A heritage in danger

Cultural Heritage in danger
The medina of Marrakech has been placed by UNESCO on the World Cultural Heritage List. Despite international assistance and good will of local authorities, it?s not easy to stop the process of slow destruction of the old quarters, prevent uncontrolled construction on the roof tops and dismantling of houses and old palaces from which it is possible to find doors and ceiling elements on sale in the local bazaars.

Private individuals have undertaken the restoration of some historical houses. Thus, several large riads have become luxurious secondary homes, these interventions can?t avoid the temptation of an eclectic orientalism.

? Place Jem?a el Fna ?
This is the nerve centre of Marrakech where Moroccan tourists, as well as foreigners, are attracted to. It brings together snake charmers, scribes, storytellers, water salesmen, "nkkacha" and "chouaffas" (women who tattoo with henna and others who tell the future with cards). At sunset, the ?Place? turns into a swirl of scents, savours and rhythms. A multitude of stands sell roasted meat, skewers, tajines... accompanied by the rhythms of musicians and dancers: a real festival of senses.
The ?souks?
A part of History among monuments? it?s true, you pass through History several times a day going from one building to another. Which one ? The?souks? of course ! Because it is a monument or moreover a collective monument made of narrow streets, alleyways, houses and shops. A monument of life with its merchants and the crowd looking for bargains or simply for a stroll. A monument that is almost as old as Marrakech, linking the 12th century to the beginning of the 21st century. A real labyrinth where it is a pleasure to browse among hundreds of shops that offer the know-how of Moroccan arts and crafts industry : exclusive woodwork, potteries, copper and metals, coloured carpets, fabrics, silver jewels, leather, spices, perfumes...
Alleys in the medina
The contrast is striking between the hustle and bustle in the souks and the peaceful residential quarters (derbs) of the medina. Days pass quietly, punctuated by the muezzins? five calls to prayer from the top of the minaret high above the quarter. Here, there are only long blind walls with heavy doors, behind which you will find the shaded calm of the traditional patio-garden houses called ?riads? also written :? riyads? or ?ryads?.
The Monuments of the medina
Apart from the pleasure offered by the medina, there are several monuments and gardens to be discovered. The splendour of Marrakech, the influential imperial city ruled by different dynasties from the 11th century until the beginning of the 20th century, is reflected in the richness of its architecture and decoration. The tombs of the Saadien princes built in the delicate style of Granada or the Koutoubia minaret, known to be one of the most perfect Islamic monuments of North Africa, the Medersa Ben Youssef, the Bahia Palace, the El Baddi Palace...

Gardens of Marrakech
The Majorelle gardens, acquired by the painter, Jacques Majorelle, in 1922, are an oasis near the centre of town. This magnificent garden with very rare and different trees is a tropical dream not to be missed. You can also stroll around the orchards and the plantations of olive-trees in the Agdal gardens or the Menara gardens where large ponds refresh the atmosphere.

Around Marrakech
You can make various one-day tours to the Atlas mountains or the High Atlas valleys or towards the Atlantic coast, the Ourika valley with its river and falls and the Setti Fatma falls, Moulay Brahim, the plateau of Kik, Asni, Ouigane, Adassil, Imlil, etc. The landscapes are imposing, the kasbah architecture is breathtaking. The Berber markets will bring people together from the most remote villages who come on mules to sell their products and do their shopping.