Leaving the sunny shores of Mallorca behind, we arrived at the next stop on our journey, the magical Marrakesh. The contrast was almost immediately noticeable as the calm elegance of the Mediterranean was replaced by the pulsating, spice-scented whirlwind of Morocco.
We chose to stay in the Medina, an incredibly lovely little hotel just a few minutes from the bustling main square. It was an unforgettable experience when we entered the gate from the grayness of the narrow, winding streets and found ourselves in a wonderful inner courtyard. We had breakfast every day on the hotel’s roof terrace, and in the evenings we sat out there to chat. At such times, the distant, murmuring noise of the city formed the background under a sky painted red by the setting sun.
One of our first trips led to the Bahia Palace, one of Morocco’s most beautiful architectural masterpieces. Construction began at the end of the 19th century under Si Moussa, the Sultan’s Grand Vizier, and was continued by his son, Ba Ahmed. The name means “brilliant,” and it truly lives up to its name, with its ornate ceilings and cool, orange-tree-filled interior gardens. The palace was designed to combine the best of contemporary Islamic and Moroccan style, with the splendor of the former rulers evident in every corner.
We also visited the Moroccan Culinary Art Museum, where we were completely immersed in the country’s gastronomic secrets. This museum is not just an exhibition, but a sensory journey, where we learned about the origins of the most important spices and how to prepare traditional dishes. At the end of the visit, we were treated to a great tasting experience, during which we could test the unique flavors of Moroccan cuisine.
We continued our cultural adventure at the Slat Al Azama Synagogue, one of the most important religious and historical centers of Moroccan Jewry. It was founded by Jews expelled from Spain in 1492 and served as the heart of the religious community for centuries. The courtyard, adorned in blue and white, and the small exhibition gave us a deep insight into the peaceful coexistence that characterized Morocco for a long time.
The defining element of the cityscape is the Koutoubia Mosque, whose monumental tower guided us from afar. This 12th-century building is the pinnacle of Almohad architecture, and its special feature is that its minaret served as a model for the Giralda in Seville. Although we were not allowed to enter the building as non-Muslims, we were impressed by the dignity of the reddish stone walls as we walked through the gardens surrounding it.
The mosque’s history is intertwined with the city’s golden age, as it was once surrounded by more than a hundred booksellers’ stalls, hence the name “Mosque of the Booksellers”. The copper balls on the top of the tower, according to legend, were once made of pure gold, and today they proudly proclaim the religious and cultural importance of Marrakesh.
We spent a whole morning visiting the Jardin Majorell, and then after a lot of walking we got hungry, so we ended up at a place called Fish House Al Aachabe, where we had a fantastic lunch. The fresh seafood and local spices were a perfect combination. In the afternoon we got lost in the huge bazaar, where we chose from thousands of goods, colorful fabrics and handicrafts. We couldn’t resist the temptation and bought some truly special, traditional clothes as a souvenir.
One of the highlights of the trip was when we went out into the desert, where we set off on camelback into the dunes. The sunset lights turned the landscape golden, and we spent our dinner in the tents we had set up, surrendering to the endless peace of the desert.
Morocco’s history is one of continuous interaction between cultures and peoples. Over the centuries, the settlements of the indigenous Berber tribes were invaded by the Phoenicians, Romans and finally the Islamic conquerors, who fundamentally defined the face of the country. Through the rise and fall of various dynasties, Morocco became an important bastion of trade and science in the Maghreb region.
The country’s strategic location has always been a bridge between Africa and Europe. After colonial rule by the French and Spanish, it gained independence in 1956 and has since preserved its rich traditions as a modernizing monarchy. This duality makes Morocco both mysterious and welcoming to visitors.
Marrakesh was founded in 1062 by the first ruler of the Almoravid dynasty, Abu Bakr ibn Umar. The city quickly became the center of the empire, and a series of palaces, mosques and gardens were built within its walls. It was nicknamed the “Red City” because of the red clay buildings, which still define the character of the city today.
Over the centuries, Marrakesh has sometimes shone as a capital and sometimes faded into obscurity, but its cultural significance has never waned. In the Middle Ages, it was an important trading hub, where caravans coming from across the Sahara met with merchants from the Mediterranean world. This lively exchange of goods laid the foundation for the city’s wealth and colorful population.
During the early 20th century, during the French protectorate, the city was expanded with modern districts, but the Medina retained its ancient form. Celebrities such as Yves Saint Laurent and Winston Churchill found inspiration and tranquility here, whose presence further enhanced the city’s international reputation.
