Marrakech comes from the Amazigh phrase mur (n) akush, meaning “Land of God.”  In Morocco, Marrakech is the third largest city after Rabat and Casablanca.  The city is located near the bottom of the snowy Atlas Mountains.  It takes several hours from the Sahara Desert on foot.  The city is an appealing destination to visitors due to its favorable location in Morocco.

Marrakech consists of 2 major areas, the ancient Medina and a modern district known as Gueliz or Ville Nouvelle.  Gueliz features contemporary restaurants, established shops and fast food outlets.  On the contrary, the Medina is filled with narrow passages and local small shops of cultural aroma.

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The photo shown is Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech, Morocco.  Pigeons fly across the city in daytime.  Marrakech is well known for its long heritage and natural beauty.

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Koutoubia Mosque minaret in Marrakech, Morocco.  The tall trees are the distinctive icons of the area.

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MARRAKECH, MOROCCO – april 5 2013; Weekmarket in the city of Marrakech on april 5 2013 ,Morocco. Morocco produces a large range of Mediterranean fruits and vegetables and even some tropical ones (Chantal de Bruijne / Shutterstock)

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JEMMA DAR FNA, THE MAIN BAZAAR, MARRAKECH, MOROCCO, MAY 11, 2014. A berber having fun with his guenon in Jemma Dar Fna, Marrakech, Morocco, on May 11th, 2014. (The Visual Explorer / Shutterstock)

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MOROCCO – DEC 12: The famous night market in Marrakech in Morrocco on Dec,9,2012. This market attracted locals and torists by goods,foods, and the street shows (charnsitr / Shutterstock)

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Marrakech, Morocco – 30 October 2015: A typical Friday atmosphere at the aisles Souk in Marrakesh Medina.  (KajzrPhotography.com / Shutterstock)

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MARRAKECH, MOROCCO – OCTOBER 21, 2015: a hard working man in a tannery in Marrakech in Morocco. (Cornfield / Shutterstock)

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MARRAKESH ,MOROCCO – NOVEMBER 8: Unidentified man selling dry fruits at night at Djemaa el Fna square in Marrakesh on November 8, 2015 in Morocco. Marrakech it is the most important city in Morocco. (danm12 / Shutterstock)

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MARRAKESH ,MOROCCO – NOVEMBER 12: Unidentified man making traditional bread in Marrakesh on November 12, 2015 in Morocco.  Marrakech it is the most important city in Morocco. (danm12 / Shutterstock)

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Colorful ceramics for sale in Marrakech, Morocco.

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Shop selling paintings, Marrakech, Morocco.

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Men’s haircut at the barber shop, Marrakech, Morocco. 26-02-2015 (Italianvideophotoagency / Shutterstock)

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Small street in Marrakech’s medina (old town). In Marrakech the houses are traditionally pink. Morocco. (Copyright: Ragne Kabanova)

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Marrakech, Morocco – 30 October 2015: Horse carriage for tourists on Jemaa el Fna square in Marrakesh.  (KajzrPhotography.com / Shutterstock)

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AIT BENHADDOU, MOROCCO – OCTOBER 12, 2015: Ait Benhaddou, fortified city, kasbah or ksar, along the former caravan route between Sahara and Marrakesh in Morocco (Mikadun / Shutterstock)

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A sleeping cat in the Bahia palace in Marrakech. (Copyright: Giampaolo Cianella)

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BAHIA PALACE, MARRAKECH, MOROCCO, MAY 11, 2014. A decorated hall with lots of people in Bahia Palace, in Marrakech, Morocco, on May 11th, 2014. (The Visual Explorer / Shutterstock)

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Many cats can be found on the streets of Marrakech, Morocco.  With the wide range of food shops in the market, it’s inevitable to attract these local inhabitants.

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Two Muslim women are talking in the street (25-02-2015).  The traditional clothes are still prevalent among people in the city.

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MARRAKESH – AUGUST 07: Unidentified musicians in Jemaa el Fna Square at sunset, August 07, 2015 in a Marrakesh, Morocco. The square is part of the UNESCO World Heritage (astudio / Shutterstock)

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MOROCCO-DEC 24, 2012: Modern hotels in an upscale Marrakech business and residential district. Tourism is a leading industry in Morocco, and Marrakech is one of the the country’s most visited cities. (cdrin / Shutterstock)

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Marrakesh, Morocco – March 2006: Modern architecture with traditional insertions of the Majorelle villa.  (Gimas / Shutterstock)

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Marrakech, MOROCCO – February 10, 2012 – Impressive Musee de Marrakech courtyard located in Mnebhi Palace.  (Andrea Obzerova / Shutterstock)

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MARRAKECH, MOROCCO – OCTOBER 27, 2015: Traditional riad interior in Fes El Bali medina, Morocco, Africa. (Mikadun / Shutterstock)

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Mountain bike standing near a red wall in the Muslim city of Marrakech in the street with beautiful arches and walls, ornamented tiles.

