Marrakesh the crown jewel of Morocco

Marrakesh, located in the western part of Morocco is a former imperial city and also its economic hub besides being home to a number of palaces, mosques and gardens. One of the most famous areas in the city is its fables Medina which is a densely populated, walled medieval city that exists from times of the Berber Empire. It has a number of mazelike alleys where Marrakesh’s ubiquitous souks (marketplaces) thrive and sell a variety of goods such as traditional pottery, jewellery and textiles. At the public square known as the Djemaa el-Fna, there are a number of food vendors, street performers, musicians, fortune tellers and a host of other interesting and rather colourful characters.

It is growing as a popular tourist destination in North Africa with increasing numbers of foreign travellers visiting the city. As a consequence a number of 5 star Marrakesh hotels have popped up in different parts of the city.

If you plan to stay at a luxury hotel in Morocco, then you will find some of the best hotels in Marrakesh that are a part of the popular Luxury Hotels Group. They are known for their elegance, fine facilities and impeccable customer service. In Marrakesh some interesting places to visit are:

The Koutoubia Mosque: One of the most prominent landmarks of the city is the famous Koutoubia Mosque, whose minaret can be seen for miles around in all directions. It is a perfect example of classic Almohad architectural style and is topped by four huge copper globes, which enhance its appearance. While its minaret may not be all that tall by western standards, standing 77 metres in height what makes it stand out in the city skyline is the topography of the area; and a rather quaint local ordinance, as per which no building constructed in the Medina should be taller than a palm tree. As a result the mosque’s minaret rises majestically over the surrounding area. It’ still functions as a place of worship, although non-Muslims are not allowed in the main prayer hall. Visitors to the mosque can explore and admire its exteriors by walking around it.

Shop at the souks: One of the best ways to enjoy a holiday in Marrakesh is by exploring its famous souks, which are built like a maze, where shoppers can get some of the best bargains, provided they are good at bargaining. The Medina specifically the area that lies to the north of the Jemaa El Fna, is its commercial hub and is connected by a large and complex network of souks. The markets are divided into sections with each specialising in different commodities from carpets to spices, leather to traditional Moroccan jewellery and furniture among a host of other items.