Marrakech Travel Guide

Menara Gardens: Located at the west of Marrakech, Morocco at the gates of the Atlas mountains. They were built in the 12th century (c. 1130) by the Almohad ruler Abd al-Mu’min.

The name menara term derives from the pavillon with it small green, piramid roof (menzeh). The pavilion was built by the 16th century Saadi dynasty and renovated in 1869 by sultan Abderrahmane of Morocco who used to stay here in summertime.

The Menara gardens offers not only a pleasant escape from roaming Marrakech, it also has one of the most photographed settings of Morocco. So what is this place actually? It is designed as a summer escape- remember that Marrakech is like an oven through mid-summer- with both orchards and olive groves.

Koutoubia Mosque Minaret: Named after the souk el koutoubiyyin, the bazaar of the book-traders, which is nearby. The hall-type mosque has 17 aisles and 112 columns and is among the largest of its kind – 25,000 of the faithful can say their prayers within it. At the end of the prayer hall is an ornately carved minbar (pulpit), which is supposed to be a remnant of the Almoravid mosque destroyed by the Almohad builders of the present edifice. The square minaret, which wasn’t completed until the reign of Yacoub el Mansour (1184-1199), was the direct model for the Giralda in Sevilla and the Hassan Tower in Rabat. It is considered the ultimate structure of its kind.

Djemaa el-Fna “Square of the Dead” or the “Square of Hell”: The famous town square of Marrakech owes little of its fame to its own beauty, but to the continuous day and night life. During most of the days, perfomers of every kind put on shows, continuing until the food stalls start to move in. From the Jemaa there are several entries to the fantastic souqs (Zocos), and for anyone who needs to relax, there are plenty of cafés around the Jemaa, where the main attraction is watching the ongoing activities.
Jemaa el-Fna owes most of its fame to the large number of shows going on all the time. Snake charmers, singers, story tellers, healers and fakirs attract a dominantly Moroccan audience.
The food stalls take over the Jemaa as soon as the orange juice sellers have packed up and gone home (do not drink it). The food is prepared fresh on the spot, and you can choose between fish, meat or vegetable dishes. The concept is easy, you point at everything you desire, indicate the quantity and within few minutes it is there in front of you. The food is exquisite, tasteful and much appreciated by Moroccans and brave tourists.

Douar Graoua
Kennaria N° 18 Derb
Lalla Chacha, 40000
Marrakech Medina

Tel : (+212)(0)24375085
mobile : (+212)(0)61439221
Fax : (+212)(0)24384699
email : black_zitoun@yahoo.fr
http://www.dar-najat.com/

Dar Najat is Located in the centre in the heart of the Medina of Marrakech within five minutes walk to the famous place Jemaa el Fna.

A perfect success hospitality, user-friendliness and intimacy are the reflection of this riad completely rehabilitated with refinement & romanticism. Around the terrace, you will spend long moments surrounded by a floor of pinks and attentions of every moment without forgetting an Eastern gastronomy full with colors and dietetic benefits concoctée by SAKINA, our very dynamic cooker!

The panoramic sight of all the médina will fill with wonder you by one to lay down sun, festival of colors and the living room “the stars” perched on the terrace will be certainly the privileged place of in love with its roof in ice and the stars within reach without forgetting an appreciated collection of discs of the music lovers of any horizon….

The heating jacuzzi will erase the steps and other efforts of the day for the courageous ones! This house is a place of meetings, poetry and in addition, with the statements of all, the team is rather funny! ….

Audio-visual equipment of quality as well as a work-center with portables and connection WIFI in the entirety of the riad will be more undeniable in an environment alleviated and cordial or each part is a voyage for the pleasure of the eyes…

Like in any other muslim country, to show a bit of respect to the locals in your dress code is always a good idea. However, Morocco is quite a modern country in that sense and you will see a lot of different attires worn even by local women, please don’t assume that you won’t offend because others dress in a western style

The normal dress code on the street in Morocco is to cover legs, chest and arms for both men and women and although this is much more relaxed than it used to be. It is fine to wear shorts/swimwear in certain places and staff will advise you of the protocol at each place, specially if you planning to travel outside Marrakech.

I have seen some tourists wearing next to nothing, showing complete disregard for local customs. However, Moroccans are very civilised and relaxed. They will not bother you but they may stare. If you like to be stared you can wear what you like, but if you like more anonymity just wear what you would normally wear, taking with you a light pashmima to cover your shoulders/arms & even your head when you feel it would be appropriate.

Advice sent by Jim Parker