Hi! Welcome to WatchMojo.com. My name is Karen and today we’ll be profiling the Marrakech, also known as the Pearl of The South or The Red City or Pink City because of the color of its walls. So Marrakech is situated not too far from the Atlas Mountains and throughout history, it’s been ruled over by a series of different dynasties. Beginning by the Almoravids in the 11th century who founded it and made it their capital and in the 20th century, it was under the French protector and they started building new French Style city outside the old city’s wall. And in 1956, after Morocco become independent, they made Rabat their new capital. Now, we’re going to Morocco in Marrakech, you’ll definitely have a couple of spots that you will absolutely not want to miss. And number one, you’ll have the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque, the Souk and the Djemaa el Fna.
So beginning with the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque, that’s basically to Marrakech, where the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. It was built in the twelfth century by the Almohads and just so you know, if you’re not Muslim, you won’t be able to visit it. Not too far from that is Djemaa el Fna which is the huge square in the old Medina of which means, the old city. It’s also the focal point of the city. You will be able to see some jug wares, acrobats, snake charmers, you name it. There’s a bit of everything and this place was also where Alfred Hitchcock shot a couple of scenes from his 1956 film “The Man Who Knew Too Much”.
From Djemaa el Fna, you can enter the famous souks which are the markets. They’re pretty huge and it’s like a huge labyrinth, so good luck not getting lost. You’ll find a bit of everything over there and make sure that if you want to buy something, you’ve got to bargain because that’s the rule in Moroccan souks, it’s bargaining. Now, of course, you’re a tourist and they’ll take note of that right away, so the prices were higher cut but give it a shot anyway. If you speak out well, it’s a big, big plus for you.
Places you could visit, there’s the Ali ben Youssef Medersa which is very big theological college in Marrakech. It’s also the biggest in the Maghreb. Not too far from that, is also the Saadian Tombs which is the resting place of the Saadian Princess. There’s also the El Badi Palace which was also built by the Saadians and it was once said to be the most beautiful palace. There’s also the Panedo Bahia which was built at the end of the nineteenth century, and this was the house rulers of Marrakech. There’s also the museum of the Moroccan Art which houses one of the nicest collection through out the country. There’s a very big park called Les Jardins De La Menara which is a beautiful place if you want to just relax. Take it with me; go for a walk. It was laid out on the twelfth century. The pavilion that is well known with the big pond was actually established in the nineteenth century.
And of course, you’re going to Morocco, why not try the camel riding. You can do that at where they call Lapan Morehim, and you could also take a little ride on a horse carriage which is not too far from the Petuvia. That’s an also interesting way of exploring the city. In June you have the Festival of fulchre, which is basically a celebration of Berber culture and in September you have the International Film Festival of Marrakech.
Transcription by:
Scribe4you Transcription Services