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Marrakech Maps & Attractions Guide
Marrakech maps & Attractions - Things to do
in Marrakech
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Marrakech
Attractions - Things to do
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 |
4. Saadian Tombs
Rue de la Kasbah near the city walls in the old city,
beneath the minaret of the Kasbah mosque
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What is it? The beautiful necropolis was built by the
Saadian Sultan Ahmed el Mansour in the late 16th century as a final
resting place for himself and his successors. There are 66 indoor
tombs, lavishly decorated with colourful, intricate mosaics. The
central mausoleum, the Hall of the Twelve Columns, is exceptionally
ornate with a high vaulted roof, furnished with stunning carved
cedar panels and columns of grey Italian
marble.
Hours of Operation: Wednesday to Monday 8.30am to 11.45pm, and 2.30pm to
5.45pm
Phone: |
5. Oukaimeden
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What is it? A ski resort in the desert! Indeed, thick
snow envelops the Jabal Oukaimeden mountain peak during the winter
months (usually January and February), just a 46-mile (74km) drive
from Marrakech. The town of Oukaimeden, which can be reached by
taxi or self-drive car, is well equipped for the skiers that seek
restaurants, ski equipment to rent, and comfortable hotels, set in
lush greenery backed by blue mountains. Skiers can ascend the
mountain by donkey or camel, but there are also modern ski
lifts.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
6. Ouirgane
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What is it? The village of Ouirgane, in the foothills of
the Atlas Mountains about 90 minutes drive from Marrakech, stands
at the centre of a popular resort area, where summers are cooler
and winters less harsh than those experienced in the city. The
surrounding Berber countryside offers picturesque villages and
hamlets to explore, set in forests full of wildlife and groves of
fruit trees, alongside streams cascading down from the High Atlas
Mountains and fields of wild flowers. The area is also known for
its extraordinarily beautiful rose gardens.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
Marrakech Holidays guide
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Transport -Driving in the city of Marrakech is
difficult unless you know your way around; the narrow alleyways of
the central urban medina area are a confusing warren of one-way
streets.
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