Background
Founded in 1070–72 by the Almoravids, Marrakesh remained a political, economic and cultural centre for a long period, its influence felt from North Africa to Andalusia. UNESCO lists the Koutoubia Mosque, the Kasbah, the battlements, monumental gates and gardens from that period, and later jewels such as the Badi Palace, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Saadian Tombs and Jemaa el-Fnaa, a veritable open-air theatre.
The red walls built in 1122–23 gave the city its name of the Red City. It regained its status in the 16th century as the Saadian capital, and the medina is packed with souks inside the walls.
- 1070–72The Almoravids found Marrakesh as their capital
- 1122–23Ali ibn Yusuf builds the red city walls
- 16th c.The Saadian sultans make it their capital and add the Badi Palace and tombs
- 1912The French Protectorate begins
- 1985Inscribed as World Heritage
Find Your Way Around
The main parts of the site, in the order most visitors see them
- 1Jemaa el-FnaaSnake charmers by day, food stalls, musicians and storytellers by night.
- 2Koutoubia MosqueThe Almoravid minaret beside the square.
- 3The SouksSpices, slippers, kaftans and teapots; bargain.
- 4Ben Youssef MadrasaThe carved Koranic school, with Le Jardin Secret nearby.
- 5Bahia Palace and Saadian TombsPainted cedar and zellige, then the sultans' tombs in the Kasbah.
- 6Badi PalaceThe ruined Saadian palace.
Know Before You Go
From Wikivoyage and the GoGo guides
Medina in a Day
From the GoGo Marrakech guide · Open the Marrakech Guide ›
- 09:00Koutoubia Mosque30 minThe minaret.
- 09:45Jemaa el-Fnaa Square45 minThe great square by day.
- 10:45The Souks of the Medina90 minThe maze of markets.
- 14:00Bahia Palace75 minPainted cedar and zellige.
- 15:30Saadian Tombs45 minThe sultans' tombs.
- 19:00Food Stalls of Jemaa el-Fnaa at Night2 hrsMusicians and storytellers.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: Feb–Apr, Oct–Nov. Very hot (highs 34°C+) in Jul–Aug.
Typical highs
Climate: NASA POWER
Pair It With
Other World Heritage sites nearby, by distance
