Marrakesh, the Imperial City
Chances are that when you hear the name Marrakesh you start thinking about exotic locations and adventures.
It is understandable.
Over the decades the city of Marrakesh in the Kingdom of Morocco has become known as a place of exotic adventure and international intrigue.
But why should travel to Marrakesh be on your list of things to do while visiting Morocco?
About the City of Marrakesh
Morocco is a small country, but the names of its cities are known far and wide.
Take the city of Marrakesh for example.
Marrakesh is home to just under 800,000 people.
Its location at the base of the Atlas Mountains means that it is a strategically located city.
So many people and things pass through Marrakesh even today that it is easy to see why it was once known as the trade center of the world.
But it is not just its important physical location that makes Marrakesh so important; it is also the history of the city.
Marrakesh used to be the imperial city.
It was home to some of the most important people in the region during the Dark and Middle Ages.
For a long time this city was so rich that it had gorgeous palaces and gardens that were the equal of any in the world.
The oldest part of Marrakesh is called the Medina.
This is a fortified (walled) city and is very popular with tourists because it looks and feels so old.
It was here that the sultans and their harems once lived and where many of the adventures that have become synonymous with Marrakesh occurred.
About Modern Marrakesh
While the larger part of the city today is not nearly as exotic and as interesting as the Medina, just knowing that so much history occurred here is reason enough for many tourists to travel to Marrakesh.
Of course there is always the hope that just by traveling here you will have your own adventure.
And who knows; stranger things have happened.
But even if you do not have a classic sort of adventure while in Marrakesh, you can still have a number of exotic experiences.
You can use the city as a base from which to hike or camp in the Atlas Mountains.
You can also tour the Majorelle Gardens which are located near the Saadian Toumbs.
Whatever you do, make sure that you go to the Fantasia.
This is a horse riding spectacle that is held every year in July as part of the Popular Arts Festival and includes spectacular horsemanship shows by riders in traditional attire.
The Popular Arts Festival itself is something that you won't want to miss.
Indeed, it is very much like a Moroccan equivalent of a Renaissance Festival complete with street performers and lots of people in traditional costumes.
Indeed, if you are going to travel to Morocco, make sure that you take the time to travel to Marrakesh.
While it may not be the same as it was in the old books and movies, it is definitely steeped in history and worth a visit while you are in Africa.
http://traveljuka.com/marrakesh-morocco/
It is understandable.
Over the decades the city of Marrakesh in the Kingdom of Morocco has become known as a place of exotic adventure and international intrigue.
But why should travel to Marrakesh be on your list of things to do while visiting Morocco?
About the City of Marrakesh
Morocco is a small country, but the names of its cities are known far and wide.
Take the city of Marrakesh for example.
Marrakesh is home to just under 800,000 people.
Its location at the base of the Atlas Mountains means that it is a strategically located city.
So many people and things pass through Marrakesh even today that it is easy to see why it was once known as the trade center of the world.
But it is not just its important physical location that makes Marrakesh so important; it is also the history of the city.
Marrakesh used to be the imperial city.
It was home to some of the most important people in the region during the Dark and Middle Ages.
For a long time this city was so rich that it had gorgeous palaces and gardens that were the equal of any in the world.
The oldest part of Marrakesh is called the Medina.
This is a fortified (walled) city and is very popular with tourists because it looks and feels so old.
It was here that the sultans and their harems once lived and where many of the adventures that have become synonymous with Marrakesh occurred.
About Modern Marrakesh
While the larger part of the city today is not nearly as exotic and as interesting as the Medina, just knowing that so much history occurred here is reason enough for many tourists to travel to Marrakesh.
Of course there is always the hope that just by traveling here you will have your own adventure.
And who knows; stranger things have happened.
But even if you do not have a classic sort of adventure while in Marrakesh, you can still have a number of exotic experiences.
You can use the city as a base from which to hike or camp in the Atlas Mountains.
You can also tour the Majorelle Gardens which are located near the Saadian Toumbs.
Whatever you do, make sure that you go to the Fantasia.
This is a horse riding spectacle that is held every year in July as part of the Popular Arts Festival and includes spectacular horsemanship shows by riders in traditional attire.
The Popular Arts Festival itself is something that you won't want to miss.
Indeed, it is very much like a Moroccan equivalent of a Renaissance Festival complete with street performers and lots of people in traditional costumes.
Indeed, if you are going to travel to Morocco, make sure that you take the time to travel to Marrakesh.
While it may not be the same as it was in the old books and movies, it is definitely steeped in history and worth a visit while you are in Africa.
http://traveljuka.com/marrakesh-morocco/