marrakech
The red city of Marrakech, also known as Al Hamra, has been a popular destination for decades and you can see why.
The city was built in the 11th Century by the Almoravid emperor Abu-Bakr Ibn-Umar and was for a long time the capital of an empire that covered most of the Magreb (North West Africa) and extended well into Europe. With the Almoravid conquest of southern Spain, Marrakech was invested with the exquisite cosmopolitan culture of Andalucia. This cross-fertilization is rare indeed for a remote desert enclave.
Under the Almoravids, Marrakech became a symbol of Islamic civilization and an intellectual centre where the most famous scholars and philosophers of the age converged. The power of the Almoravids also made Marrakech into a great commercial centre and wealth flowed into the city, further transforming its architecture. Lavish buildings were constructed and splendid gardens were designed. The ancient ramparts and gates of the city are monuments to the city's medieval pre-eminence.
Marrakech is still the second largest city in the country and very much the cultural capital of modern day Morocco. Situated in a great plain with snow-capped mountains as a backdrop, the city constantly buzzes with life and activity.
During the day, visitors can wander through the labyrinth of alleyways and tiny streets that make up the ancient medina and the largest souk in Morocco; discovering some of the finest artesania and craftsmanship to be found anywhere in North Africa. And at night, visit The Dar Jemma el Fna, which is the largest public square in the entire continent of Africa. As the sun sets, the snake charmers depart and the square fills with musicians, dancers, acrobats, story tellers, fortune tellers and medicine sellers.
Marrakech has it all; restaurants and cafés to suit all tastes and pockets, souks for your souvenirs and many gardens to get away and chill in the heat of the afternoon.
However you choose to spend your time, Marrakech never fails to fascinate the traveller.