Marrakech landmarks: what do you know about a city that combines tradition and modernity?

Marrakech is one of the most famous and beautiful cities in Morocco and is called the Red City because of its red buildings that captivate millions to roam around every year. It is located in southwestern Morocco, at an altitude of 850 feet between the High Atlas Mountains.

It features a temperate, yet sunny environment with stunning desert, oases, forests, and valleys. But its true uniqueness lies in its cultural and historical heritage dating back more than a thousand years, as it bears witness to the transient influence of different civilizations and peoples such as Amazighs, Arabs, Andalusians, and others. Marrakech is a city with elements of interdependence between tradition and modernity.

In this article, we will learn about some of the most important and beautiful landmarks of Marrakech, which testify to its history, sciences and arts, which make it a distinctive and amazing tourist destination.

1. Bahia Palace

Bahia is a jewel of history that embodies the beauty of the Islamic and Andalusian style of Marrakech. This stunning palace is also part of the nineteenth century, allowing visitors to take a charming tour of ancient Arabic style and art.

This royal palace features sophisticated decorations in walls and ceilings which are unique Islamic motifs. The palace is the embodiment of Morocco's rich cultural heritage, where the artistic elements and structure depict everything that makes up this culture, including its uniqueness as well as what it offers. It has Andalusian corridors and halls decorated with rich arches covered with stained-glass windows.

In the courtyard of the palace visitors can see beautiful gardens and dancing fountains while standing, but without many shadows. The relaxed atmosphere delivers one to the beast of time.

2. Jemaa El Fna Square

Jamaâ El Fna Square is the beating heart of the city centre of Marrakech, one of its unique landmarks where the spirit of Moroccan life and culture is reflected. This public square and the popular market are a center for economic and artistic activities.

Once in the square, the visitor is immersed in an enthusiastic and lively atmosphere, where artists and craftsmen meet to present their outstanding artwork. Craftsmanship masterpieces blend with traditional decorative colours, creating a unique atmosphere that reflects the character of the city.

Vendors display a variety of traditional goods and handicrafts. Visitors in this square can enjoy a traditional shopping experience, negotiating prices, adding a unique cultural experience.

The beauty of Jamaâ El Fna Square is not limited to arts and crafts, but also includes animals and beggars who are part of the diversity of the place.

3. Ibn Youssef School

Among Marrakech's many and varied landmarks, the Ibn Youssef Madrasa stands out for its beauty, splendor and ancient history. Located in the heart of the old medina, near the famous Jemaa El Fna market, the madrasa is an indispensable destination for every visitor who wants to learn about Moroccan civilization and art.

The beginning of the construction of the madrasa dates back to the fourteenth century AD, during the era of the Marinid state, and was built by Sultan Abu al-Hassan al-Marini to be a center for religious and scientific education in Marrakesh. It was rebuilt and renovated in the seventeenth century, during the Saadian dynasty, by order of Sultan Abdullah al-Ghalib, who wanted to revive scientific and cultural activity in the city.

The school features a square design, which is surrounded by four corridors decorated with zellige, gypsum and wood. In the centre of the school, there is an open courtyard, which includes a water fountain and ablution basin, reflecting Islamic and Andalusian art in harmony of colors and shapes.

4. Marrakech Old Medina

The old city of Marrakech is a historical painting that dances to the tune of time, surrounded by walls and doors that carry ancient secrets and inexhaustible beauty. It is an oasis of heritage and culture in the heart of Morocco.

The Old City spans vast areas with diverse neighborhoods, where visitors can blend in with the spirit of the place and immerse themselves in community life. Standing as a historical garrison, the ancient walls tell the story of defense and protection in ancient times.

Ancient mosques harmonize with green gardens and historic tombs, creating a balance between spirituality and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the narrow lanes and unique alleys that reflect the daily life of the locals. Exploring the Old Town is both entertaining and educational, evoking historical places and cultural attractions with an incomparable appeal.

5. Koutoubia Mosque and Minaret:

The Koutoubia Mosque is the oldest mosque in Marrakech, above which rises a distinctive minaret in pink and green, reflecting Moroccan art.

Among Marrakech's magnificent and stunning landmarks, the minaret of Koutoubia shines with its light, charm and grandeur. Located in the center of the city, near Jamaâ El Fna Square, this famous Islamic landmark expresses the history, civilization and art of Morocco.

