Jemaa el-Fnaa, Traditional square and marketplace in Marrakesh, Morocco
Jemaa el-Fnaa is a sprawling plaza in the heart of Marrakesh where vendors, food carts, and street performers crowd together. The medina spreads around this open area, which during daytime is mainly animated by orange juice sellers and snake charmers and after sunset becomes a dense maze of smoking food stalls.
The plaza emerged under Almoravid rule in the 11th century as an open trading area in front of the palace walls. Over the centuries, the site was used for public announcements and executions before it evolved into the marketplace it is today.
The name comes from Arabic and means something like assembly of the dead or gathering at the end, which refers to a former use as an execution site. Storytellers still recite old tales today in circular groups, while musicians play traditional instruments and snake charmers demonstrate their craft.
The plaza is accessible around the clock and reaches its peak after dark when the food stalls open and the crowd grows. Visitors should watch their bags and can orient themselves by the elevated cafés around the square, which offer an overview of the activity.
UNESCO included the plaza on its list of intangible heritage because the oral traditions and performing arts continue to be practiced here. At the edge of the plaza stand several multi-story buildings with rooftop terraces from which you can survey the entire scene without standing in the crowd yourself.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
