Marrakech, the red city – December 2 – 6, 2013
KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE
The tallest mosque in Marrakech is located outside Jemaa el-Fnaa, Medina’s main square not far from where we stayed and therefore dominated many of our views. It was built of the city’s signature red sandstone in the late 12th century and rises to a height of 77 meters or about 253 feet. Only Muslims are allowed to enter the mosque so we did not go inside. We had a nice wander around a nearby garden instead.
RED WALLS, BLUE WALLS
Marrakech’s signature color is the ocher color of red sandstone which literally glows red at sunset. The ultramarine, cobalt blue or “Majorelle blue” found in the gardens of the same name provides an excellent contrast.
JARDIN MAJORELLE
Opened to the public in 1947, Marjorelle Garden was built by artist and botanist Jacques Majorelle who painted the infrastructure with bright, primary colors. Fashion designer Yves St Laurent bought and restored the garden in the 1980’s. Although we intended to ride to the garden in a pony cart, we ended up walking because we were not willing to haggle with the cart drivers. It was a nice 45 minute walk along the outside wall of the Medina and then a few blocks north and west.
OBLIGATORY POMEGRANATE
We bought a persimmon and a pomegranate on the way to the garden and ate the pomegranate sitting on a secluded bench with a nice view of the garden path. It was messy so Camille was happy she packed her green Mickey Mouse towel into her purse that morning.
INSIDE THE MEDINA
Jemaa el-Fnaa Square and a typical narrow street within the Medina, the oldest part of the city. See more pictures of this magic place here: The Medina