Marrakech
Marrakech is justly known as one of the most legendary cities in the world. Capital of the Great South, it is the first of Morocco's four imperial cities - Rabat, Fez and Meknes are the three other ones. The city lies on a fertile plain with the majestic backdrop of the High Atlas. A garden city surrounded by palm, olive and orange groves, Marrakech is known as the "red city" for the colour of its buildings made of beaten red clay. Its walled Medina, the ancient Moorish town, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Founded in the 11th century, Marrakech was the capital of the Almoravides and later the Almohades, a dynasty of desert warriors who rode from here to conquer Spain. The lively Medina contains an impressive number of architectural masterpieces, including its ramparts and monumental gates, the Kutublya Mosque with its towering minaret and the Saadina tombs. But the city's most famous landmark is probably its huge Djemma el Fna Square, with its magical array of dancers, musicians, storytellers, fortune-tellers, magicians, snake charmers and street food outlets operating day and night.
The modern Gueliz quarters west of the Medina, built under the French protectorate, is reputed for its parks, especially the Menara olive grove and the walled, 1,000 acre Agdal gardens. The irrigation system built under the Almoravides is still used to water the city gardens. Marrakech al so has an incomparable Palmeraie, a palm grove extending over 32,000 acres. The ever present Atlas Mountains are an easy drive away from the city and Mount Toubkai is Morocco's highest and, at 13,890 feet (4.167 m.), the third tallest peak in Africa. At the foot of Toubkai and less than fifty miles from Marrakech, Oukaimeden is the country's foremost alpine resort and offers excellent skiing facilities in winter.
Marrakech Golf Courses