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Marrakech Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Marrakech
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Marrakech Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Marrakech - This popular resort town dates from the 18th
century, and is easily reached by bus from Marrakech. The town is
encircled by a fortified wall, and faces the sea, featuring a
beautiful stretch of beach, some pretty whitewashed houses,
boat-builders workshops and art galleries. What makes it popular is
the laid-back atmosphere and the characteristic wind that makes it
a popular centre for wind- and kite-surfing. It is also famed for
its woodcarving tradition, particularly with the local fragrant
Thuya wood. The harbour is a hive of activity at all times, but
particularly during the daily (except Sundays) fish auction that
attracts as many seagulls as buyers, sellers and
onlookers.
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Marrakech
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Koutoubia Mosque
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What is it? Towering over the labyrinthine streets and
markets of Marrakech is the city's principal landmark, the minaret
of the Koutoubia Mosque, known as the 'mosque of the booksellers'
because of the bazaar of the book traders that used to be nearby.
The red stone mosque was first built in 1147, but demolished and
rebuilt in 1199 because it was not correctly aligned with Mecca.
The mosque, basically a massive prayer hall, has 17 aisles and 112
columns, and room for thousands to pray within it. The ornately
carved minbar (pulpit) is believed to have been a gift from the
Almoravid Sultan Ali ben Youssef. The landmark minaret is 221ft
(69m) high and consists of six chambers one atop the other,
ascended by a ramp through which the muezzin ascends to the top
balcony. The mosque is closed to non-Muslims, but the area around
is a favourite place for an evening stroll.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
2. Djemaa el-Fna
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What is it? What it lacks in beauty, the large town
square of Marrakech, Djemaa el-Fna (Square of the Dead) makes up
for in pulsating liveliness that belies its name. Every day the
square is a colourful circus of performing artists where snake
charmers, musicians, storytellers and healers vie with each other
to be noticed by the milling crowds; every evening food stalls take
over and the competition is fierce among them for the passing
trade, offering anything from boiled snails and sheep's heads to
thick vegetable soup, kebabs or fresh salads. Freshly squeezed
orange juice stalls stand side by side encircling the market and
offer a refreshing drink both day and night. The square is a
fascinating place to sit awhile at one of the surrounding cafes,
watching the swirling parade. The square is also the gateway to the
souks (bazaars) of Marrakech, tucked away in the surrounding
labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys. It is easy to lose your
way, but well worth exploring the plethora of craftsmen offering
their wares. Bargain for anything from water mugs and dates to
exotic Moroccan carpets. The souks are also well shaded from the
searing Moroccan sun and therefore provide a respite from the
heat.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
3. Dar Si Saïd Museum
Riad Ezzitoun El Jadid
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What is it? The Museum, housed in a palace on the Riad
Ezzitoun El Jadid, depicts the arts, crafts and culture of the
Berber people, including displays of some Moorish cedarwood
furniture, and artefacts from every day life in the Sahara desert.
There is also a collection of door and window frames, elaborately
carved and ornamented, in the museum
courtyard.
Hours of Operation: Daily 8.30am to 11.45am; and 2.30pm to 5.45pm; closed
Tuesdays
Phone:(044) 442 464 |
Marrakech
holidays - Top Events
1. Marrakech Popular Arts Festival
From 2007-06-01
To 2007-07-31
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What is it? There is never a dull moment in this teeming
city designed to inflict sensory overload, but during the summer
Popular Arts Festival, Marrakech is more frenzied and alive than
ever, the already-packed streets even more crowded with an
abundance of tourists and Moroccans avid for fun. Artists,
craftsmen, vendors, musicians, acrobats, fire-swallowers and
dancers hold performances in every corner of the city, with the
centre of the action at the ruined 16th-century Badi Palace, once
the heart of the powerful Saadian Dynasty. One of the most popular
features is the 'fantasia', a choreographed trick horse-riding
spectacle held each evening in a field near the Bab Jdid just
outside the city walls. For more information contact the Morocco
Tourist Office on +212 (0)37 681 531/532/533 or admin@tourism-in-morocco.com
Where is it? Various, but mainly Badi Palace and Djemma el Fna |
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