The Medina of Marrakech

The medinas or old city-centres in Morocco form without any doubt the most remarkable and richest urban architectural inheritance of north-west Africa.

Unfortunately, the efforts of conservation and the politics of restoration are difficult to realize and even nowadays, some medinas risk a slow, inevitable destruction. Many palaces are falling into ruins and numerous houses are abandoned or rented out by their owners who prefer to live in the outer areas.

This inestimable Moroccan and even world architectural Heritage is in danger, even though the medinas of Marrakech and F?s (later joined by the medinas of Mekn?s, Tetouan and Essaouira) were declared by UNESCO as being part of the world cultural heritage in 1985.

With its 600 hectares, the medina in Marrakech is by far the largest in Morocco and North Africa. It was founded in the 11th century and was originally a campsite and marketplace. Later it was developed and surrounded by walls.
Architecturally, the medina of Marrakech is unique as it was entirely built on open ground, which gave the inhabitants the possibility of constructing exceptionally big houses in the purest Islamic style. These houses are built around a closed inside garden (riad) divided into four sectors representing the image of paradise on earth.

Until the beginning of the 20th century, the wall surrounded several gardens and orchards. New districts that still show the original square traces gradually replaced these gardens. The oldest parts of the medina are north of the Place Jem?a El Fna and surround the souks.

It is in the labyrinth of the medina that the heart of Marrakech really beats : in its tortuous streets and alleyways, old foundouks (caravansary) that surround the souks, in its patios with fountains and orange trees, and in the heart of the quiet riads offering a refreshing contrast with the surrounding chaos of the souks.

In Marrakech, one must dare to get lost.