About Marrakesh
Marrakech, the legendary and dramatic city lying at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains, is famous for it's souks (markets) where you can buy just about anything.
Once a crossroads for caravans coming out of the Sahara Desert, Marrakech is a spicy mixture of Arab, African and European influences.
The Djemma el Fna is really the heart of Marrakech. It is a large central square in the old city (Medina) and during the day it's a perfect place to grab a freshly-squeezed orange juice and a handful of dates. At the end of the afternoon the Jemma el Fna transforms into an entertainers paradise - if you're in to snake charming, juggling, music and acrobats. Snack stalls are replaced with stalls offering more substantial fare and the square comes alive with entertainment that hasn't changed much since medieval times.
This North African city provides a taste of true Moroccan life that is worlds apart from the familiar, package holiday destinations of Tangier and Agadir.
Marrakech, the fourth of Morocco's Imperial Cities, founded in 1062, is today the commercial centre for the High Atlas and the Moroccan Sahara.
Traditionally attired Muslim inhabitants seem almost untouched by western influence, as they go about their daily rituals; religious observance is part of the very fabric of life in Marrakech. People are friendly and welcoming and evidently proud of their cultural heritage. It is a common occurrence to offer visitors a glass of mint tea - a traditional custom and a token of friendship.
