Marrakesh

shillifully

Marrakesh was founded in 1062 and with a population just under one million is the fourth largest city in Morocco. At various times it has been the capital. Its old medina, made up of narrow alleys between riads and souks, has been a major tourist attraction since the 1960s. Many of the riads have been restored as restaurants and hotels approached via a complex maze and entered through a low door. Our riad lent us a local phone, should we become lost – thankfully not needed. The earthquaque on 8th September 2023 damaged some buildings but the effect on Marrakesh was far less extensive than around the epicentre in the Atlas mountains.

The medina is a UNESCO world herritage site with palaces, mosques, markets and the major square Jemma el Fnaa. The city has been a draw for many years for the famous and fashionable from Winston Churchill to Yves Saint Laurent.

Saadian Royal Tombs built in the 16th and 17th centuries and rediscovered in 1917.
Bahia Palace built from 1859 by the Grand Vizier and extended by his son between 1894 and 1900
Majorelle Gardens were created by Jacques Marjorelle starting in 1923 and purchased by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge
Madersa Ben Youssef, an Islamic School, built in the 14th Century, expanded in the 16th Century and recently restored
Maison de la Photographie opened in 2009 with a collection of photographs of Morocco from 1870 to the 1950s
Our riad hotel and nearby area

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