Marrakech was founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids. The city brings together themes of the historic medina, square culture, architecture and gardens.
The Medina and Its Square Culture
The medina covers 700 hectares. Traditional crafts and commercial activities are part of the alleys, houses, souks and fondouks of the historic city. At the same time, the old building stock has become vulnerable due to demographic change. For travelers who want to explore the city’s history in the context of trade and crafts, this connection offers a distinctive perspective.
People gather in Jemaa El Fna Square. There are local food and drinks, storytellers, fortune-tellers and Gnaoua music. Culinary interests meet oral storytelling traditions and music here. The square’s culture thus adds other cultural themes to the view of historic buildings.
History in the Layout and Architecture
The Ben Youssef Madrasa was built in the 16th century under the Saadian ruler Abd Allah Al Ghalib and laid out on a square plan covering 1,680 m². Its 130 student rooms are arranged over two floors around a courtyard, with the prayer hall adjoining the courtyard. The floor area and layout make the structure of this historic place of learning tangible: the rooms, courtyard and prayer hall form distinct parts of the complex. The Koutoubia Mosque is another architectural landmark: it is a double religious structure with a minaret.
The architectural history of the Musée du Patrimoine Immatériel Jamaâ el-Fna is also part of its cultural significance: the building was designed by Auguste Cadet and Edmond Brion. Another historical detail concerns the Banque d’État du Maroc: its first branch was established in 1922 in Jamaa El Fna Square.
Gardens and Collections
The protected natural surroundings of the medina include the Aguedal and Ménara gardens as well as the Palmeraie. The Palmeraie is attributed to the Almoravids—the same dynasty that founded Marrakech in the 11th century. This links the history of the city’s founding with another historical attribution in the medina’s natural surroundings.
The Jardin Majorelle features plants from all five continents and has a distinctive color story: in 1937, Jacques Majorelle created Bleu Majorelle, an intense, bright ultramarine blue, and used it to paint his garden. Majorelle opened the Jardin Majorelle to the public in 1947. Le Jardin Secret comprises two green spaces, including the Jardin Tropical, with plants from every continent. The color story and plant collection of the Jardin Majorelle thus sit alongside the two garden areas of Le Jardin Secret.
The museum collections also have different focuses. The Musée de l’Élégance Marocaine, housed in a medina riad, displays almost 200 miniatures and traditional costumes faithfully recreated by Habiba Hantout. The costumes and miniatures illustrate Andalusian, Berber, Saharan and modern influences. The Maison de la Photographie de Marrakech brings together several thousand original documents, including photographs, postcards and glass plates. You can therefore choose between costume and miniature displays on the one hand, and photographic documents on the other.
Discover more destinations: Medina, Gueliz, Imlil, Sidi Kaouki, Afrate Haïssoun, Aroumd, Oulad Snaguia, Centre Commune Sidi Abdellah
For the overview of the wider region: Marrakech.
