| Marrakesh is the capital of the Marrakesh-Tensift-El | | | | Jews and Christians and it is interesting to note the |
| Haouz region in Morocco. The building of Marrakesh | | | | different ways that these were demarcated and the |
| began in 1070 by the Almoravid leader, Abu Bakr Ibn | | | | different direction that these tombs face. |
| Umar. It is now the fourth largest city in Morocco. | | | | The El Badi Palace has been destroyed, however |
| Marrakesh has quite a diverse population with over | | | | there are some underground passageways that |
| 10% of its population being an international community | | | | visitors are able to explore and it boasts a fantastic |
| of mainly Europeans. | | | | view from the terrace. The El Bahia Palace belonged |
| Marrakesh has two cities that stand side by side the | | | | to a nobleman in 19th century Morocco. It is beautifully |
| old fortified city (medina) and the modern city. It boasts | | | | and ornately decorated. You can organize a guided |
| the biggest traditional market in Morroco and the | | | | tour to take you around the building and grounds of this |
| largest and busiest square in Africa. Visitors to | | | | palace. Set in an old palace, the Musee Dar si Said |
| Marrakesh should not miss visiting this large square, | | | | houses many artifacts from Morocco's history. If you |
| known as Djemma El Fna. The square is situated in | | | | are looking for a break from the bustle of the city, the |
| the heart of the old city and here you will find | | | | Majorelle Gardens are an excellent choice. They |
| storytellers, musicians and dancers. Many shows take | | | | contain plants from around the world as well as the |
| place in the square during the day, but you will be | | | | Museum of Islamic Art. |
| expected to pay some Dirhams for the opportunity to | | | | There are a number of options for accommodation in |
| watch them. You will see snake charmers, men with | | | | Marrakesh. There are also three main areas where |
| monkeys and many other sights. There is a large array | | | | you can find accommodation so you need to decide |
| of stalls where you can buy a large variety of items. | | | | your budget and where you would like to be. The |
| Koutoubia Mosque is situated near the Djemma El Fna. | | | | Medina contains mostly cheap hotels, youth hostels, |
| The mosques minaret is said to be to Marrakesh as | | | | backpacker hostels and ryads. Ryads are old grand |
| the Eiffel Tower is to Paris so it is definitely worth a | | | | houses that have been converted to hotels and inns. |
| visit. The Saadian Tombs have been amazingly | | | | Gueliz contains many mid-range priced hotels that |
| preserved as they were only discovered in the early | | | | often offer breakfast and showers in the rooms. The |
| 20th century. Here you will find an example of how the | | | | areas surrounding the city are where you will find the |
| tombs were in their glory days and you will be able to | | | | large tourist hotels. They may be far out of the city |
| see stunning examples of Moroccan tiles and other | | | | itself, but they will offer all of the amenities that will |
| decorations. You will also find the tombs of some | | | | make your stay more comfortable. |