Medina Marrakech – The Old City
What to know about the Medina of Marrakech before you go?
The Medina old town of Marrakech is a hive of activity in Marrakech. It attracts several people from different parts of the world. Because of its historical sites, colorful markets, and stately houses identified as Riads.
Explore the ancient streets of Medina Marrakech to discover its many sights, sounds, and flavors. The cobblestone lanes are lined with covered textile and spice souks and Hammam bathhouses.
On the night, take a stroll around Jemaa el-Fna square, where you may be tempted by snake charmers or by street food vendors. On a day trip, visit the Bahia Palace and Le Jardin Secret, a 19th-century complex with mosaics and ornate courtyards.
The French imposed restrictions on construction in the historic medina, in order to make the area a mass tourist destination. Real estate codes were set up, and families with no sons shuttered their shops. Fortunately, tourism has increased, and some of the medinas are undergoing restoration and gentrification.
Some new, luxury hotels are even bringing back the traditional way of life. In the meantime, there are a variety of traditional Moroccan restaurants and boutiques.
The Souks in Marrakech
The Souks in Marrakech
If you want to get the best deals when shopping in the souks in Marrakech, here are some tips to keep in mind. First of all, the souks in Marrakech are located inside the Medina.
As you walk through the souks, you should keep an eye out for hawkers. If they are aggressive, you may be able to bargain your way down to a lower price.
To shop in the souks, you must take note of their general categories and what you’re looking for. For instance, in the Market of Qashashbia, you can find copper and silver items.
You’ll also find a lot of traditional textiles here. Another souk that is renowned for selling precious metals is the Market of Takmouti. It’s named after the Takmut silversmiths.
The souks in Marrakech Medina cover most of the old Medina. There are many different types of goods sold in each souk. The first is the Souk of Djellaba, which is known for its high-quality carpets and Moroccan lanterns.
The second is the Souk of Takmouti, which is known for selling precious metals. The silversmiths who live in this area still produce them.
The souks in Marrakech Medina are home to many souvenir shops and a variety of crafts. Buying traditional Moroccan products from the souks is a great way to get some wonderful souvenirs home.
The souks are separated into different professions, with basket makers being clustered together with hardware dealers and leather workers. You’ll find anything you’re looking for in the souks of Marrakech.
Jemaa El-Fna Square
Jemaa El-Fna Square
A visit to Jemaa El-Fna, Marrakech’s main cultural space, is a must for any cultural traveler. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been used as a marketplace, religious arena, and crossroads since the 11th century.
During the festival, the square is transformed into a huge cinema. The festival draws in tourists from all over the world and has become a popular attraction for Moroccans.
This square is located in the heart of Medina. It is near the Royal Palace and the famous Koutoubia Mosque. From here, you can explore the renowned souks of Marrakech. However, it is important to keep valuables secure.
Aside from jewelry and coins, tourists should avoid taking photographs with monkey handlers or snake charmers. These individuals mistreat animals and make money off of tourists.
The main square is a place where people from all walks of life can shop for souvenirs. Whether you are looking for souvenirs or are looking for unique gifts, there is a marketplace nearby. The area is also filled with colorful lanterns and is the perfect location for a family vacation. Getting lost in the market is a great way to spend your vacation!
The Koutoubia: The biggest Mosque in Marrakech
The Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakesh. It’s also known as the Kutubiyyin Mosque or the Mosque of the Booksellers.
No matter which name you prefer, you’ll love the beautiful architecture and the incredible inscriptions that adorn its walls. You can visit it for free and take the time to explore its intricate details.
It is built on the site of an Almoravid mosque. Koutoubia Mosque was destroyed by the Almohads in 1147, but the Almoravids restored it and added a pulpit that is decorated with beautiful motifs.
It is believed that the sultan Ali Ben Youssef donated the pulpit to this mosque. In fact, the Koutoubia is the oldest mosque in Morocco.
The Koutoubia Mosque is a striking and beautiful building. Its minaret is easily recognizable from anywhere in the city. The architecture is impressive, with wood carvings and brightly colored zellij tiles.
The inside of the mosque is a peaceful haven for worshippers. The interior is decorated in classic Moroccan styles, and the minaret is a magnificent example of this style.
The interior of the Koutoubia mosque is very large and beautiful. You will find a lot of prayer space here, including a huge prayer hall with a capacity of 25000 worshippers.
Locals and tourists use these facilities regularly. You’ll find that the inside of this mosque is not as grand as the outside, but it is still an important piece of history. If you want to photograph the tower, there are plenty of spots.
The Kasbah in Marrakech
Kasbah Mosque
The Busy Kasbah is one of the most famous places in Marrakech, home to old-world souks, street food vendors, and the horseshoe-shaped Bab Agnaou gate. The entrance to the kasbah is decorated with Quranic inscriptions. The Saadian Tombs are royal graves in ornate chambers. El-Badii Palace is another important building, dating from the 16th century.
The Kasbah is also home to the largest mosque in Marrakech, the Kasbah Mosque. This building dates back to the 12th century when it was constructed by the Saadians. The mosque is located inside the kasbah, near the Koutoubia Mosque, which is close by.
Visitors to the Muslim district will want to visit the kasbah and mosque.
The kasbah is located within the heart of the medina, a district of the city. The twelfth-century kasbah was the seat of government for kings and sultans throughout the Middle Ages. It is located on the southern end of the old city walls, at the southern end of the old city wall.
The kasbah is marked by a large gate, the Bab Aganou, which is the original king’s palace. The Mechouars are located between the main building and the Agdal Gardens and are very popular.
The main street of the kasbah is lined with restaurants serving delicious Moroccan dishes. You can also stop by a cafe, a place known for its clock, where you can grab a snack. The Zeitoun Cafe is a good place to eat Moroccan fare. There are many other cafes and restaurants in the medina, but the kasbah is a more intimate setting.
