Marrakesh, Imperial city in central-southwestern Morocco
Marrakesh is a city in central-southwestern Morocco at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. The red walls surrounding the Medina create a stark contrast against the snow-capped peaks rising in the southern horizon.
Founded in 1062 by Abu Bakr ibn Umar, the settlement became a vital center for commerce between sub-Saharan Africa and the Maghreb regions. Over the centuries it served as the capital for several Moroccan dynasties.
The Jemaa el-Fna square transforms each evening into a gathering place with traditional music, storytellers, performers, and food vendors. Locals and travelers mix freely as the atmosphere grows livelier after sunset.
The Medina consists of a labyrinth of narrow lanes where getting lost is part of the experience. Most souks and workshops open in the morning and close by late afternoon, depending on the season and day of the week.
The Koutoubia Mosque's minaret at 253 feet (77 meters) served as a landmark for desert caravans approaching the settlement for centuries. Its proportions later became a model for other structures in Islamic architecture, including the Giralda in Seville.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
