~ Top 10 Places To Visit In Ochre City - Marrakech, Morocco ~

[MysteRy]

Top 10 Places To Visit In Ochre City - Marrakech, Morocco

The greatest city in Morocco looks like a vibrant mixture of cultures, history and colours. But Marrakech is much more beautiful and captivating, than it looks like and you will need only a few moments to indulge yourself in something magical. It comes to a magical journey back in time and on a place, where the small narrow streets are complemented by the colourful facades of numerous old buildings, as well as eateries and balconies with flowers. The Arabian and north African charm can even be felt in the air, while the best time to visit Marrakech is all year round. The summer offers some really high air temperature extremities, but the sunshine is caressing, too. On the other hand, the coldest months are best to enjoy an extremely refreshing air temperature of about 10 degrees Celsius. The natural beauty of Marrakech is another amazing hint in this yet beautiful town, while the modern amenities provide all your comforts. However, Marrakech is most famous for its impressive historical legacy and even this city is also known as the Ochre City. If you wondering why - enjoy a trip to all or at least a few of the Top 10 places to visit in Ochre City - Marrakech, Morocco, and you shall find more.


1. Bab Agnaou   



Bab Agnaou is a great place for the beginning of your trip, because this is one of the nineteen gates of the city and it is perhaps the most famous one. Bab Agnaou is situated in a close proximity to the southern side of the downtown area and you will be impressed once you witness the huge reddish wall that surrounds the gate. As you get forward to the gate you will also be impressed by the beauty of this so ancient historical landmark. Bab Agnaou was founded in 12th century, while its huge arched shape is enhanced by numerous inscriptions and flower decorations. And when you pass through the gate you will enter into a truly fairytale world.

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2. El Badi Palace   



This is an Islamic city - one of the Marrakech' most famous medinas, where the ancient constructions scenically dot a whole hill. The vistas at sunset become even more fairytale, thanks to the golden sun`s rays which are magically absorbed by the facades of the ancient houses. Only a few hundred meters further you can come across the iconic silhouette of El Badi Palace, which is one of the largest historical landmarks in this city. Its green and water areas create a gorgeous permanent accent to the yet pale and ochre nuances of the facades, while an architectural style from the end of 16th century provides the finest essence of a historical sensation.

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3. Koutoubia Mosque   



Only a few streets distance from the palace, a huge tower stretches high over the skyline as a majestic beacon of history. This is the 77 meters tall minaret of the largest mosque in Marrakech - Koutoubia Mosque. It is situated right next to the largest market in Marrakech, while the most beautiful highlight of this mosque is its design from 12th century. With an abundance of sandstone decorations, arches, orbs, windows and other shapes - this mosque is definitely one of the most beautiful sights to witness in one of the most famous medina quarters of Marrakech.

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4. Ben Youssef Madrasa   



Ben Youssef Madrasa offers maybe the most flamboyant collection of visions and a unique atmosphere from the Arab world. The madrasa is named after one of the most famous sultans of Morocco from the beginning of 12th century, while presently - only a short walk tour within the interior of the building is enough to dive completely in this bygone era. The Arab decorations and shapes vary from inscriptions and carvings, to huge arches, vaults and columns. The colours are also abundant, such as rectangular pond, marble carvings and numerous cedar artworks. A huge open courtyard offers a free penetration of the sunlight, which magically enhances all these colours and shapes with unparalleled glows, especially after the sunrise and before the sunset.

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5. Majorelle Garden   



Marrakech is dotted by parks, recreation areas and small green corners, but Majorelle Garden should be high on your trip list, especially if you need to enjoy an inspiring leisure for couple of hours or even a for whole afternoon. Majorelle Garden is a unique botanical garden, because it exhibits a wide variety of cactus and other flora species, as well as Islamic Art Museum. That's why this place is a perfect choice to pamper your art taste with something extraordinary and beautiful, while in the meantime, the scenic green colours and peaceful walkways provide the finest settings for a relaxation. And this paradise is situated only a couple of kilometers north from the noisy center of Marrakech.

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6. Old Saadian Tombs



It's quite strange to visit tombs during a vacation, but when it comes to a historical vacation within the lands of Marrakech - it becomes a unique historical sensation, especially when it comes to the Old Saadian Tombs. These are the burial tombs of the dynasty that ruled from 16th to 17th century and during a short trip to the Old Saadian Tombs you will also be inspired by the vision of the ancient royal rulers. With numerous tall columns, cedar carvings and complex details - this place is much more beautiful and mystic, than it looks like.

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7. Djemaa el-Fna Market



Well, the greatest attraction in the Old City of Marrakech is a huge marketplace. Scenically situated within a huge square, Djemaa el-Fna Market offers everything at one place. The captivating historical charm can be seen everywhere and only with a blink of an eye. A unique dynamic atmosphere is created by a multitude of people, cars, motors, bicycles... The best thing is that you can find almost everything from souvenirs and old crafts, to modern textiles and local dishes. Djemaa el-Fna Market is also maybe the only place in Marrakech, where are gathered so many people that it often becomes quite difficult to walk. Then, stop for a while, take a look around and just enjoy the captivating atmosphere with its countless forms, sounds and motions.

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8. Marrakech Souks   



The Marrakech Souks are also places that you can't miss during your trip within the traditional markets in Ochre City. There, the bustling people and the noises are accompanied by such a wide variety of vehicles and animals that you may even lose any orientation about the place and time in which you are. The Marrakech Souks provide the finest historical and shopping experience that you can imagine, all in once. Even you can lose yourself within the people and the souks, but this is another fabulous attraction to enjoy, because this is an amazing way to explore the scents and colours of the spices' shops, for example.

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9. El Bahia Palace



The cozy cafeterias, restaurants and other traditional eateries are also permanent accent in the entire atmosphere of the Marrakech Souks, but only about a kilometer distance you can find the gorgeous facades of El Bahia Palace. This amazing architectural masterpiece from the end of 19th century features a unique combination of Islamic and Moroccan ornaments, as well as scenic gardens and other interesting sights to witness. The water areas make also no exception of the entire natural beauty within the courtyards, but during your visit try to keep in mind that yet El Bahia is a palace.

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10. Marrakech Museum
 


A museum is always one of the most appealing places to enjoy lots of history and culture amusements at once. Right in the center of the Old City of Marrakech you can come across a huge museum, which is actually a palace - Dar Menebhi Palace. The amazing historical and cultural experience begins even from the exterior, because the beautiful architecture of this palace originates from the end of 19th century. The historical and cultural journey continues within the exhibits, which include ancient coins, books and other artifacts, while even the carvings, the ceilings and the mosaics look like incredible displays of arts.


Of course, one of the best ways to explore the captivating historical charm of Marrakech is to explore all or at least a few of the greatest historical and cultural landmarks in this city. The Top 10 places to visit in Ochre City - Marrakech, Morocco are then the most irresistible spices in this recipe for a truly unforgettable experience. Visit all or at least a few of them and you will definitely see why Marrakech is also known as Ochre City. It's not only for the colours of the urban sights, neither only for the charm of the different cultures or the beautiful vistas of the nature. It's perhaps for everything at once and in one place. Seek and you shall find.