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Ait-ben-Haddou is a fortified city, or ksar, along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech in present-day Morocco. Ait Benhaddou has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.  (Copyright: Michel Piccaya)

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Marrakech, Morocco – Circa September 2015 – sunrise over marrakechs central place djemaa el fna.  (Shanti Hesse / Shutterstock)

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Night market in Jemaa el-Fnaa, Medina of Marrakesh, Morocco, North Africa.

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MARRAKESH ,MOROCCO – OCTOBER 8: Unidentified people selling food at night at the Djemaa el Fna square in Marrakesh on October 8, 2013 in Morocco. Every night the square turns into open air restaurant. (danm12 / Shutterstock)

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Jemaa el fna sqare. Marrakesh, Marocco.  The area is still busy at night.

Useful Reference

8 Reasons To Fall In Love With Marrakech Travel
By Rcon Franchesca Pascua

Just beneath the high mountain range of the African Atlas is the red city of Morocco known as Marrakech. With a culture that has grown to be so vibrant, free, and pure, who would have known that this imperial city only started as another pit stop for medieval caravans? However, regardless of its humble beginnings, you’ll still be bound by its magic spell with the warmth of its people, inspiring history, and colorful tradition. Standing in the middle of the red city walls, you’ll know for sure that you’re in for a timeless escape with Marrakech travel. But to make the most out of your journey to this spellbinding exotic destination, here are the top eight things you shouldn’t dare miss on your Marrakech travel:

1. Relive the memories of the old city.

The 13th century walls that surround the medina is reminiscent of ancient struggles and battles that took place in Morocco. A tour around the age-old fortresses, gates, and tanneries in your Marrakech travel is a good photo opportunity for tourists. Not only that, you’ll also enjoy the inviting spirit of the modern city amidst the well-preserved relics, natural wonders, and architectural pieces of the past. With friendly people and bustling activities around the corner, you’ll enjoy every minute of this experience.

2. Get lost with the crowd at Djemaa el Fna.

This large square that lies at heart of the old city is teeming with too many spectacles and surprises. From bargain shopping to snake charming, you’ll never have a dull moment in your Marrakech travel. Open your eyes to a lot of things, which include juggling acts, musical performances, as well as belly dancing. You don’t even have to worry about losing your way back to your hotel. As overwhelmingly large as it can be, the square offers a winding escape to interesting sites around the city.

3. Take a spiritual retreat.

They say that paying a visit to popular trails of mosques, churches, and other places of worship is a wonderful Marrakech travel experience that can be life-altering. However, for those who only wish to satisfy their curiosities, time is well-spent in admiring some of the most exquisite architectural designs in the world. You’ll be stunned how Marrakech was able to preserve the intricate details and premedieval style of these structures but much more, how it preserved its solemnity. The famous pilgrimage for the “seven saints” is also found in this city, while the Saadian tombs is highly recommended by most tourist guides.

4. Shop and explore its very best.

Popular market stands also known as “souks” offer the best treat for bargain shopping. The bazaar is usually filled with exotic finds such as metal works, wood pieces, baskets, and leather sets– some of which, you’ll only find in Morocco. You’ll also be advised not to end your Marrakech travel without a belt, jewelry, carpet, or any form of clothing that are found in the souk.

5. Take a journey to the past.

Marrakech is one of the best places to find age-old ceramics, paintings, mosaic, jewelries, and fabrics. Its museums house prestigious artifacts that date back to more than a thousand years. Manuscripts, contemporary arts, and traditional clothing are among the well-preserved collection. You may also take note in your Marrakech travel experience that museums here are not just brick-and-mortar structures but are also adorned with verdant gardens.

6. Stay in luxurious Riads in Marrakech.

Your Marrakech travel experience will not be complete without staying in the city’s famous Riads. These are residential facilities that top any 5-star hotel in modern cities. With luxurious rooms, overlooking views of the fountain, roof top terraces, and exquisite decorations, Riads are one of the best reasons to stay in Marrakech.

7. Experience the colorful tradition of Morocco.

Embrace the Moroccan culture through entertainment activities and festivals in Marrakech. The Popular Arts Festival is a good way to add more life to your Marrakech travel adventures. Have a great time with fortune-tellers, fire swallowers, and acting troupes in the culmination of this festivity. Apart from carnival spectacles, you’ll also witness the horse-riding parade known as Fantasia.

8. Treat yourself to fun-filled activities.

Popular streams of casinos, discos, and bars are found in the city. But remember, alcoholic drinks are not allowed. Chances are, you’ll have to stay sober all night. Apart from enjoying Western hits and Moroccan pop music, your Marrakech travel adventure can never be complete without experiencing a taste of its gourmet paradise. Most cafes and restaurants in Marrakech offer a fusion of flavors from home grown recipes to international dishes.

Rcon Franchesca Pascua is an in-house writer for the online media company Intelligraph Corporation. She enjoys traveling to exotic destinations and writing about her Morocco travel [http://www.en.maroc-emotions.com/blog/] adventures. For more information on Marrakech travel, visit http://www.morocco-emotions.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Rcon_Franchesca_Pascua/84247
http://EzineArticles.com/?8-Reasons-To-Fall-In-Love-With-Marrakech-Travel&id=626251

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