Marrakesh is the pearl of the south, whose name was used for the extreme maghreb (Al Maghrib Al Aqsa). It is both an extraordinary cross-fertilization for a remote desert enclave, and a jewel at the feet of the heighest Atlas.
Marrakesh city was lucky enough to serve as the capital for a succession of civilisations and dynasties whose contributions to the city can still be seen in sumptuous palaces, mosques, gardens and medersas. It was founded in 1070 by the Almoravid Youssef Ben Tachfin.

Actually, Marrakesh is the moroccan touristic capital. It is a city full of charm and a big commercial center at the crossroads of the Sahara and the high Atlas.
‘’RED’’ is the prevailing colour in Marrakesh; from the medina to ramparts, all the buildings are dyed with a distinctively red colour reflected by the bright light of the sun set.

Marrakesh, the city of myths, is the most well known of all moroccan touristic sites. The first place to visit is ‘’Jamaâ El fna’’, which is one of the most famous oral squares in the world, its legendary musicians, snake charmers and merchants. Or, it will be more exciting to go exploring the labyrinths of the old medina to discover then the tannery of the ‘’souk’’. The ruins of El Badii palace are still here as evidence of the glorious history of the city, and with a bit of luck one can live in Marrakesh the fascinating moments of the national festival of popular arts.
Another marvel to be found in the Red city is the Dar Si Said museum, exposing much quintessential moroccan art: beginning with berber jewellery to embroided leathers without forgeting to visit the authentic pottery.
In Marrakesh, you are warmly hosted by moroccans who are distinguished with a unique legendary hospitality.

FAMOUS PLACES NOT TO BE MISSED
The menara	This attractive pavilion of the 19th century is one of the most famous sites of the city and is the symbol of Marrakesh. It is characterised by numerous green tiles, which are reflected in its vast basin and, in the background, by the often snow-covered Atlas Mountains.
The koutoubia mosque	It represents the best known landmark of Marrakesh. Its minaret, which is 77 metres high, has projected its protective shadow over the whole city for more than eight centuries. This edifice owes its name to the ‘’koutoubin’’ booksellers who displayed their books for the convenience of the students of koranic sciences studying there.
The Bahia palace	Very close to the royal palaces of the city, this enormous residence was built in the 19th century on the sultan’s high vizir’s orders. The construction of this site lasted so long it was only completed after his death by his son. Under the protectorate, the first French president, General Lyautey, used this fabulous palace as his residence
The Badii palace	Only the structures remain of this edifice, nothing remains of the legendary palace Ahmed EL MANSOUR, all the onyx, marble and stucco were removed in 1696 on Moulay Ismail’s orders to decorate his royal palaces in Meknes.
The Bab Ahmar	Which means ‘’the red gateway’’ was built by the Alaouites in the 18th century. It was reserved for the exclusive use of the sultan who went through it to the nearby palace. Its present location is close to the royal palace and the Agdal Gardens.
The Saadian tombs	At the end of the 16th century, the Saadian cemetry housed a number of mausoleums one of which was built for Sultan Ahmed EL MANSOUR’s tomb. The burial place is exhibited in the room with twelve columns and also contains many Alaouite tombs.
The Ben Youssef mosque	of Almoravid origins, this building was restored in the 16th century, then again at the beginning of the 19th century. Its stone minaret, mighty in both senses of the word, towers over the roofs of green glazed tiles by more than 40metres.
Bab Agnaou	Built by the Almohad Sultan Abdelmoumen in 1150, this gateway once marked the solemn entrance to the royal palace. If the ancient chronics are to be believed, the heads of thoses tortured to death were also displayed there. Its motifs, made up of arabesques framed with writing, bear the stamp of the Almohad dynasty.
Dar El Glaoui	this magnificant residence is surrounded by very high ramparts. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century by the pash of Marrakesh. Part of it is used today as a library, while another one has been restored and is now used for receptions of heads of states.