"Marrakech architecture and designs" Marrakesh Travelogue by mafi_moya
Marrakesh Travel Guide: 2,360 reviews and 5,307 photos
This is inside the Saadian Tombs, built by the Saadian sultan Ahmed al-Mansour in the early 16th century. The sultan himself, along with 65 of his family and later successors, are buried here and the tombs lay undisturbed for centuries, sealed and hidden away amid the maze of Marrakech alleyways until the 20th century.
Windows in traditional Moroccan buildings rarely face on to the street - exteriors are often just a blank wall without any hint of what is hidden behind. This window in the Ali ben Youssef Medersa is one of the most ornately decorated and looks out over the courtyard below.
The Ali ben Youssef Medersa was the largest theological college in the whole of the Maghreb region and is another stunning 16th century Saadian building. This is the main open air courtyard and it's a beautiful sight - the walls are intricately carved from top to bottom - as well as being incredibly peaceful and relaxing, despite being in the heart of the busy souks of the Medina.
The courtyard of the Musee de Marrakech (the museum) is covered but just as splendidly designed and decorated as any other. The fountains and pools that fill the rooms with the sound of water make it a very soothing place.
Not all parts of the museum are in pristine condition - in places the paintwork shows its age. But it reminds you that these incredible buildings are centuries old and an essential part of Morocco's history.
Islam has been incredibly important in Morocco for hundreds of years and it's very common for verses from the Qu'ran to be carved into walls and pillars. The level of detail in the paintwork and the time it must have taken to carve matches anything I've seen in the oldest and most classical English churches.
Dar Si Said was one of Marrakech's most prestigious 19th century houses, its many rooms and floors centred around a large garden and courtyard fountain, with birds resting in the branches of the orange trees. Today it's the Museum of Moroccan Arts with a great collection of jewellery and pottery.
Most of the old riad courtyards have fountains and some sort of water system. The sound is refreshing and it looks attractive but the water also cools the house. Ali ben Youssef Medersa has its own large pool, with brightly painted tiles lining the floor.
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mafi_moya
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Comments (10)
Fantastic tips and amazing photos. Very useful for my upcoming trip to Marrakech. Thanks for sharing.
Just read your Marrakesh intro... great description, now to devour all of your tips! You make me extremely excited about my upcoming trip... :-) Thanks for sharing.
Really nice tips and pictures. Marrakesh will definitely go onto our list of places to see! Best wishes, Ash & Eve
Your tales and pictures are so alive - felt being transported there myself. Thanks!
Superb photos and tips. I have both recognised the Maeeakesh I love and found new places to visit. I had heard of the Majorelle Gardens but did not visit. I will next time. Thank you for sharing !
Stayed in the same hotel (Afriquia) last summer but didn't associate it then with Dali.... Very interesting comments (what a work to do !!!) Will check out your other pages
Fantastic photos and the tips are great, they really bring the place alive. Marrakech is on my must-see list
Very nice pics and info! I am going to Morocco in sept! best reg. Per
Thanks for sharing with good info and great pictures. I hope to be to Morocco in a year or two. So definitely will see here again to see if you have add something new.
wow, great pics, I have to go there...:)
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