The construction of the mosque began in the twelfth century AD, during the era of the Almohad state, founded by Caliph Abdul Mumin bin Ali Al-Kumi, and it is one of the most wonderful mosques built by the Almohad kings in Morocco and Andalusia. The mosque spans an area of 5,300 square meters and consists of a rectangular prayer hall, which includes 17 porticoes oriented towards the qibla.

As for the minaret, it rises 77 meters above the mosque, and takes the form of a square, surmounted by a ribbed cone, crowned with a golden ball. The minaret was built in pink sandstone.

6. The magnificent palace

It is an abandoned palace located in the city of Marrakesh, and it is considered one of the most magnificent palaces in history. It was built by Sultan Al-Saadi Ahmed Al-Mansur Al-Dhahabi at the end of the sixteenth century AD, to be his residence and a manifestation of his pride and wealth.

The palace took 25 years to build, and it used valuable materials, crafts and arts, such as gold, ivory, rubies, glass, ceramics, stone, and wood. The palace consisted of several pavilions, halls, gardens and basins, opening to a large courtyard, which includes a giant pool of water, called the Pool of Happiness.

The palace is one of the most important landmarks of the city of Marrakech and includes a huge library, containing a collection of rare and precious books and manuscripts. The palace was full of life, activity, art and science, welcoming visitors, ambassadors, artists and scientists from different countries and cultures.

7. Saadian graves

It is a royal tomb that houses the tombs of the Saadian sultans and their family members, who ruled Morocco in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries AD.

Saadian graves are located in the Kasbah district, near the Koutoubia Mosque and the Bahia Palace, and are considered one of the most important touristic, historical and cultural landmarks of Marrakech. Saadian tombs are distinguished by their artistic beauty and engineering splendor, as they are decorated with sculpture, marble, gold, zellige and wood, and carry Quranic verses, hadiths and Arabic poems. The Saadian graves contain more than 150 graves, including 66 graves for sultans, princes and ministers, and 84 graves for women, children and servants.

The Saadian tombs are divided into several wings and halls, including the Twelve Columns Hall, which houses the tomb of Sultan Ahmed Al-Mansur Al-Dhahabi, the Three Tombs Hall, which houses the tomb of Sultan Abdullah Al-Ghalib, and the Women's Hall, which houses the tomb of Lalla Masouda, the wife of Sultan Muhammad Al-Sheikh.

8. Kasbah

It is an old neighborhood in the city of Marrakech, which is one of the most important touristic, historical and cultural landmarks of Marrakech. The Kasbah has been the center of power in Marrakech for centuries, and has seen the construction and development of many palaces, mosques, souks, and gardens.

The Kasbah is located in the southern part of the medina, surrounded by huge walls, bearing traces of different periods of time. The Kasbah can be accessed through several gates, the most famous of which is Bab Aknao, which is distinguished by its architectural form and Islamic decoration. The Kasbah district houses the Aghlabid Palace, a large royal palace, built by the Almohad Sultan Ya'qub al-Mansur in the twelfth century, and rebuilt by the Alaouite Sultan Muhammad III in the eighteenth century.

9. Almoravid dome

One of Marrakech's ancient and distinctive landmarks, the Almoravid Dome is a small building located next to the Ibn Youssef Mosque in the medina. The Almoravid dome dates back to the Almoravid period, the period in which the Almoravids ruled the Islamic Maghreb in the fifth and sixth centuries AH.

The Almoravid Dome is the oldest preserved building in Marrakech, built in 1064 AD, and represents one of the last landmarks of Almoravid culture in the city. The Almoravid dome was used as a bath and water tank for worshippers in the mosque, drew its water from an underground system, and poured water from bronze pipes.

The Almoravid dome is distinguished by its artistic beauty and geometric splendor, as it is decorated with Islamic inscriptions and decorations, and carries Quranic verses, hadiths and Arabic poems. The Almoravid dome reflects authentic Moroccan art and symbolizes the religious and cultural identity of the city. It is one of the most important tourist attractions in Marrakech.

At the end of this unique journey to the enchanting landmarks of Marrakech, we realize that this city has an incomparable spirit, combining ancient history with modern life in a magical way. The combination of authenticity and modernity is embodied in every nook and alley, where each landmark is unique in its unique beauty and exquisite details. Each teacher tells a distinct story.

Sightseeing Marrakech is not just about seeing historical monuments, but is an experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in Morocco's rich culture and enjoy its diversity. Marrakech leaves us with unforgettable memories, leaving visitors with admiration for its unique beauty and splendor.