Surrounded by a vast palm grove, the medina in Marrakech is called the “red city” because of its buildings and ramparts of beaten clay, which were built during the residence of the Almohads. The heart of the medina is Jamaa el-Fna square, a vibrant marketplace.
The color of the city doesn't come from some deep-seated philosophy, but rather from the simplest of materials of architecture — Red Earth. The city, initially a fortress and a symbol of power, constructed during the Almovirades reign, gradually grew.
The city of Marrakech is called the Red City (El Hamra) for the walls that glow in the afternoon sun. The red clay for the buildings comes from the west of the city and it dries to a salmon pink. Marrakech's souks are piled high with colorful heaps of carpets, clothes, leatherwear, metalwork and many other crafts.
Marrakesh comprises an old fortified city packed with vendors and their stalls. This medina quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is one of the busiest in Africa, with Jemaa el-Fnaa being the busiest square in the continent, and serves as a major economic center and tourist destination.
Marrakesh is a fascinating city with much to explore. However, being a solo female traveler, it's crucial to note that there can be instances of harassment like stares, comments and catcalls, especially in crowded areas such as markets. While typically nonviolent, these can still be unnerving.
Marrakech is one of the four imperial cities, is called "the red city" because of the color of its houses, which, by city regulation, must be absolutely red ochre, like the color of the land that surrounds it.
The most popular theory is that after WWII, when the Jewish community in the area grew as people fled Nazi persecution, blue was painted on the walls, floors and steps as a religious practise, to represent the colour of the sky and connect the city to heaven and God.
The upper part, the color blue is for the Mediterranean sea, the green in the middle represents Atlas mountains with (once vast, now slowly recovering) forests, and the color yellow is for the desert sand of the Sahara in the South of the country.
During the 11th century the Almoravids left the desert and found Marrakech. A fortified city wall was built around the city in order to defend it. This wall was built out of pise, which was a mixture of straw, red earth and lime, which hardened on drying. This red mud gives the city it's pink hue and the name Red City.
As Morocco's leading tourist destination, Marrakesh draws visitors to admire the beauty of the palaces, roam the enchanting alleyways and shop for handmade goods in the souks. The city is usually flush with tourists during its peak seasons in spring and autumn, and during the Christmas and New Year period.
Dress for the heat and avoid anything too 'out there' that may attract attention. In the evening, linen trousers or chinos with closed shoes work well, as well as a jacket or blazer for the cooler weather. Make sure to pack a few jumpers if you're visiting Marrakech in the cooler seasons.
Foreign women tourists DO NOT need to wear a headscarf in Morocco! There is absolutely no expectation for foreign women to wear a headscarf, and for the few religious sites which non-Muslim tourists are able to visit in Morocco, there is no requirement to wear a headscarf when visiting them.
A typical Riad in Marrakech, like Riad 72, always has three levels including the roof terrace. The building regulations forbid constructions in the Medina that are higher than a palm tree and because of that you don't see any tall buildings in the old town, except for the Mosques and Minarets of course.
The architecture in Chefchaouen, nicknamed the “Blue City” for its bright blue walls and doors, further displays humility and respect. Significantly, the color blue is often used in Moroccan doors to symbolize the Islamic value of the sky, heaven, water, and the planet Mercury.
Veiling in Morocco is not a law, but a choice. Some women may wear it in submission to their husbands, but many women wear it as a sign of faith in and respect for the Islamic code. On the street, veiled women walk openly with their unveiled sisters and friends.
If you have very light or blonde hair, you may find yourself wanting to cover your head to avoid attention. Blonde hair is not commonly seen in Morocco and gets a lot of attention. Sometimes, people will reach out just to touch it without asking, which can be very uncomfortable. So keep that in mind.
Morocco is home to many trees and plants that provide essential oils, essential waters, and other mixtures for enhancing beauty. Among them are the olive tree, almonds, bitter oranges, roses, lavender, prickly pear, and argan tree. What is this? Perhaps the most famous of these is the argan tree.
While the majority of the Berber tribe, which is indigenous to Morocco, is not blonde, there are still a significant number of blonde-haired people in northern Morocco.
How much does it cost to go to Morocco for a week?
Overall, the cost of traveling to Morocco can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per person, depending on your travel style and preferences. Whether you're a family, couple, or single traveler, expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $5000 for a trip to this captivating country.
Callejon El Asri. This might be the most well-known street in Chefchaouen. With its small winding blue stairs and the little flower pots hanging on the walls, it is a perfect photo spot. But as you will see you're not going to be the only one taking a photo there.
The color blue is representative of the sky according to Jewish belief. Jewish communities, therefore paint things blue and use blue-colored fabrics, especially prayer mats. People believe that the Jewish refugees spread the blue fever to the entire 'medina' in 1930.
Marrakech is a safe city to walk around, but take the same amount of caution you would in any other city when out and about. Always keep your purse zipped up and ideally in front of your body, as there are pickpockets like any other popular destination.
Despite the religious restriction, alcohol is nonetheless a part of Moroccan culture, especially in urban and tourist areas. You may find alcoholic beverage-serving bars, hotels, and restaurants in major towns like Casablanca, Marrakech, and Tangier that appeal to both locals and tourists.
