Travel

72 Hours in Marrakech

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The Habibti Team love travelling and this time we stopped over in the gorgeous North African city of Marrakech.

From the moment you arrive, you will be immersed in the authentic atmosphere of Marrakesh. At the heart of the city, and surrounded by its walls, the medina invites you to wander through its labyrinth of narrow streets and to discover its many souks.

The bustling life of Marrakesh also unfolds in the Jemaâ El Fna square, especially from the end of the afternoon. Discover the shows and entertainment that take place in the square, where snake charmers and fortune tellers will amaze you throughout a truly magical night. Enjoy the smell of the tagines and grills, inhale sumptuous oils and incense burning from the stalls that will transport you to another world. You will need to master the art of haggling, if you want to take home Moroccan artefacts, leather goods, ceramics and lanterns.  Get a Henna tattoo or have your hands painted in a traditional Moroccan design.

 

 

The Koutoubia Mosque: built in the 12th century, is representative of the art of the Almohads. A true architectural masterpiece of Hispano-Moorish influence, it is admired for its simplicity and its minaret, reaching 77 metres in height. The three balls of gilded copper symbolising the earth, water and fire are featured at its summit.

 

The Bahia Palace: built around 1880, the Bahia Palace was the home of vizier Ba Ahmed, the most powerful man of Morocco from 1894 to 1900. A true masterpiece of Moroccan architecture, the Palace comprises of a group of beautifully decorated disparate houses, leading to flowered patios.

The Marrakesh Museum: the Marrakesh Museum is housed in the Dar M’Nehbi Palace, one of the most beautiful from the end of the 19th century. It hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art alternating with more traditional art. Do not miss its large courtyard with fountains, nooks, alcoves and arches, as well as its beautiful tadelakt walls covered with zellij. You can admire woodwork, jewellery , potteries, ceramics, weapons, carpets, textiles and a few archaeological pieces.

 

Bab Agnaou is one of the nineteen gates of Marrakesh, Morocco. It was built in the 12th century in the time of the Almohad dynasty. While Bab er Robb was the official entrance to the city, Bab Agnaou gives entrance to the royal kasbah in the southern part of the medina of Marrakech.

The Ben Youssef Medersa: located in the centre of the old town, the Ben Youssef Medersa was the largest Koranic University of its time. Built in the 16th century, it is a perfect example of Arab-Andalusian architecture. Today, it still hosts students wishing to learn Koranic theology and still benefits from an excellent reputation.

The Mouassine Fountain: this fountain, the largest in Marrakesh, is part of the “Mouassine” complex which includes a mosque, library, hammam and a medersa. Built in the 16th century, during the Saadian period, it is a beautiful architectural composition and includes three major waterers covered with domes that are opened onto the street through three archways.

 

The Majorelle Gardens: a true haven of peace and freshness, this garden designed by the painter Jacques Majorelle, offers a moment of calmness and absolute serenity, which contrasts its exterior. Stroll among the plants, ponds, fountains and ceramics and let yourself be carried away by the natural fragrances and singing of the birds.

 

The Saadian Tombs:  are part of the few remains of the Saadian dynasty who reigned during the golden age of Marrakesh between 1524 and 1659. In fact, at the start of the 18th century, the sultan Moulay Ismaïl decided to banish all trace of the magnificence of this dynasty. However, he did not dare commit the sacrilege of destroying their graves and to block the entrance of the necropolis. The secret remained well-kept until the rediscovery of these tombs in 1917.

 

The Menara Gardens: away from the souks and the bustling city, these gardens from the 12th century are a haven of peace and quiet. An interesting pond of breathtaking dimensions, flanked with a charming Saadian inspired chalet and surrounded with olive, palm and cypress trees, serves as a reserve of water supplied by the mountains.

 

Night Life:

Nestled in the heart of the Palmeraie of Marrakech, at the entrance to Palmeraie Golf Palace, Russian club Mariinski has opened its doors. Featuring huge classy red drapes, and an exquisite gigantic bar situated right in the centre.

 

The So Lounge Marrakech is located in the highly prized Hivernage district, in the heart of the gardens of the Sofitel hotel. Chic and trendy, this must have night owl address offers 4 different atmospheres to party or delight your taste buds.

Le Nil is a authentic Cabaret place, where you can enjoy and indulge in the genuine experience of a Cabaret.  The distinguished décor and the band with oriental dancers makes it all come together perfectly. All located in the famous Idrissides Hotel.

 

Buddha Bar Marrakech unfolds on two levels, Buddha Bar will amaze you with a timeless journey between East and West.
Incredible heights, opulent decor, magnificence colours, cultural influences and scents, carved wood, precious materials, mirrors and paintings, soft lighting, give the place an appearance of a majestic neoclassical sanctuary. A magic temple offering one of the most impressive evenings in Marrakech.

Where to Stay: We stayed at the Eden Andalou Aqua Park & Spa Resort. Since we went outside of peak season, the hotel, pool and grounds were really quiet. There was a calmness when you walked through the lush gardens, giving it a real sanctuary feel. The hotel itself is about 20 mins drive from the bustling streets of the Medina. We booked the all inclusive and have to say the food choices at all meal times was aplenty.

 

How to get Here:

If you want to fly authentic, then  Royal Air Maroc is the official Carrier and flights are in the region of $350-$400 from Europe.

If you want to save your money for when you get there, then there are plenty of low cost options including Ryan Air and Easy Jet.

 

Useful Links

http://www.visitmorocco.com/en

http://www.muchmorocco.com

 

 

 

 

 

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