Marrakesh – The Red City, where history and the modern world meet

The beginnings: strategic foundation

The city was founded around 1070 by the Almoravid dynasty to control the gold and salt trade routes across the Sahara. Its geographical location at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, at the crossroads of caravan routes, made it an ideal military and economic center. During the Almohad period, Marrakesh was already one of the most powerful capitals in North Africa. It was then that the city’s iconic religious building, the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque, was built, its minaret becoming a symbol of power and

Palaces and power representation

The city experienced its golden age during the 16th-century Saadi dynasty. The magnificent Saadi tombs proclaimed the glory of the royal family with rich marble and mosaic decorations.

The impressive Bahia Palace was built at the end of the 19th century by grand viziers to showcase their power and wealth. The name “Bahia” means “splendor.” The palace was not only intended for residential purposes, but also for representation: riads, interior gardens, carved cedar ceilings, and colorful zellige tiles made it one of the pinnacles of Moroccan court architecture.

The symbol of royal power today is the Royal Palace of Marrakesh (Dar al-Makhzen), which still serves as the residence of the monarch, although its interior is not open to visitors, as it is the king’s residence when he is in the city.

The birth of the market – Jemaa el-Fnaa

The heart of the city is Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. It was already a commercial and social centre in the Middle Ages: caravans met here, and desert goods changed hands here. The square became the scene of public life – a gathering place for storytellers, musicians, healers, and merchants. Today, it is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.

The surrounding souks (covered market streets) were organized thematically: leatherworkers, metalworkers, and weavers worked in separate quarters. This medieval guild system still determines the structure of the Medina today.

The Majorelle Garden – modern art in Marrakesh

At the beginning of the 20th century, during the French protectorate, a new era began. It was then that French painter Jacques Majorelle created the unique Majorelle Garden. With its exotic plants and buildings painted in intense “Majorelle blue,” the garden was born as an artistic refuge. Later, fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent saved it from destruction, making it one of the city’s most famous attractions today.

The image of the red city

The characteristic color of Marrakesh comes from the local red clay soil. The traditional rammed earth (pisé) technique resulted in a natural terracotta hue. During the French period, a decree was issued to preserve the uniform color scheme, so new buildings are also given reddish plaster. The inner courtyards, geometrically decorated tiles, and carved gates reflect the characteristics of Islamic-Andalusian architecture.

Population and districts

In the Middle Ages, the city’s population reached 100,000. As in many other Moroccan cities, the Berber population was joined by Arab, Andalusian, and Jewish communities. Today, the metropolitan area has a population of nearly one million.

Next to the walled Medina, modern Gueliz is the result of French urban planning, with wide boulevards and cafés. Hivernage is the district of luxury hotels and clubs, while Palmeraie is known for its palm-lined villas.

Transportation and national role

The city’s international gateway is Marrakesh Menara Airport, which primarily serves European tourist flights. It can be reached by rail via the ONCF network from Casablanca and Rabat, and is also connected to the high-speed Al Boraq line.

Marrakesh today

Today, Marrakesh is a unique blend of tourism, cultural heritage, and modern lifestyle. Not only was it the historical capital, but it is also one of Morocco’s economic and cultural engines today. Walking among the red walls, you can feel both the caravan city’s past and the openness of the 21st century world – perhaps it is this duality that gives Marrakech its timeless charm.