The imperial city of Marrakech, is undoubtedly a modern relic of the Arab world to bring together in one place, all the beauty and the legacy left over time that has made it one of the most important cultural centers in Morocco, being also the tourist capital of the country, attracting travelers from all over the world with its colorful markets and festivals that made it gain fame.
It was founded in 1062 by Ibn Tasfin, the first emir of the Berber dynasty of the Almoravids. This medieval city became a key point for the invasion of Christian Spain, so the resources were well invested on it and its greatness, leaving a coarse and loaded heritage that has prevailed in part until today, with attractions such as for example:
The Koutobia Mosque
This religious building is one of the symbols of the city, as well as being the most important mosque in the Muslim West, Koutobia with its tower visible from the entire city because it is the building that reaches almost 70 meters high, counting as its central axis, with the prohibition of building one higher in all of Marrakech. The legend says that after its construction in the twelfth century, it began to bleed, leaving its characteristic red color.
The Gardens of the Menara
A visit to this city requires a look at these beautiful gardens, which count as a World Heritage Site by Unesco, and which were built in the 12th century, making a fresh and green alive oasis at the west of Marrakech since then, having as a backdrop the imposing and snow-capped peaks of Mount Atlas, contrasting with its bushes and garden trees, with a beautiful pavilion of green tiles that is surrounded by olive fields clearly making a beautiful scenery in sight.
Marrakech Souk
Definitely, the souk of this city should be a stop, because this traditional market of the Arab world, consisting of a wide labyrinth of streets and stalls, has a great many products that will taste the senses of any traveler who goes into it to haggle with the sellers for the enormous amount of spices, food, clothing and colorful crafts made by the various artisan guilds of the town.
Bahia Palace
This treasure of Islamic architecture, is one of the most important buildings in the city, built in the late nineteenth century with the idea of being the most dazzling palace of all times, taking to build it for more than a decade, but it really came to its maximum splendor at the end of that century, when it was under the control of the vizier Abu Bou Ahmed, who made shine the 8 hectares of the palace.
Finally there is nothing left to say, that this precious jewel of the Arab world, without a doubt, should be a stop for any lucky person who can visit the imperial city of Marrakech.
ALFA