Local monuments
Jamaa El fna
With a history that goes back to centuries, this large square in the middle of the Medina is the center of the Marrakesh life. Described to be a vibrant hub of stalks, storytellers, fortune-tellers and snake charmers, Jamaa El fna seems to never rest. Either you’re down among the thrum or in one of the magnificent surrounding cafes and restaurants, you will enjoy being at the very place considered as the soul of Marrakesh.
Koutoubia Mosque
Built in 1162 by the Almohad, The Koutoubia Mosque is Marrakesh’s most famous landmark with its striking, 70 m tall minaret visible for miles in every direction. Local Marrakesh legend tells that when first built it, the muezzin (man who calls the faithful to pray) for this mosque had to be blind as the minaret was so tall that it overlooked the ruler’s harem.
Saadians tombs
This 16th century burial ground is home to 66 members of the Saadians dynasty, which ruled over Marrakesh between 1524 and 1668. The tombs here include that of the ruler Al-Mansour, his successors and their closest family members. It’s a rambling, atmospheric place with the mausoleums set amid a rather overgrown garden.
Badii Palace
Now just remains, the Badii Palace is where the most celebrated Saadian ruler, Ahmed el Mansour (1578-1603), traded gold, marble and onyx for their weight in sugar. All that is left are devastated mud walls that enclose a large square.
Bahia Palace
This magnificent peacock of a palace was built in the 19th century as the residence of the Grand Vizier Bou Ahmed, who served Sultan Moulay al-Hassan I. The interior decoration is a dazzling display of zellige tiles, painted ceilings and ornate wrought-iron features showcasing the opulent lives of those high-up in the sultan’s favor at that time. The palace is surrounded by sumptuous flower and tree-filled gardens
Majorelle Garden
These lush tropical gardens, full of cacti, palms and ferns, are the work of painter Jacques Majorelle. Originally from the town of Nancy in France, Majorelle came to Marrakesh for health reasons and became well known for his paintings of local Moroccan life. After Majorelle’s death in 1962, French fashion designer Yves St Laurent bought the property and upon his death in 2008, his ashes were scattered in the gardens
Menara Gardens
This inner-city garden is a bubble of serenity hidden right in the heart of Marrakesh. It’s a local-favorite spot for getting out of the hustle to enjoy some peace and quiet. The large pool in the center of the garden has a fine pavilion, built on the water’s edge in the late 19th century. For many local Marrakesh families the Manara Gardens are picnicking central.
Dar Si Said
Dar Si Said is a museum located in Marrakech, dedicated to Moroccan craftsmanship of wood. This mansion was built in the late nineteenth century by Si Said, brother of Ba hmed, chamberlain of Sultan Moulay Hassan I and Grand Vizier of Moulay Abdelaziz, to be his residence. Dar Si Said was converted into a museum in 1932 by the Administration of Fine Arts.
Medrassa Ben Youssef
The madrasa was founded in Marinid era in the 14th century and rebuilt by Canadians in the 16th century, which has expanded to become the largest madrassa in Morocco in a deliberate attempt to snub the imams of Fes (the land of spiritual Heartland ). The madrassa closed as a school in 1960 and, after restoration, 1982.Situé opened in the heart of the old Medina of the red city, this gem of Moorish architecture was, for more than four centuries, a shelter for students in the thirst for knowledge in various sciences, including théologie.