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The Medina is the historic district of Marrakech, the almost thousand-year-old old Arab city which is opposed to the New City (Guéliz) built during the French protectorate.
The vast majority of monuments, most museums and a very large number of accommodations (in the form of riads) are located in the Medina.
It is the most touristy and charming part of Marrakech. You will spend the majority, if not all of your time there.
It’s more than markets. This special spot, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases Moroccodeep culture. The stunning Koutoubia Mosque‘s minaret impacts the skyline. The grand Bahia Palace is another stunner. History is everywhere here and each story is its own adventure. The architecture sends you back in time, and the tales are captivating.
Maps of Marrakech neighborhoods
The Medina of Marrakech (No. 1 on the map) is the old Arab city. To the south of the district are the Casbah (B), the old fortified district, and the Mellah (C), the old Jewish district of Marrakech.
To the west of the Medina, the Hivernage district (3) hosts luxury hotels, while to the northwest, the Guéliz district (2) is the new town of Western inspiration.
marrakech map neighborhoods
Map of the districts of Marrakech: 1. Medina or old town B. La Casbah, former fortified district C. Mellah, former Jewish quarter 2. Guéliz district, new town with European-style town planning 3. Hivernage, chic district with large hotels and luxury boutiques.
Uncover the Charm of Marrakech Medina’s Markets
Marrakech’s exciting Medina relaxes snug in the city’s core. It resembles a maze, loaded with busy markets, humming with life. Marrakech Medina‘s markets stand out for their unique allure. People from all corners of the globe come to take a look at their concealed gems.
Strolling down tjhe tight lanes, your detects will certainly be ignited by the vivid surroundings, diverse noises and smells that fill the environment. The neighborhood industries, usually called souks, expand an intriguing peek right into Marrakech’s deep-rooted customs and heritage.
Dive into a sea of colors full of different stalls supplying all kinds of things. Marrakech Medina markets have all of it for shoppers. You can find things from bright textiles to handmade ceramic. That’s not all; they additionally market great smelling seasonings and classic Moroccan leather products.
Main attractions of the Medina of Marrakech
1. Jemaa el Fna square. This is one of the most surprising places on the planet
During the day, nothing to report. In the evening, however, the square transforms into an open-air restaurant, a circus and a giant hypnotic concert. It’s popular, family-friendly and quite unique in its kind.
marrakech jamee lefna nuit
2. Medrasa Ben Youssef. Here is a superb old Koranic school that is both sober and crazy decoratively rich.
As mosques are closed to non-Muslims since the French protectorate, this is your chance to familiarize yourself with Moroccan religious architecture.
ben youssef madrassa marrakech morocco architecture
3. Bahia Palace. This is the palace of superlatives. This is the largest and most beautiful palace in Marrakech open to visitors. Glitzy and charming.
A little further south, the Royal Palace, the king’s residence in Marrakech, cannot be visited.
Bahia palace marrakech morocco architecture
4. Superb museums. Marrakech has become the true cultural capital of Morocco, surpassing Fez, beautiful but little invested in defending its title.
Museums are one of the cultural engines of the city. In the Medina, there are two very interesting places not to be missed: The Photography Museum and the Bert Flint Museum (under renovation). Photo and ethnology. History and crafts. Belief and decorative arts.
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