Morocco
Marrakech
Welcome to Morocco! Marrakech is a dazzling city at the edge of the Sahara Desert, known for its rosy-pink walls, towering mosque minaret, and maze-like markets bursting with color.
Why is it famous?
Marrakech is called the 'Red City' because so many of its buildings and walls are built from warm, reddish-pink clay and stone.
Its old town, the medina, is packed with narrow winding lanes, bustling squares, and hidden gardens that have delighted visitors for nearly a thousand years.
How was it built?
Marrakech was founded in 1070 by Berber rulers who chose the spot because of the fresh water flowing down from the nearby Atlas Mountains.
Builders raised tall mudbrick walls around the whole city for protection, and later rulers added grand palaces, mosques, and peaceful gardens filled with palm trees.
Amazing facts
The Koutoubia Mosque's minaret tower is nearly 800 years old and can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.
Marrakech's old city walls stretch for about 12 miles (19 km) and still circle the historic medina today.
Quick facts
- The Koutoubia Mosque's minaret tower is nearly 800 years old and can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.
- Marrakech's old city walls stretch for about 12 miles (19 km) and still circle the historic medina today.
- The Jardin Majorelle garden is famous for its brilliant cobalt-blue buildings surrounded by cactus and bamboo.
- Snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains can often be seen glowing pink in the distance at sunset.