Marrakesh is not only a major city in
Morocco, but it is also one of the largest cities in the country, as well as the capital city of the Marrakesh-Safi region in Morocco. Marrakesh was established in the year 1062 and has been inhabited by the famous Berber farmers. It is found to the north part of the base of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, forming the most beautiful sight in the wee hours of the morning.
The symbol of Marrakesh is the twelfth-century Koutoubia Mosque’s iconic Moorish minaret, which stands tall with its majestic look and stunning design, making it one of the best attraction spots in Marrakesh.
Marrakesh has preserved the ancient architecture within its walls, including even the ruins of the ancient buildings. The Medina is a densely packed and ancient walled city that dates back into the Berber Empire. It features an intricate maze-like alley network crowned with numerous vibrant market places commonly known as souks, which sell traditional goods like the beautiful pottery, beautiful jewelry, and even traditional textiles.
At the Djemaa el-Fna, numerous food sellers line up along the wide squared area, as do the storytellers and musicians who aim at entertaining the shoppers and the sellers around them.
Nearby is a former palace, the Musee de Marrakesh, which has beautiful displays of various Moroccan decorative objects and ornaments, coins varieties, and contemporary artwork and craft pieces for the public to take in.
One of the most significant Islamic landmarks in Marrakesh is the Ben Youssef Madrasa. It is a beautiful structure that has been decorated with ornaments and beautiful tile work design, complete with its stunning carved cedar. Close by is the Bahia Palace, another of the key spots in Marrakesh, whose massive former harem still stands. More of the ancient touch can be felt at the preserved ruined monument of El Badi Palace, which dates back to the sixteenth century. Around the same area, there is the extensive royal mausoleum which is home to the Saadian Tombs that remains an attractive spot to date.
On the nearby outskirts of Marrakesh’s old town, a modern Vile Nouvelle District has risen, complete with modern architecture and stunning skyscrapers amid various lovely gardens and parks like the magnificent Majorelle, Agdal, and Menara.
Marrakesh experiences a hot, semi-arid climate. The climate also features some of the Mediterranean characteristics but owing to the location of Marrakesh about the Atlas Mountains, and it is more of the semi-arid climate. Summer ranges from warm to very hot, and most days are dry with long hours of sunshine. Rainfall is scarce, and the afternoons may receive only showers occasionally.
Winter ranges from mild to cold and is a rainier season than the summer with an average of seven rainy days per month. During winter, the Atlas Mountain is more stunning as it gets completely covered up in ice and snow. The sunshine hours per day during winter average seven, making the season warm and pleasant, except for the early mornings that may be colder.
Marrakesh can be visited at any time throughout the year because the weather is quite pleasant. However, more visitors tend to arrive in the city during spring, between
April and
May, when the days are warm, pleasant, and dry.
In
July, the Popular Arts Festival is held in Marrakesh and is crowned with beautiful musical shows and compelling traditional Fold Dance presentations. Another event is the Marrakesh International Film Festival, which is usually held in
November. It is a vibrant show that is aimed at celebrating and awarding the makers of the Marrakesh film industry.