Marrakech the Red City of Morocco
Marrakech is beautifully chaotic with a rich history dating back over 1,000 years to the days when mighty sultans ruled over the walled city. Today it is home to an incredibly pulsating energy that invites you to wander aimlessly in search of stunning architecture, a cup of sweet mint tea and maybe a spicy Tagine.
The best way to experience it is to get lost in the claustrophobic labyrinth of streets that comprises the medina – the old historic part of town with high stone walls.
Marrakech is one of the most exotic and enchanting places in the world. Although Marrakech is not the capital of Morocco, this vibrant city’s appeal never fails to entice tourists from around the world to come and visit. If you’re seeking the ultimate Moroccan experience and Marrakech is on your bucket list, keep reading to learn more about this amazing destination.
Why is Marrakech known as “The Red City”?
Marrakech preserves the remains of a bygone era by maintaining the aesthetic glory of a time that was never forgotten. This starts with the 10 miles of red wall that surround it. This structure is an invitation for millions of wanderers who visit the city to appreciate its beauty and uniqueness—not to mention that the city has been an axis of culture and trade for ages.
Marrakech’s mesmerizing red walls, palaces, and alleys offer tranquility and a restive hub for both locals and visitors. The city is held together by a prosperous and lively tradition that traces back a thousand years.
While the city’s biggest impression might be the enchanting red wall, it takes an exploring spirit and a curious mind to walk down to the city square. Other exhilarating sights will prevail in the courtyard as snake charmers, hawkers, and street musicians fill the streets, adding to Marrakech‘s quaint charm.
In the sunset, the colors deepen, and the shade intensifies and appears to cover the whole cityscape. Close by or from miles away, the city embraces a romantic color all its own, almost like a scene in Casablanca. Marrakech is the only city in the world that can combine both chaotic elements and ancient heritage into a timeless, romantic ambiance.
The antiquity of Marrakech
Marrakech has stood for almost 1000 years, and is of such significance to Morocco that the nation’s own name stems from the name of the city. In the 16th century, the Saadians founded the city and built it up to magnificence. It survived times of plague and great famine, as well as a military conflict. In essence, Marrakech is engulfed with history.
The junction of numerous exotic cultures starts here in the Red City. African, European, and Arabic influences are found in the streets, people, and heritage monuments.
The color of Marrakech doesn’t come from an ingrained philosophy, but simply from the unadorned architecture and materials of the Red Sea. Marrakech is a symbol of power and a fortress built during the Almovirades’ reign. The whimsical squares, gardens, statues, and towering obelisks are all designed using a method known as the Tabia – built from a combination of water and red mud from the Hazou plains.
Despite the modernization of today’s world, the people of Marrakech still uphold the same idiosyncrasies and attire as their ancestors.
The psychedelic range of tradition and culture in Marrakech has always succeeded in fascinating its visitors. The pink-hued walls, flourishing green date palms, and vibrant indigo sky lights up a stage for its people as they dance to the rhythm of life, clothed in the jazziness of their heritage. That’s the most accurate illustration of Marrakech.
Source: worldfootprints.com
