TOURISTS FLOCK TO EXOTIC MARRAKECH

The large yellow sun rises on what will be another scorching day in Ma rrak ech. The calls from the Mosaic and the light bustle of the medina, signals that before long, this metropolis will be teeming with tourists and locals in a blend of old and new. Niamh MacSweeney reports.

The dusty labyrinthine streets of Marrakech in Morocco are thronging with ordinary tourists on a short city break. Yes, Marrakech is becoming one of the hottest and most fashionable holiday destinations for a short city break. North Africa has experienced a surge in package holidays in the past few years. A spokesperson for the Dublin Airport Authority said that 17,000 Irish people travelled from Dublin to Morocco in 2005, a 5% increase on figures for the previous year.

Unpretentious And Inexpensive

The attraction of Marrakech lies in the amazing sights, smells and sounds. The allure of such cities is encouraging a trend and desire in travellers to head to more adventurous and far-flung destinations. Marrakech may seem a million miles away from Ireland but it is only a three and a half hour flight away, and is a city where tourists can experience a culture entirely different to Europe in an environment that is unpretentious and inexpensive. Marrakech is a city of unforgettable beauty where palm trees line the streets and thick orange walls surround a huge captivating medina of flat roofed houses and bustling streets. The strong walls have been standing since before the 13th century and at 12 miles long it is the best examples of fortress walls in Morocco.

It is its enchanting fairy tale quality that brings thousands of sightseers to the most visited of Morocco’s three Imperial cities. Tourists are drawn again and again to the narrow alleyways of the medina to soak up the carnival-like atmosphere. Marrakech boasts a variety of secluded palaces, fantastic gardens, museums, mosques and markets. Its souks or bazaars are famous for their dazzling display of Berber carpets, its variety of spices, healing potions and its fine quality leather, wood and metal work.

Things To Do On A Short Break

The red stone Kutubiya mosque towers over the labyrinthine streets and markets of the city. Visible for miles in any direction the Kutubiya Mosque is the tallest and most famous landmark in Marrakech. Known as the ’booksellers mosque’ because of the bazaar of book traders that used to be nearby, it was constructed in 1147 and demolished and rebuilt in 1199 because it was not correctly aligned with Mecca. The pride of Kutubiya lies in the oldest and best preserved minaret, reaching a height of 77 metres; it is a classic example of Almohad style and Moroccan architecture. The massive prayer hall is the largest in Africa, with room for 25,000 worshipers to pray within. Like religious buildings elsewhere in Morocco, the mosques of Marrakech are generally closed to non-Muslims, but strolling around it can be just as interesting and insightful.

The large town square of Marrakech, Djemaa el-Fna (Square of the Dead) is the focal point of the whole city. A huge square in the heart of the medina, it throbs with dynamic energy where visitors experience traditional Moroccan customs in all its vibrant colours and calamity. Every day the square is a vibrant circus of performing artists, acrobats, drummers and musicians. Snake charmers, storytellers and healers compete fiercely with each other to entertain and amuse the passing crowds.

The aromas from the food stalls will tantalise your taste buds with delicacies such as sheep’s head and boiled snails, or for the less adventurous, meat and fish. The square becomes busier as the day progresses, becoming exceptionally alive at night. But at any hour of the day it will always excite and fascinate with spectacles that are endlessly surprising. Surrounding cafes offer respite and shade from the sweltering sun, where the display of entertainers can be enjoyed over a refreshing freshly squeezed juice.

Colourful Crafts

The square is also the gateway to the souks of Marrakech. Shaded from the searing Moroccan sun, it is easy to lose your way in the maze of narrow streets and alleys but well worth exploring. Renowned for its variety of high-quality crafts, as you wander around, there is plenty of opportunity to watch tradesmen such as copper beaters, basket weavers, seamstresses and tanners, using techniques dating back thousands of years. Marrakech leather, fabrics, carpets and musical instruments are all highly sought after.

Shopkeepers coax passing tourists to look at their glorious array of colourful crafts, eager to entice potential buyers into their small and often chaotic shops. Because prices are always inflated haggling is expected and is all part of the fun. Bargain for anything from caftans and ceramics, to spices and slippers (babouch) and enjoy the humorous banter that ensues.

If bartering and bargaining in the souk has left you hot and bothered why not unwind at one of the heavenly gardens situated around the city. At the centre of the Menara Gardens is a superb rectangular pool with fantastic views of the Atlas Mountains. The Majorelle Garden is a beautiful oasis in the middle of Ville Nouvelle. Once the private garden of the French artist Jacques Majorelle, it is now owned by Yves Saint Laurent. The garden is a tranquil sanctuary where it is easy to relax and escape among the cacti and palm trees.

A petit taxi or a horse drawn carriage can take you to the Dar Si Said Museum. This beautifully decorated palace features intricate tile work, plasterwork and a fabulous garden with a traditional pavilion and fountain. It is a treasure trove of clothes, crafts, jewellery and ceramics, all examples of the exquisite craftsmanship of the Berber people. Artefacts needed to live in the Sahara desert are displayed here and reflect the different cultures and unique qualities of Morocco.

Unwind and Relax

Renowned for their social and therapeutic benefits, a visit to an Arabian bath is also a great way to unwind and relax. Located around the city Hammans or steam baths are very popular and considered an important aspect of Moroccan culture. No visit to Marrakech is complete without a visit to La Mamounia Hotel. Established in the 18th century it has welcomed guest such as Winston Churchill, Orson Wells and President Nixon. The hotel is set in gardens which spread over a massive 32 acres. If you can’t afford a room don’t despair, perhaps you can sip an afternoon drink in the garden terrace, or enjoy a meal in one of the exquisite restaurants.

Marrakech is a fantastic city, and because the most worthwhile tourist traps are collected inside a rather small area it is a relatively easy city to get around. The hordes of tourists that come here all through the year have still not managed to change its character. The streets have been too narrow to allow the introduction of cars, and tourists searching for the “real” Morocco don’t have to search too hard to find it.

Marrakech Crafts	Djemaa el-Fna by night	Kutubiya Mosque