Top Attractions in Marrakech

Jardins de la Ménara

Marakshi couples and families love to stroll in the Menara gardens. The beautiful pavilion on the edge of the big basin reflecting the Atlas Mountains is the emblem for these gardens, which were created during the 12th century by Almohad sultans. In its present state, the pavilion dates from the 19th century, but its original construction dates from the Saadian period in the 16th century. The basin is filled by a mountain stream and, thanks to a genius irrigation system, the fruit-trees and the olive trees get what they need and no more. Each night, the show Son & Lumière Al Ménara takes place. Entrance fee to the gardens is approximately 15MAD.

Bab Agnaou

Of all the gates of the Remparts de Marrakech, Bab Agnaou is the most impressive. This monumental gate was built in the 12th century by Sultan Yacoub El-Mansour to serve as the front door of the palace of the Kasbah, the center of power in the Almohad dynasty. Its function was more decorative than defensive. It is adorned with geometric floral patterns and with Koufic Koranic letterings. Its unique color, an ochre with bluish tinges, is from Gueliz sandstone. Near Bab Agnaou, the gate Bab Er-Robb also dates from Almohad times.

Remparts de Marrakech

The erecting of these ochre ramparts was one of first the works of the 12th-century Almoravid Dynasty. The walls were extended as the town grew. The Saadian Dynasty also contributed to their upkeep and extension. The ramparts extend nearly 12 miles around the Medina. They are each 6 to 8 meters high and encompass 15 large gates, the most famous of which being Bab Agnaou. The nicest way to circumnavigate the ramparts is to ride a calash, departing from Jemaâ El Fna Square.

Fontaine Chrob Ou Chouf

Along with the Tombeaux Saâdiens, this mural fountain is a rare testament to the grandeur of the Saadian reign. Its name comes from an Arabic inscription found on it, literally "Drink and Look," because this eye-pleasing fountain is evidence of the grandness of the reign of its commissioner Ahmed El-Mansour (1578-1603). The fountain is covered by a big cedar canopy under a green-tiled roof. It was added to list of Cultural Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1985.

Fontaine El-Mouassine

Of all the medina's public fountains, the biggest is El-Mouassine. It also serves to shade animals' troughs. Stylish archways and a cedar canopy roofed with green tiles make it unique. It was built during the 16th century under the Saadian dynasty, at the same time as the big adjoining mosque El-Mouassine.

Mosquée Aux Pommes D'Or

This 12th-century mosque is also called the Kasbah Mosque and the Yacoub El Mansour Mosque. But mostly it's known as the Mosquée Aux Pommes D'Or (Mosque of the Golden Apples), because of the three gilded globes (legend says they are made of gold) on the lantern of one its gorgeous minaret. The mosque was restored twice, once in the 16th century and once in the 18th century. This is a working mosque, and it's closed to non-Muslims.

Jardin Bio-Aromatique d'Ourika

The Vallée de l'Ourika is the setting of this one-hectare organic garden planted with aromatic and medicinal Moroccan plants, some of which are used to make essential oils. Visitors can attend workshops, and/or take guided or non-guided tours, lasting from two hours to two days (varying prices). Botanists, nature-lovers, those with green thumbs, and those interested in aromatherapy or eco-tourism will never want to leave!

Zaouïa Sidi Bel Abbès

This religious edifice, closed to non-Muslims, shelters the grave of Sidi Bel Abbès (1130-1207), Marrakech's patron saint, and one of the seven specially-revered saints of the city. For centuries, a yearly pilgrimage has been devoted to those seven historical figures. Sidi Bel Abbès, who dedicated his life to religion, is the protective figure of the poor, who come to his zaouïa looking for help and begging for the generosity of believers.

Mellah

The Mellah quarter was built in the 16th century under the rule of Saadian Sultan Moulay Abdallah, who gave a protected territory to the Jewish people who lived in Marrakech, many of whom had fled the Spanish Reconquista. Surrouded by a wall, the quarter prospered thanks to its trading activity. 15,000 inhabitants lived here in 1936. But almost all of Mellah's Jewish population fled from Morocco in the second half of the 20th century; now, just a few more than 200 Jews live in the quarter. It is now a popular and busy district notably known for its jewelry souk. Tinworkers' shops and regular auctions contribute to a lively atmosphere. The old covered spices souk shouldn't be missed. The architectural unity of the quarter, along with the old Jewish cemetery and the few still-functional synagogues serve as reminders of Mellah's history.

Souks

North of Jemaâ El Fna lies the souk (market) kingdom of Marrakech. On your first visit, it's easy to loose all sense of direction in this labyrinth of shops and little crowded alleyways. Souk Semmarine Street is the classic starting point of the touristy tours of the souks. Along this street, the shops feature all kinds of handcrafted items, but most of the time the souks remain faithful to a founding principle: each souk corresponds to a specific craft guild, like in the Souk Sebhaghine (the dye souk) or the Souk Smata (the souk of babouches, those oriental slippers). From the Souk Semmarine street (after about 200 meters), an alleyway leads to Rabha Kadima square, the former slave market, where apothecaries sell Moroccan remedies along with traditional beauty products (henna, khôl, or lipstick made from poppy). North of the square lies the Criée Berbère (literally "Berber Auction"), a souk specialized in carpet-selling. The souk el Kebir (further down Souk Semmarine Street) trades in leather goods. To the left of this souk lies the area of the kissarias (covered souks), which sell clothes. Once you find the carpet of your dreams or a nice handcrafted pot, be prepared to start a bargain joust with the seller, but don't forget to also take it as an entertaining interaction.