The Jardin Majorelle is a wonderful garden created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and is open to the public. They first opened to the public in 1947 and feature a fabulous array of plants from various countries. The wonderful botanical garden, with its big cactus, palm-trees, and bamboos, is a true beauty and the colors go well with the deep blue shade chosen by Majorelle for his studio. The Islamic Art Museum is now part of the artist's former studio space.
Intricately designed courtyards and white marble corridors with unique designs characterize the breathtaking Bahia Palace. In the second part of the 19th Century, Grand Vizier Sidi Moussa and, after him, Grand Vizier Bou Ahmed, built this palace, which took decades to complete. It encompasses 150 rooms, where Bou Ahmed lived with his four wives and 24 mistresses. Under the French Protectorate, it became the residence for the French authorities. Comprising of private apartments and reception rooms around patios, the layout was planned so as to maintain the privacy of the palace's inhabitants. While there are some parts which are not open to the public, the visitors have a lot to marvel on its grounds. The colorful patterns on windows and the spectacular gardens are a sight to cherish. A striking example of royal Moorish and Islamic architecture, the Bahia Palace is one of the most opulent sites in Marrakech.
Featuring striking architectural specimens and rich history, Le Jardin Secret attracts with its intricate buildings and picturesque gardens. The palace complex has a stunning pavilion along with other beautiful spaces which aptly represent Islamic Art. Drop by to admire some incredible exhibitions or to simply stroll around the wonderful complex to absorb its history.
Although it is commonly translated as the "assembly of the dead" there is little in Marrakech livelier than Jemaâ el Fna. Located at the heart of the city's historic medina, the square was established by Berber Muslims in the 11th century, then renovated and expanded by Caliph Yacoub el Mansour during the following century. Jemaâ el Fna never ceases to thrive with the bustle of daily life. On any given day, you will find the square filled with locals, tourists, souk shoppers, costumed performers, and more. The historic site officially earned a UNESCO recognition in 2001 though it has long been an important stop on any tour of Marrakech.
A structure that has stood for over 800 years, the Koutoubia Mosque, with its 70 meter-high minaret, is one of the largest mosques in the city. It got its name from the Arabic word for "librarian", since around the time of its construction and completion in the early 12th century, the site used to be surrounded by manuscript sellers. The Giralda of Seville and the Hassan Tower of Rabat were constructed using the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque as a model. Entry into the mosque is limited to Muslims. However, the beautiful garden around the mosque can be visited by everyone.
A historic structure that was torn down during the 17th Century to aid the refurbishment of buildings in Meknes, the El Badi Palace, or rather its remnants, still tell of great splendor. It was the Saadian Sultan Ahmed El Mansour who ordered the palace built after the 1578 victory against the Portuguese in the Battle of the Three Kings. With 15 years invested in its magnificent construction, the palace shelters the remnants of stunning summer houses like Koubba El Khamsiniya. All that remains of the palace built with precious stones are remains of the ceremonial buildings. These now serve as venues for the annual Festival National des Arts Populaires, the country's biggest folklore and music festival.
The Ben Youssef Medersa was an Islamic theology school that was founded in the 14th Century by the Marinid Dynasty. It was completely rebuilt in 1565 by Saadian Sultan Abdallah El-Ghalib who beautified the institution with a patio, sculpted cedar woodwork and stuccos. Before it closed down in the year 1960, the Ben Youssef Medersa was one of the biggest madrasas in North Africa, with a capacity to instruct 900 students. Since 1980, it was opened for tourists to revisit its rich history as also to appreciate the beauty of its central patio paved with white marble. If you are a history buff, you would surely love this place.
Galerie 127 hosts several painting and other exhibitions. These include contemporary photographs of the historic past. The interiors are designed to enhance the effect of light on the paintings and photographs. It is a place that is bound to attract photographers and art lovers.
Dedicated to the life and works of iconic fashion designer, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum is a great place for those who are fashion buffs. Not only can visitors to the museum catch a glimpse of famous designs in their permanent exhibit space but the museum also plays host to temporary exhibitions, a research library and an auditorium for special events. Visitors to the museum can also relax at the terrace cafe or simply browse through the many books at the onsite library. If you are a fan of Yves Saint Laurent or simply into all things fashion, then a visit to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum will not let you down.
Desert d'Agafay or Agafay Desert as the name suggests is a desert located in the quaint city of Marrakech. The place is very close the the city markets offering vivid views of nature. The place is untouched by human civilization, featuring hundred of acres of barren sandy land and sand dunes. An oasis called 'Desert Pearl Marrakchi' is present at the heart of the desert. The place offer tours in a rented car or a helicopter.
The Jardin Majorelle is a wonderful garden created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and is open to the public. They first opened to the public in 1947 and feature a fabulous array of plants from various countries. The wonderful botanical garden, with its big cactus, palm-trees, and bamboos, is a true beauty and the colors go well with the deep blue shade chosen by Majorelle for his studio. The Islamic Art Museum is now part of the artist's former studio space.