Marrakesh, Morocco (February 2024)

Marrakesh is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco. This imperial city in western Morocco is a major economic center and home to mosques, palaces, and gardens. The Medina is a densely packed walled medieval city dating to the Berber Empire, with mazelike alleys where thriving souks (marketplaces) sell traditional textiles, pottery, and jewelry. Due to the heavy use of red clay bricks in buildings, Marrakesh is nicknamed a Red City. 

I was preoccupied with Marrakesh having traditional markets in the noisy, crowded, and messy surroundings. Apparently, these images belong only to the Medina, the Old Marrakesh. The modern city of Marrakesh was surprisingly clean and well-organized. We had dinner at a Spanish Tapas place and it was excellent. 

The following day, we had a city tour with a local guide. The local guide was funny with witty comments. 

At the hotel, the wall decorated with dishes was interesting.

Marrakesh is famous for the Koutoubia Mosque, a symbol of the city, and the Moorish minaret of the 12th century, 77 meters high, is visible for miles. The mosque is still actively used but was damaged by the 2023 earthquake and was under renovation when we visited. 

As we entered the Medina, we saw a gate of which the design was copied into the modern design of the Marrakesh Railway Station, the southernmost railway station in Morocco for now.

We found a birdnest on an artificial structure pole in a busy street.

We visited the Saadian Tombs for a former royal dynasty. There were different tomb sites for the royal family, females and children, and their subjects. 

 

After visiting the tombs, we passed through the Medina with many shops displaying colorful products.

We also visited Bahia Palace where the Royal Family used to live. The detailed decoration in the ceilings was quite impressive and the tile works were excellent and beautiful.

As we entered the Plaza area, the surroundings were getting crowded and noisy. All products were colorful and beautiful. 

But, the highlights of the Marrakesh Plaza are snake charmers and monkey entertainers. They were watching all the tourists and whenever they spotted a tourist who took a photo of them, they demanded money. They left us with a little unpleasant taste of the Plaza.

There are other entertainers like this. 

We walked around and had lunch at one of the restaurants that the tour guide recommended. From the rooftop, I was able to see the entire plaza. The food was okay.

We walked to a local restaurant, which turned out to be one of the best restaurants we ate. Particularly the steak was incredibly delicious.

Another Moroccan image I would like to share is this: two white-robed ladies with a blue wall background. It is a typical image of Morocco.

 We stayed one more night in Marrakesh, but it was open for an optional tour which we took. Next. - Jeffrey