Jewish Quarter in the Medina Marrakech (Mallah)
Marrakech Melah (The Jewish Quarter)
The Jewish Quarter in Marrakech is home to three important synagogues. The main synagogue is the Slat al-Azama, which is also known as the Lazama Synagogue. It is located in the historic Mellah area of the old city. Slat al-Azama is one of the oldest synagogues in Morocco and is a must-see.
The Jewish Quarter in Marrakech includes a cemetery and the first synagogue in the entire region. The cemetery is situated on a residential street and contains a beautiful, ancient Jewish cemetery.
Visitors can visit the tombs of the deceased buried here, which date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. The Miara Cemetery is the largest Jewish cemetery in the world and is divided into three edges: one for men, another for women, and one for children.
Located in the southern part of the medina, Mellah is the Jewish Quarter of Marrakech. This area is home to many shops and restaurants that serve fresh fruits and vegetables.
There is a large market in this area of the city, where you can purchase a variety of meats and seafood. You can also check out the Jewish Cemetery, which is the largest in the country.
The Mellah was the Jewish quarter of Marrakech. Once inhabited by 30,000 Jews, the neighborhood was surrounded by a high wall. This wall separated the Jewish and Muslim communities.
Today, there are only 300 Jews left in the neighborhood. Most of them are elderly and poor. The Mellah was once the most authentic neighborhood of Marrakech. It’s a must-see for any traveler to Morocco.
Bahia Palace in Medina of Marrakech
The bahia palace in Marrakech
The Bahia Palace in Marrakesh is a late 19th-century palace, one of the city’s most beautiful. Si Musa started construction in 1859 and the palace is still undergoing renovation today. Si Musa was the grand vizier of Alaouite sultan Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rahman and Sultan Moulay Abdelaziz.
When Bou Ahmed died in 1900, the palace was completely ransacked. After the French arrived, the people of Marrakech were forced to leave to make way for a new Resident General.
The Palace was the site of several murders and the death of a vizier in the process. During this period, the Bahia Palace was looted and burned. During the Protectorate, the house was the home of the Moroccan royal family.
The Bahia Palace is one of the most stunning buildings in Marrakech. The intricate decoration is reminiscent of the riads of ancient Persia.
The palace was built by the powerful Chamberlain of Hassan I (1836-1894). The building has a central garden surrounded by outbuildings. The gardens are lush and colorful. The buildings are surrounded by ornate woodwork, and the marble floors are made from travertine.
The Bahia Palace is a spectacular complex in the medina of Marrakech. This palace was constructed by two brothers who had a common dream: to build a palatial residence for a wealthy and powerful man.
It is the oldest and most lavish palace in Morocco. A tour of the interior is essential to fully appreciate this spectacular complex. The Bahia Palace is a must-see while you’re in town.
Ben Youssef Medresa (Madrasa) Medina Marrakech
Medersa Ben Youssef
The Ben Youssef Madrasa is an Islamic madrasa located in Marrakesh’s Medina. At one time, it was the largest Islamic college in the world. It was founded by the Almoravid Sultan Ali ibn Yusuf in the 11th century. Today, it serves as a cultural and educational center.
The Medersa is a building with an intricate, quadrilateral plan and a floor area of 1680 square meters. It is an Islamic learning center where students came from all over the world to study the Quran and the Islamic sciences.
Most of the students were mullahs or judges, which is where the name of the school was named.
The Medersa is located in the Medina and is the most beautiful building in the city. Built-in the 14th century, it is one of the most picturesque buildings in Marrakech.
The Medersa was a theological college that once housed 900 students. The building was renovated in the 16th century but has retained its original beauty.
Inside, you’ll find exquisite Moroccan architecture and Moorish archways. The Medersa’s large courtyard is decorated with a variety of fountains and other artifacts.
The Medersa’s central courtyard features a shallow rectangular jade pool and is surrounded by a series of rooms and courtyards.
The walls of the Medersa were constructed with an Andalusian architectural style, and a 132-cell dormitory served as a place for students to pray and learn the Islamic faith.
The Medersa’s development coincided with the migration of the Merinids, who converted nomadic populations to Islam.
Conclusion
Trade is the primary thing that has made Medina be at a forefront position ever since its establishment. In this place, you will come across a variety of shops that line along the narrow winding lanes. Also, you will come across workshops belonging to different tradespeople and artisans.
The Medina is full of ancient buildings and monuments that prove the city’s rich history.
It is a great place to spend a day exploring the local markets and soaking up the culture and history of the city. You can also visit the Bahia royal residence, which is situated in the heart of the medina.
The walls dating back to the 12th century still surround the city, including the gates that connect it to the rest of the city.
As a result, these tradesmen and artisans take part in various traditional activities such as carpentry or metalwork. Other than this, this place features slatted ceilings which play an essential role in protecting from the relentless summer sun.
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hi there! thank you for sharing your tips with us about this amazing experience in Marrakesh! I love the first photo about Medina (with the mountains on the back), would u mind if I ask u from where you got this amazing view? was it from any rooftop bar? tk u in advance!
Hello Bruna,
Thanks for your comment,
Regarding the view of the Medina and the Atlas Mountains that you saw in the first photo, the best place to see this view is from the rooftop terrace of a riad or hotel located in the Medina. Some popular options include La Mamounia, Riad BE Marrakech, Le Jardin Secret, El Fenn, and Café des Épices.
For the best sunset view, I would recommend going to the Jemaa el-Fna square. This lively square is the heart of Medina; some cafes nearby such as CafĂ© de France, CafĂ© glacier… offer a stunning view of the sunset over the Koutoubia Mosque.