Not many cities can at once be crazy, hectic, dirty and traditional as well as relaxing, charming, magical and cosmopolitan. In the ''medina'' you can haggle your heart out in the souks, wander into traditional riads or courtyard hotels to escape the heat and it is also where you''ll find the city''s thriving hub and UNESCO Heritage Site of street theatre, Jemaa el Fna.
Buildings throughout the medina may be crumbling but if you take a closer look you will see they are adorned with mosaics, intricate artwork and fantastic craftsmanship. The snow-covered peaks of the Atlas Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to this minareted city.
Colour is everywhere in Marrakech; from its flowers, olive and citrus trees growing in the Jardins de L''Agdal to the spices sold in the souks. Blue is a dominant colour for minarets and mosaics and the city itself is a pink-orange-red colour depending on the level of the sun.
You can spend whole days just wandering the maze-like streets, passing mosques, squares and shrines, but top on the list of things to see, do and experience should be the Sa''adian Tombs. There are over 100 tombs dating back to the 16th century and Sultan Ahmed el-Mansour, and all are beautifully decorated with mosaics and stone carvings.
There are even more exquisite examples of the astounding art work that was created hundreds of years ago obviously without the time-saving devices of today in the mausoleum.
More spectacular architecture is found at Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech''s tallest building that dates back to the 1200s. Non-Muslims cannot enter; however, the tower can be admired from the recently renovated gardens that are adjacent to the structure.
This city is a nocturnal one and is completely transformed as soon as the sun sets. Snake charmers, hawkers, food stalls and the city''s residents all seem to congregate around Jemaa el Fna place and vie for tourist attention. However, this tradition has been going on for centuries so travellers a few hundred years ago would have been treated to the same show in this historic trading city.
The rewarding, yet exhausting city of Marrakech requires relaxing accommodation, so finding the right hotel is vital. But usually this isn''t too much of a challenge. Understated riads are just what you need to cool off and clean off after a day in the medina. The owners of these traditional court-yard hotels can''t do enough for their guests and provide tranquil respite before it all starts again in the morning.
Lenita Carpinello is an expert in hotels and lodgings. This article was inspired by Octopustravel.com, a great solution whether you are going on a short trip and need to book Marrakech hotels or need Alicante Hotels.
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