Located on the foothills of the famous snow-capped Atlas Mountains, the former imperial city of Morocco is today a fascinating tourist destination. Also referred to as the 'red city' Marrakech is well known for its mystic aura, colourful lifestyle and for the little treasures which tend to pop up at the most unexpected turn.
Traces of the wealth that constituted the old city along with the rich lifestyle Moroccans lead are obvious by the architecture and the landscape of the old city. And today Djemaa el Fna, the traditional town square, also known as the ‘souk’, bustles with snake charmers, belly dancers, acrobats and story-tellers, each with their own story to relate, and by night the square is filled with the rich aroma of spices and herb as the souk converts to a huge open-air restaurant - the highlight of Morocco par excellence!
The best way to experience Marrakech is to allow the town to decide your fate.
Start this exiting journey at the Djemaa el Fna it self. Venture down any one of the covered market streets, headed towards the north, and make sure to keep all your options open - best way to rouse your sixth sense. With luck you should emerge from the labyrinth at the most unexpected spot, with a couple of loots, completely healed of all your aliments and a heal-it-all medicinal potion to take back home.
If you survive the Djemaa el Fna test you may also want try some of the other well known attractions and also tantalize your taste buds with the rich Moroccan cuisine, and test to what extent you can stomach the spices.
The minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque dominates the Marrakech skyline, actually offers the best reference point for the lost traveller. The 12th century structure with its authentic Moroccan architectural design is best admired at close quarters. The ruins of the El Badi Palace, built in 1578 by the Midas of Marrakech showcase the glorious past. The ruins feature an original 12th-century marquetry minbar (pulpit) inlaid with silver and gold and also serves as a venue for the National Festival of Popular Arts.
A blend of European and African influences has created the unique culinary delight - the Moroccan food. All foods are flavoured by rich spices and herbs and the most popular and common dish is the granular semolina couscous. Generally served with rich stews or meats roasted till tender the couscous serves as a complete Moroccan indulgence. Onion, apricot, figs, raisins and nuts are used bring out the rich flavour of the cuisine. Rich and dense confections, generally filled with spices and nuts and soaked in honey, complement the Moroccan savouries.
By: larry A
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Larry Austin is a freelance journalist who writes on travel related topics such as hotel and destination reviews etc. He is currently working for roomsnet.com which offers visitors the option of world wide hotel bookings. roomsnet.com offers many Hotels in Morocco for holidaymakers Roomsnet Asia Roomsnet Hotels Blog
Don’t bother making prior plans and be prepared to leave your life behind as you succumb to the hypnotic Gnaoua music and totally lose any sense of direction as you explore a maze of winding ‘derbs’. And the sooner you get down to it the better.
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