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Marrakesh. As Exotic As You Picture It – Go Visit! Post & Podcast
Last Updated:
First podcast is in English, the second is in Italian.
We’ve been back from Marrakesh for a week now. Since this would have turned into a small novel if l decided to just write about it, l added an accompanying podcast so as to squeeze in as much information as possible. New for the blog is Federico’s take on Marrakesh in Italian, so if you want to listen to Italian, or just hear what he sounds like, here’s your chance. The journey started out a little rough when l realized upon getting to the airport that l had forgotten my luggage at home :-(.
A trip to the souk fixed that upon arrival though. Marrakesh deserves your visit. Here are the reasons why l think more and more people are discovering a part of Africa that has long been a playground for the extremely rich and very famous people like The Beatles in their prime, The Rolling Stones, and Winston Churchill.
History of Marrakesh:
Turbulent history- Marrakech went through so many power struggles and captures in it’s over a thousand-year history. It still managed to rise from the literal ashes and stands as a true testament in the face of adversity. It was ruled at various times by the Almoravids, the Marinids and the Saadians. It ultimately became a French Protectorate and home to stars like Maurice Chevalier, Edith Piaf and Josephine Baker. Marrakesh became independent in 1956.
The new city (Ville Nouvell), now called Gueliz was formed by the French diplomats, and planner Henri Post was commissioned to design it in 1914 on the outskirts of the Medina walls. Marrakesh became a “hippie Mecca” in the 60’s and a lot of the rock stars and fashion designers made homes there. Moroccans launched a grand plan to rid themselves of the long-haired westerners and their drug culture, clearing them out by the mid 70’s. French expats then moved in and began renovating the old town. It became a UNESCO heritage in 1982. Gueliz is where you would find all the modern conveniences of life, like banks, ATM, mall, theater etc. I prefer the old town.
Connection to South Spain (Andalusia) and Seville in particular. The Koutoubian mosque minaret is actually a twin of the one at the Giralda. Same thing for the one at the Hassan Tower in Rabat. Since the Giralda was used as a model for so many other church towers, like Moscow’s Red Square ones for instance, you could say it’s influence is indeed far-flung.
Arabic is the official language, with French being the second language. It makes sense therefore that most of the tourists are French people. A lot speak English as well, especially the younger ones, so don’t let that stop you.
Protect your trip with the best Travel Insurance.
Where we stayed: where to stay in Marrakech
Our fantastic Riyadh Farhan experience, right in the middle of the Medina. Don’t even think of staying anywhere else :-)
Find fantastically priced Hotels in Marrakech
What to see in Marrakech: Not to miss places
The Djemaa el Fna Square
The main square in the Medina. Huge and lively. This is where you find the snake charmers and some scary looking monkeys and their handlers. Do not take pictures of them though, unless you are willing to shell out €1-2 per picture. No, thank you!
Majorelle Gardens:
Why is there a monument to Yves Saint Laurent you ask? Because he donated it to his adopted city. He was a famous designer and this was his primary house that he shared with his partner for many years.
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By Kemkem Casinelli
5
66 ratings
Last Updated:
First podcast is in English, the second is in Italian.
We’ve been back from Marrakesh for a week now. Since this would have turned into a small novel if l decided to just write about it, l added an accompanying podcast so as to squeeze in as much information as possible. New for the blog is Federico’s take on Marrakesh in Italian, so if you want to listen to Italian, or just hear what he sounds like, here’s your chance. The journey started out a little rough when l realized upon getting to the airport that l had forgotten my luggage at home :-(.
A trip to the souk fixed that upon arrival though. Marrakesh deserves your visit. Here are the reasons why l think more and more people are discovering a part of Africa that has long been a playground for the extremely rich and very famous people like The Beatles in their prime, The Rolling Stones, and Winston Churchill.
History of Marrakesh:
Turbulent history- Marrakech went through so many power struggles and captures in it’s over a thousand-year history. It still managed to rise from the literal ashes and stands as a true testament in the face of adversity. It was ruled at various times by the Almoravids, the Marinids and the Saadians. It ultimately became a French Protectorate and home to stars like Maurice Chevalier, Edith Piaf and Josephine Baker. Marrakesh became independent in 1956.
The new city (Ville Nouvell), now called Gueliz was formed by the French diplomats, and planner Henri Post was commissioned to design it in 1914 on the outskirts of the Medina walls. Marrakesh became a “hippie Mecca” in the 60’s and a lot of the rock stars and fashion designers made homes there. Moroccans launched a grand plan to rid themselves of the long-haired westerners and their drug culture, clearing them out by the mid 70’s. French expats then moved in and began renovating the old town. It became a UNESCO heritage in 1982. Gueliz is where you would find all the modern conveniences of life, like banks, ATM, mall, theater etc. I prefer the old town.
Connection to South Spain (Andalusia) and Seville in particular. The Koutoubian mosque minaret is actually a twin of the one at the Giralda. Same thing for the one at the Hassan Tower in Rabat. Since the Giralda was used as a model for so many other church towers, like Moscow’s Red Square ones for instance, you could say it’s influence is indeed far-flung.
Arabic is the official language, with French being the second language. It makes sense therefore that most of the tourists are French people. A lot speak English as well, especially the younger ones, so don’t let that stop you.
Protect your trip with the best Travel Insurance.
Where we stayed: where to stay in Marrakech
Our fantastic Riyadh Farhan experience, right in the middle of the Medina. Don’t even think of staying anywhere else :-)
Find fantastically priced Hotels in Marrakech
What to see in Marrakech: Not to miss places
The Djemaa el Fna Square
The main square in the Medina. Huge and lively. This is where you find the snake charmers and some scary looking monkeys and their handlers. Do not take pictures of them though, unless you are willing to shell out €1-2 per picture. No, thank you!
Majorelle Gardens:
Why is there a monument to Yves Saint Laurent you ask? Because he donated it to his adopted city. He was a famous designer and this was his primary house that he shared with his partner for many years.