Marrakech o Marrakesh, is a city in Morocco located in the center-south of the country, about 150 km from the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Always one of the most fascinating cities in North Africa, where they coexist tradition that sinks its uses and customs in ancient times and one western lifestyle which is found in many boutiques, restaurants and many neighborhoods. All in a discreet way, hidden in the riads protected by the high walls of the Medina. A great Berber metropolis, Marrakech has had the honor of being an imperial city and its great past is testified by the sumptuous buildings. The call of the muezzin marks the rhythms of the days that take place under the minaret of the Koutoubia, symbol of the city.
The official language is theArabic, but French, is commonly used. As for the timetable, Marrakesh is one hour behind compared to Italy and -2 hours when daylight saving time is in effect, while the currency is Dirham.
The best seasons to visit the city are spring and autumn, when temperatures average around 20-25 ° C. At other times of the year, it is possible to encounter freezing cold or scorching heat. Those planning a desert excursion will do better to avoid April, as it is the month in which sandstorms occur most frequently.
There are many places to visit starting with museums such as il Jardin majorelle, a villa dating back to 1924 in art deco style, is the seat of the Museum of Islamic Arts and the Musee de Marrakech - Fondation Omar Benjelloun, an area where temporary exhibitions on national cultural heritage and contemporary art are held. In addition to public or private thematic exhibitions.
Also worth a visit is the residence of El Glaoui, ex-pasha of Marrakech, with gardens and pavilions surrounded by greenery, which summarizes all the traditional motifs of Islamic art. To end this short list of what to visit, I cannot fail to mention the weekly market that takes place at Bab-Khemis the "Thursday Gate", where buyers of camels flock in large numbers, coming from the mountainous villages of the Atlas and from the desert areas.
Marrakech it is a true paradise for lovers of good food. Those traveling on a budget can fill their fill with the various types of meat and salads sold from the stalls located in Djemaa el-Fna, but the city also offers a large number of haute cuisine restaurants. Whether you want to have a meal in a romantic setting, try traditional dishes or savor the specialties of your home, you will have no problem finding what you are looking for. The restaurant Yacout (Sidi Ahmed Soussi 79, Medina) is a true classic of the city, in a period building that is a succession of finely decorated halls and courtyards. Also Le Tobsil (Derb Abdellah Ben Hessaien, R'mila Bab Ksour, Medina), serves traditional Moroccan cuisine, try the pastilla, prepared with pigeon or chicken, almonds, cinnamon, saffron and sugar (enclosed in several layers of pastry).
As for the nightlife, many cafes open late at night but, like most of the bars in Morocco, they are mostly frequented by men. The most popular clubs are generally annexed to the more exclusive hotels, and attract a wealthy and elegant clientele, so it is good to go there wearing appropriate clothing. Many hotels and travel agencies in the city can organize folkloric performances of songs or dances.
Marrakech it also means shopping, a real attraction of this city, in fact here you can find the best Moroccan craftsmanship. His suq it is the largest and most well-stocked in all of Morocco and like all the souks it is mainly divided into zones, such as that of dyers, wool, carpets, wood and straw, blacksmiths, leather workers, ), spices or perfumes (Souk el Attarin). Some bazaars, such as those in the rue Souk Smarineinstead, they have a little bit of everything and look like a big market.
