Marrkaech Overview

An ancient Arab poet called it < Ochre is the typical colour of the buildings in the one –time sultans’ residence and capital of the country. It lies on a fruitful plain bordered by a palm grove to the north and the mig hty silhouette of the usually snow-covered High Atlas to the south. Although only the country ‘s third-largest city after Casablanca and Fès, Marrakech probably takes first place on the scale of importance. At an early date, it was the center of southern Morocco’s trade and crafts. Moreover, it was the administrative centre of the region and a hub of traffic. Nowadays, tourism plays an outstanding role. Luxury hotels and elegant guesthouses remodelled out of traditional riads attract droves of international guests. Many prominent people have made Marrakech their second home. Day-trippers from places like Agadir and Essaouira are drawn to the medina of Marrakech with its many artistic sights and an oriental atmosphere that can be best experienced at its legendary Jemaa el Fna and in the souks that stretch out in all directions. The medina was declared by UNESCO a world Heritage Site in 1985. Due to the large numbers of tourists and the poverty and unemployment of many Moroccans who have migrated to the city, there is a lot of theft and fraud. Tourists are always the losers in games of chance on Place Jemaa el Fna!