Of all the Moroccan imperial cities, Marrakech is undoubtedly that whose name evokes more exoticism, adventure and enchantment in Morocco. A town full of history, Marrakech is surely not some city harmless. All is indeed original, exciting, mesmerizing: its site, its diverse population and known for a sense of humor, crafts often rival the beautiful Fez in northern Morocco, the international artists who fell in love and live in anonymity, without forgetting its beautiful Riads that tore the world.

Marrakech the beautiful oriental Marrakech, Marrakech hectic. The city that raises magic, attraction and attachment. This oasis in the desert that fascinates the visitor ever since, immediately opens her heart and secrets of his past history, it will be friend, ally, confidant of your stay. You will discover its oriental cuisine with a thousand flavors of yesteryear. Its spices found in the souks of the medina, you will delight their taste. It comes in Marrakesh for a vacation, and we want to stay forever.

Marrakech Alhamra "(the red city), has long been the rival Southern Fez as imperial capital. Marrakesh covers a vast plain - "Haouz" - surrounded by seven miles of walls red rose "Tabiya", a mixture of local pink sand and lime. This color covers the monuments of this city and its ancient and modern houses.

Marrakech is that the rivalry is most evident. In the Red City, which attracts the weekend the rich and famous of France and England, more than 500 riads have been restored in less than 10 years. Most foreign-owned French, English, German.

Marrakech is the ideal city to enjoy the passing time. You can discover crafts and activities including: wrought iron, souks, henna. Cultural activities are also well developed. You can visit the many art galleries and palaces, in an authentic Morocco.

Thus, Marrakech is the "most African" from all other major cities of Morocco, an African-ness that goes beyond the confines of Western Sahara, Morocco.

In addition, the site of Marrakech natural beauty is breathtaking: Located in a vast plain reclaimed from the desert thanks to the tenacity of men, with the backdrop of the majestic High Atlas, the largest chain of mountains Morocco, the snowy peaks and with a belt like grove of palm trees and miles.

The foundation

The city was founded in 1062 by Youssef Ibn Tachafine first ruler of the dynasty of the Almoravids. Historically, Morocco was known as the east of Marrakech, this designation is still under way in Iran, Morocco name itself comes from the deformation of the Spanish pronunciation of Marrakech Marruecos.

Demographics

Marrakech has about 1 000 000 (Marrakchi) including 400 000 in the medina, spread over an area of 6.2 sq. km. The density reaches 350 inhabitants per hectare. This is the fourth largest city in Morocco after Casablanca, Rabat and Fez

The historic old town or city and new city

The city is divided into two distinct parts: the old town or historic city and new city whose neighborhoods are called major: Guéliz and Wintering. The Guéliz is now the downtown business, it was founded by the French during the protectorate. The area of focus Wintering many resorts. In recent years, the town expanded in the periphery including the West with the emergence of new residential areas as the region of Targa or extension of Avenue Mohammed VI. For city officials, urban incessant Marrakesh should know a bit in the coming years to prevent uncontrolled growth and to remain below two million.

The medina and its doors

Medina ( "city" in Arabic) is the historic city. Surrounded by adobe walls built by the Almoravid Ali Ben Youssef in 1132. This wall is 5 meters high and two meters thick and extends over a length of about 12km. A portion of the chamber is still well preserved, but it was enlarged at the time of the successive enlargements of the medina, including the Almohad period. This immense wall is pierced by 19 gates:
Aghmat Bab, Bab Agnaou, Bab Ahmar, Bab Aylen, Bab Berrima, Bab Doukkala, Bab Ech Sharia, Bab Ed Debbagh, Bab El Jadid, Bab El Khema, Bab El Makhzen, Bab El Raha, Bab Er Rharaza, Bab er Robb Fteuh Bab, Bab Ighli, Ksiba Bab, Bab Nkob.

Inside the walls, focuses the majority of historical monuments of the city: the Koutoubia mosque, Place Jamaa el-Fna classified Oral Heritage of Humanity in 2001 by UNESCO, and many palaces.

Economy

The Marrakech economy relies heavily on tourism, trade and crafts. The hotel infrastructure has in recent years a rapid growth. The future development of Marrakech also revolves around the motorway Settat-Marrakech 146 Km under construction, whose completion is expected during 2007. South Side, another section of Marrakech-Agadir motorway of 233 km will be put into service in 2009. A TGV line linking the city to Casablanca is under consideration for 2015, and subsequently extended to Agadir.

Tourism

The city of Marrakech is a high-tourist, more than two million tourists each year. It is also the starting point for many excursions for hikers willing to walk the Atlas or the desert further south.