A trip to Marrakech

Sumptuous and haunting, Marrakech stands like a mirage at the foot of snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas. Surrounded by red and ocher walls, it is nicknamed the "Red City". Prestigious, Marrakech gave its name to the Kingdom of Morocco.

Founded in 1062 by Youssef Ibn Tachfin the Almoravid dynasty, the town now has 700,000 inhabitants. Third largest city by population Morocco, Marrakech remains the tourist capital of the country.

Famous the world over for its palm and its minaret, this town is a real live show where men and local folklore are cleverly staged in a medieval setting. An impresive cultural heritage of monuments and great museums. Magic!

History of Marrakech
Simple camp caravan for centuries, the birth of Marrakech held in 1062 under the leadership of Youssef Ibn Tachfine, first ruler of the Almoravid dynasty.

Became capital of the Kingdom, many mosques and madrassas (Koranic schools of theology) are built. Marrakech grows rapidly and becomes a cultural and religious center and a shopping center influential for the Maghreb and black Africa. The walls were built to protect the city.

This enclosure did not prevent the Almohad to seize the city in 1147. After the last Almoravids destroyed and razed almost all of the monuments, the supporters of a hardline Islamic erected, in turn, palaces and religious buildings. The famous Koutoubia Mosque, the symbol of Marrakech, was built at that time on the ruins of the palace Almoravid. The irrigation system of the city was perfected to power the palm trees and large gardens. The cultural influence of Marrakech attracted many artists and writers, especially from Andalusia.

In 1269, the clan of nomadic Merinid captured Marrakech at the expense of the last Almohad. The advent of Marinids sounds the decline Marrakech loses its status as capital for the benefit of its rival, Fez. The city falls into a certain lethargy.

In the early sixteenth century, a new dynasty needed to Morocco. The Saadian Sultan Mohammed El Mahdi, reinstall the capital of the kingdom in Marrakech. The city is reborn and quickly reached its peak. The fabulous wealth amassed by the sultans used to embellish Marrakech. Ruined monuments are restored and luxurious palaces were built.

Again, Marrakech will lose its status as capital. At the end of the seventeenth century, the current successor to the Alawite dynasty Saadi. Sultan Moulay Ismail, a contemporary of Louis XIV, dreams of a "Versailles" Moroccan. The throne is successively moved to Fez and Meknes, new imperial city.

In the early twentieth century, the city experienced several years of civil war. In 1912, the establishment of the French protectorate in Morocco ends this anarchy. In 1956, the return from exile of King Mohammed V will be celebrated in Marrakech and in the rest of the country.

Marrakech cinema

Many films that have benefited from the sublime scenery of Marrakech. Mamma Mia! with Pierce Brosnan in another register or The Mummy starring Brendan Fraser, were shot in the city of Marrakech.