Sights Marrakech, Morocco

Beautiful city Marrakech translated from Berber into French "Marche Vite", which means "Come quickly, inhospitable place." In the reign of Sultan Yusuf was laid a network of underground channels for the water supply, which is preserved to this day. Sultan's extensive empire stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to Algeria from Spain to the Sahara desert. The capital of the empire for 40 years was the city of Marrakech. Architectural monuments of 11-12 centuries. (Dome Pavilion KUBBA al-Baruddiyn, Koutoubia mosque, the gate of Bab Agvenau), 14-16 cc., palaces 19-20 centuries. In the late 16 th century Sultan Ahmed El Mansour (known as Gold for wealth and luxury), built in many madrasas, palaces, mosques and fountains. How attraction to these days and the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque (XII century.).

The main place of Marrakech - a market square in Medina Cem el-Fna. It's like a second independent city within Marrakech. One of the most popular local products - Grandma. These are slippers that went to Little Mook. Only he had Grandma runners, but here are selling the most common. In these shoes, walking most of the Moroccans - so that they are not only tourist souvenir. Although there is a brisk trade during the day, but the real life begins only after sunset. Unfold all the tents and stalls. A huge number of jugglers, storytellers, snake charmers, jugglers, acrobats, etc., etc. Between the groups of onlookers and tourists scurrying beggars and pickpockets. In the light of kerosene lamps shine strange mountains of fruit, vegetables, sweets.

Apart Jam El Fna in the medina of Marrakech there are many specialized rynochkov, where you can buy textiles, leather goods, carpets, various forged items, spices, etc.

Among the attractions of Marrakech special place mosques and madrassas. Highest mosque in Marrakech - Koutoubia it. She - the same symbol of Marrakech as the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Its minaret rises 70 meters and is visible for several miles at the entrance to the city. It is built in typical Spanish-Moorish style. The mosque was constructed in the 11 th century, Almohad, and then rebuilt Almoravids in the 12 century. The first mosque was decorated with frescoes and beautiful tiles, but so far nothing has survived. However, some consolation gives a beautiful garden around.

Not far from the Koutoubia is KUBBA Ba'adin - one of the smallest, but oldest Muslim shrines. Dated to the beginning of 12 centuries, and although it was built Almohad, but happily avoid further destruction Almoravids. This may include non-Muslims.

Around the corner from KUBBA Ba'adin is the largest mosque in Marrakech - Ali bin Yusuf Mosque, built in the second half of the 12 century. It is the oldest surviving mosque in Marrakech. Initially it was more, but decreased as a result of damage to her when Almoravid dropped Almohad dynasty. Subsequently, and Saadi dynasty Almohad dynasty and restored it. Closed for visiting non-Muslims.

The most famous of the palaces of Marrakech - El Badi Palace, built Saadi dynasty between 1578 and 1602 years. It was so beautiful that earned the nickname "incomparable". For its construction fidgeted marble from Italy, as well as semi-precious stones from India. The palace was built on money earned from Portugal after its crushing defeat in the Battle of the Three Kings "in 1578.

Unfortunately, the palace was destroyed in 1696, as the Alawite dynasty, winning materials needed to build palaces in the new capital - Meknes.

The most well-preserved palace of Marrakech - Palais de la Bahia, built in the late 19 century grand vizier of Sultan Hassan First. The palace is a fine example of civil architecture of the Muslim. The architecture of the palace gives the illusion of the set is not connected to each other space in the inner common space.

In an hour's drive from Marrakech, is a ski resort that runs from December to April.