After a year (and counting!) spent lounging on our familiar shores, we’re dying to explore; to get lost in the sights and sounds of foreign lands. We can think of few better places to do just that than the fabled Moroccan city of Marrakesh. Here is a taste of all Marrakesh has to offer – and why you need to add the city to your bucket list, STAT.
Rich History
Founded in 1070, Marrakesh is steeped in rich history and brimming with fascinating cultural heritage. The city was a long standing bastion of the western Muslim world, serving as an important major political, economic and cultural centre in North Africa and Andalusia. Located in central Morocco, the city has always attracted traders from throughout the country and larger region, adding to the diversity of the city as well as the birth of Marrakesh’s world-famous souks. Today, the medina of Marrakesh is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hailed for its beautifully preserved cultural landmarks and historical sites – which brings us to…
Stunning Architecture
Without ever visiting the city, it would be easy to see that Marrakesh’s architectural landscape is something quite special. Some of the most iconic images of the city are dominated by sun kissed terracotta walls and picture-perfect riads adorned with intricate mosaic tiles. If you’re looking for a who’s who in Marrakesh’s architecture, sites like the Koutoubiya Mosque, Bandiâ Palace and Ben Youssef Madrasa are not to be missed.
Delectable Food
It’s little wonder that Moroccan food has made its way across the world, charming tastebuds wherever it lands. Of course, there’s no better place to truly appreciate Moroccan cuisine than by going straight to the source. Versatile and flavorful by nature, just thinking about Moroccan food is enough to make our mouths water. Tagine is arguably the most famous Moroccan dish on a global scale – a hearty slow cooked stew traditionally prepared in a clay dish. The mix of sweet and savory is a definite hallmark; from lamb served with prunes to couscous cooked with raisins.
Shopping at the Souks
There are few things that give you that feeling of travel quite like exploring a local market – and there are few places that offer more inspiring shopping opportunities that the souks of Marrakesh. (“Souk” is the Arabic name given to a market or bazar.) Even if you don’t end up buying anything, simply getting lost in the ambiance is enough to satisfy your wanderlust. If, like us, you’re unable to resist temptation, the famous souks are perfect for picking up Moroccan rugs, floor poufs, leather bags and sandals, jewelry, exotic spices… and so much more. Getting lost in the maze-like souks is easy, so employing a local guide is recommended. If you prefer to wander independently, make sure you bring a map or use the GPS on your (fully charged!) mobile device.
Lavish Accommodation
Another incentive to visit Marrakesh: all the fabulous accommodation options available in the area. From grand Moroccan style mansions to sleek modern palazzos, the options for resting your laurels in Morocco really are quite dazzling. Have we piqued your interest? Take a look at the most jaw-dropping villas in Morocco.
Not sure about you, but we can practically hear the souks, restaurants and villas of Marrakesh simply calling our name. Until international borders open fully once more, we’ll settle for adding some Moroccan influences into our home décor instead.
