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Marrakech History

Founded in 1062, Marrakech served as the capital of Morocco under the Almoravid and Almohad dynasties. At its height, the Berber empire Almohad Caliphate controlled much of northern Africa and southern Spain, which in turn gave rise to a unique blend of cultures and distinctive Moorish architecture with interweaving arches, central courtyards, and attractive tile work among the main elements.

In subsequent centuries, Marrakech continued to grow under different leaders who also added various grand buildings to mark their reigns. Some examples include the 16th-century Saadian Tombs, the 18th-century Dar el Bacha Palace, and the 19th-century Bahia Palace.

In the early 20th century, Marrakech was captured by the French colonial army which installed their key ally T'hami El Glaoui as the Pasha of Marrakech, a post he held for 44 years until 1956. On 2 March 1956, Morocco gained its independence from France and Sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Yusef was restored as Mohammed V.

Marrakech has long fascinated European tourists. Winston Churchill frequented Marrakech in the 1930s and 40s, calling it "the Paris of the Sahara". In the 50s and 60s, the city became an escapism hub for hippies, surrealists, and pop culture giants such as Alfred Hitchcock, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Yves Saint Laurent – the latter restored and turned Jardin Majorelle into a living work of art and one of the must-see sights in Marrakech today.

Did you know?
• It is illegal to cut the palm trees dotted across the landscape.
• The souks in Marrakech are vast and varied, with an estimated 30,000 craftsmen working in the area between Jemaa el Fna and Medersa Ben Youssef.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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La Mamounia

Set within lush gardens (once the royal grounds of the Saadians) and with fine views of the Atlas Mountains, this art deco luxury hotel has been the place to stay in Marrakech since it opened in the 1920s. Winston Churchill was a frequent visitor and has a bar named in his honour. Expect beautiful rooms, succulent on-site dining and world-class spa facilities.

Du Pacha

Expect friendly staff, a warm welcome, simple breakfasts and clean rooms at this good value hotel located close to the city's main train station. Rooms offer TV and free Wi-Fi, while on-site amenities include a concierge, a safe-deposit box and a 24-hour reception. Guests can also sit and relax in the hotel's tranquil grounds.

Riad Dar Aby

Situated just outside the Medina, Riad Dar Aby houses a number of en-suite rooms circled around a bright, tiled courtyard. The daily breakfast of Moroccan pancakes with lashings of jam provides a homely touch, while free Wi-Fi access, optional specialised tours and friendly staff complete the package.

Riad Cherihane

Notable for its vibrant rooftop garden where tortoises laze in sun, the well-priced Riad Chrihane is situated near the northern edge of the Medina, roughly a 15-minute walk from Jemaa el Fna. Though it can be tough to track down, due to its location down a quiet side alley, complimentary Moroccan tea and biscuits greet wearisome guests.

Riad L'Etoile D'Orient

Restored in 2010, this tastefully appointed riad mixes the modern with the traditional, meaning guests can upload snaps of the refined Moroccan decor using the speedy free Wi-Fi service. Just minutes from Jemaa el Fna, rooms here include flatscreen TVs and gorgeous bathrooms. There's also a rooftop terrace to enjoy.

Riad Al Massarah

This riad is the definition of Marrakech cool, with its blend of traditional lofty architecture, handsome custom-made furnishings and ultramodern bathroom fittings by Philippe Starck. Proprietors Michael and Michel are blazing the trail for responsible tourism with clever use of natural light and solar energy, contributions to local charities, and standard-setting wages for staff.