at the crossroads between Europe and Africa, Where Café Society meets the Magic of the East....

Marrakech is a city at the crossroads - it grew as the junction where the caravans from Timbuktu met the merchants from Europe to trade salt, spices, and slaves, and became the capital of an empire that stretched from Spain to Senegal. It's where the Arabs of the north meet the Berber races of the Sahara, where the lowlands of the coast prepare for their rise to the snowy heights of the Atlas Mountains.

Coming under the rule of the Berbers, the Arabs, the French, with final independence in 1956, today it is a moslem country which is secular and open to other cultures. The French occupation has left a legacy of good food and the embracing of familiar European ways - European dress in women is quite acceptable and exercised in full by the young of the large French community, and bars and many restaurants and shops have licenses to sell alcoholic drinks.

The Language
Marrakeshis are polyglots - while Arabic may be their mother tongue, since French rule in the last century French has been the language of commerce and culture in the city. More recently many have learnt English, especially the young who see it as a trendy thing to do.

The Currency
The currency is the Dirham (Dh) which is split into 100 centimes. The currency is controlled and Dirhams have to be purchased in Morocco and significant sums are not allowed out of the country. In all banks you will find an English speaker who will help you change your Sterling or use your credit card for Dirhams. There are plenty of cash machines where you can use your UK credit/debit card to withdraw Dirhams. At the time of writing £1 = 15 Dh, check here for current rates.

In the Medina

The medina is the old fortified town of Morocco, crammed with pink clay houses and encircled by a great mediaeval wall with a number of grand gateways allowing access.

 

Djemaa el Fna - the largest Market in Africa
In Marrakech in Djemaa el Fna square you will find the largest market in Africa. By day it's a vast area of spice, fruit, textile & souvenir stalls surrounded by snake charmers, singers, story tellers, healers and fakirs, all attracting crowds of locals and tourists. Surrounding the square are bars and restaurants, some with roof and terrace levels affording a commanding view of the hubbub below.

At night open air eateries take over from the stalls, but the entertainment if anything intensifies.

Miles of Souks Spreading out from Djemaa el Fna are miles of narrow streets, covered from the heat of the day, and lined with shop after shop selling everything under the sun. Ceramics, brassware, sweetmeats, slippers, clothing, everything is to be bargained for.

La Koutoubia Mosque La Koutoubia is just over the road from Djemaa el Fna and is the largest mosque in Morocco. It is famous for its minaret (the equivalent of a church tower or steeple), which is the largest of its kind (over 220ft) and on which two other famous minarets at Seville and Rabat were modelled.

In the New Town

The modern part of Marrakech is made up of wide open boulevards and busy streets lined with orange trees and modern shops to suit all tastes. The main shopping area is called Guéliz, with Avenue Mohammed V and Rue de la Liberté being prominent streets. Possibly due to the French influence there are street cafés and restaurants a plenty, and bars and night clubs open to the early hours.

The Theatre Royal

The Opera House (due for completion 2008)

Open Spaces

There are many parks and gardens in and around Marrakech, one of the largest being the Menara after which the nearby airport is named. Broad paths take you between acres of olive groves, in the centre of which is a large pool that looks like a swimming pool but was dug centuries ago to irrigate the olive trees. At the head of the pool is an attractive pavilion built for royalty. You can take camel rides in the park.

Further Afield

The Palmeraie In the palm plantations to the north east of the city a large resort area has developed which also contains a full size golf course (two others exist slightly further to the south east). Here you can take a sedate wander through the palms on camel back, before deciding on a full expedition across the dunes (various available, around an hour away).

Ourika, Skiing and the Atlas Mountains Marrakech is well placed for the Atlas Mountains. Their presence dominates the eastern skyline from much of the city, and an hours drive will take you into the cooler green foothills. A popular destination is Ourika, a small resort further into the mountains where in the winter months there is skiing.

Essaouira & the Coast

If no holiday is complete without a trip to the beach, just 60 miles to the west of Marrakech is the Atlantic Coast and Essaouira, an unspoilt ancient town complete with ocean views, curving sandy beaches, historic architecture and cultural treasures.

Useful Links

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marrakech

http://www.ilovemarrakech.com/

http://lexicorient.com/e.o/marrakech.htm

Please note - the information above is believed by the author to be correct, but travelers are advised to confirm details for themselves. No liability for errors or omissions is accepted.

To book, check availability or for further details please contact us at info@marrakechapartments.co.uk