Did you plan to discover the Red City? To help you prepare your trip to Morocco, discover our visit guide to the Marrakech Medina!
Historical Heart Marrakech Medina is the largest in the Maghreb! In this Old Arab City, almost millennium, tourists and modest marrakchis are there. Some of them stroll through the winding streets, along the orange gardens and fountains, the others work together, joining the souks of the Medina.
Listed in Unesco World Heritage , this old quarter obviously houses several magnificent monuments and vestiges like Koutoubia mosque , medersa Ben Youssef or Saadian tombs . There are also many museums. But above all, it is in the Medina that the famous souk of Marrakech and Jemaa el-Fna square, populous heart and "Miracle court" of the city is located.
During your stay in Marrakech, you can’t miss discovering this fantastic Old Moroccan city. But what must you visit absolutely? From its monuments to practical information, to its history and possible guided tours, we devour everything you need to know to visit the Marrakech Medina in the best conditions!
Also read: Visit the souks of Marrakech: walk in the heart of the country's most beautiful traditional markets
History of the Marrakech Medina
Old City and historical heart of Marrakech, the Medina was born at the same time as the city.
Founded by the Almoravids in 1070-1072, the red city was for a long time one of the major political, cultural and economic centers of the Muslim West. The city quickly became the capital of the Almoravide Emirate. This African empire stretched from the banks of the Senegal River to the centre of the Iberian Peninsula, passing through the Moroccan Atlantic coast to the east to Alger west. Under the leadership of the Almoravid leaders, mosques and palaces were built, with the help of Andalusian craftsmen from Seville or Cordoba . This Andalusian influence merged with the sahar and West African stylistic elements.
You can still admire this unique and original architecture in the Marrakech Medina. The city was also fortified by Ali Ben Youssef. The ramparts dating from 1122-1123 are still visible today!
In 1147 the Almohades seized the city. They destroy much of the Almoravid monuments. However, the new leaders build many religious palaces and buildings, such as the famous Koutoubia mosque or the Casbah. At the beginning of the 16th century, Marrakech became the capital of the Saadi Empire and revived with greatness. The city is embellished, restored ruined monuments and sumptuous palaces are built. The El Badi Palace dates from this period. From these different grandiose epochs date most of the monuments of the Medina: monumental doors, gardens, palaces, medersa Ben Youssef, Saadian tombs or Jamaâ El Fna square.
The latter, a true outdoor theatre, is still amazing today its visitors, travelers and locals!
What to see and do at the Marrakech Medina?
The most interesting monuments and the majority of museums in Marrakech are located in the Medina. Uncontournable, you'll probably spend most of your time there. The Medina is thus the most charming and tourist part of the city.
At first sight, the Medina will appear to you as an anarchical set of a disturbing disorder. After all, it is a real labyrinth of alleys, squares, souks and riads, among which stands palaces, mosques and Koranic schools. But it is this “bazar” that makes the charm of the Medina. As far as it is from Arabia or Persia, it evokes the tales of the thousand and one nights, Aladin or Sindbad.
The starting point: Jemaa el-Fna square
This great place is the heart of the Marrakech Medina. Open and airy, this traditional, popular and lively high place is a must! On the day, forans, camelots and street artists ensure the daily show. At night, they are relayed by the catering stands. It is the ideal starting point to visit the Marrakech Medina and discover all its wonders.
The West: Koutoubia Mosque
To the west of the square, you can start your visit to the Medina of Marrakech by the Koutoubia Mosque. Built in the 12th century, it reflects by its architecture and ascetic decor the art of the Almohades. It is renowned for its minaret, height of 77 m. It also houses one of the largest prayer rooms in the Muslim West, which can accommodate up to twenty thousand faithful!
North of the Medina
In the north of the square you can discover some of the major monuments of Marrakech: the Mouassine Mosque and its museum, the Photo House or the fantastic Secret Garden. Your visit will certainly be extended by the medersa Ben Youssef, as well as magnificent riads, fountains and hammams. It is also north of the Marrakech Medina that the souks district begins.
South of the Medina
After visiting the north of the Medina, do not miss out on the opposite of the beach Jemaa el-Fna in the south. You will discover Kasbah and Mellah, two former quarters near the Royal Palace. You can visit several must-see places, such as the magnificent Bahia Palace or the fascinating Bert Flint Museum of Crafts and Ethnology. We also recommend you to discover the ruins of El Badi Palace, very interesting vestiges. But above all, don't miss visiting the Saadian Tombs, a concealed royal necropolis dating from the 18th century. Richly decorated, these tombs are surrounded by green gardens!
In the south of the Medina, you can also visit the Mellah, the former Jewish quarter of Marrakech. You will discover the pleasant souk of the neighborhood. The atmosphere is also quieter and less touristy in the south of Medina. Take advantage of this moment of greed before returning to the meanders of the Old Town. Visiting the Marrakesh Medina is also getting lost in its souks and winding streets. Be careful in spite of all the false guides!
How to get to the Marrakech Medina?
The Marrakech Medina is located in the heart of the city. After your reserved plane trip with Ulysses , you land at the city airport. From here you can easily reach La Médina. After all, your accommodation will be probably located in this historic and charming neighbourhood. You can use the L11, L12 and L19 bus lines from the airport to reach Koutoubia or Jamaa El-Fna. The great place is the perfect starting point to visit the Marrakech Medina or to join your accommodation. You can also use L2, L3, L4, L5, L10, L14, L15, L16, L19, L66 at the Jamaa El-Fna and L11, L12 in Koutoubia.
If you plan on rent a car when you arrive in Marrakech , you should know that there are many paid parkings monitored around the Medina. For example, you can opt for the secure Koutoubia parking. It is just a step from Jemaa El-Fna Square. Your hotel can also have supervised parking. Don’t hesitate to ask them before your arrival. Note that it is best to prefer public transport or walking for your trips in and around the Marrakech Medina. A vehicle can be very useful to discover the surroundings of Marrakech and to make excursions outside the city.
Guided tours of the Marrakech Medina
To be missed during your visit to the Marrakech Medina, you can choose a guided tour. It is the perfect activity to discover the Old Town in its small details and to learn more about the history of the “Red City”.
These visits from 3 to 4 hours will lead you through the winding alleys of the Medina. Your local guide will explain everything you need to know about the palaces, gardens and monuments you will discover. Many types of visits exist. Some will let you discover the local souks, others of the monuments and vestiges dating from glorious times. In each case, you will learn more about the history of Marrakech, its sultans and inhabitants.
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