Tourist information -
Marrakesh
Marrakesh is a city in western Morocco, capital of Marrakesh Province, on the fertile Haouz Plain, at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains. The traditional southern capital of the sultans and a major trade center, Marrakesh is a rail terminus and a road and caravan center, connected with the Atlantic port of Safi. Industries include the processing of fruit, vegetables, and palms; tanning; and the manufacture of wool, flour, building materials, and handicrafts, notably leather goods and carpets. Lead, zinc, copper, molybdenum, and graphite mines are nearby, and the area is studded with date-palm oases. Of interest in the city are the ruined walls, twisting streets, and markets; the casino; the sultan's palace and gardens; the 12th-century Koutoubia mosque; the royal tombs; and Aguedal Park. Founded in 1062, Marrakesh was capital of the Almoravides and, in the 12th century, capital of the Almohades. The city prospered under the later Saadis and was an important Saharan trade center. After the French occupation, the modern part of the city was built in 1913. The city was also called Morocco. Marrakesh is not only a fantastic city, it is also a symbol of the Morocco that once was, and which still survives here. The streets of the old and pink city have been too narrow to allow the introduction of cars, and tourists searching for the "real" Morocco have turned the medieval structures of Marrakesh into good business.
The hordes of tourists that come here all through the year have still not managed to change its character. Actually their high number contribute in a postive way to preserve one of the greatest monuments of the Morocco that once was. And the people of Marrakesh love their city even more, and Moroccans all over the country would not let down an opportunity of visiting it.
The most worthwhile tourist traps are collected inside a rather small zone, starting in the north with the suuqs, continuing through the town square of Jemaa l-Fna with its crowd of storytellers, musicians and the Koutoubia mosque which is visible from practically anywhere in Marrakesh.
Going beyond this, the Menara gardens- by young Marrakeshians considered as the most romantic place in town- is high up on the list. But don't forget to visit one of the many examples of sights left by the many Europeans and Americans who fell so much in love with Marrakesh that they erected their palaces and gardens here.
The famous town square of Marrakesh, Jemaa l-Fna, owes little of its fame to its own beauty, but to the continuous day and night life. During most of the days, perfomers of every kind put up their shows, continuing until the food stalls start to move in.
From the Jemaa there are several entries to the fantastic suuqs, and for anyone who needs to relax for a while, there are plenty of cafés around the Jemaa, where the main attraction is looking at the ongoing activities.
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