Marrakech Morocco Tour

The Majorelle Garden, originally named Jardin Bou Saf, was created in 1923 by French painter Jacques Majorelle. Born in 1886 in Nancy, France, Majorelle was the son of celebrated Art Nouveau furniture designer Louis Majorelle. Jacques came to Marrakech in 1919 to recover from heart problems and fell in love with the city.

Over four decades, he transformed a small property into a magnificent botanical garden. In 1947, he opened the gardens to the public. The garden's most striking feature is the intense blue color, now known as Majorelle Blue, which Majorelle used extensively throughout the property.

In 1980, Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé purchased the garden to save it from being turned into a hotel complex. They restored it and lived in the Villa Oasis, Majorelle's former studio house. After Yves Saint Laurent's death in 2008, his ashes were scattered in the garden. The adjacent Yves Saint Laurent Museum, opened in 2017, is a testament to the designer's love for Marrakech and his influence on fashion.

Housed in the former painting studio of Jacques Majorelle, the Berber Museum opened in 2011. It showcases the rich cultural heritage of Morocco's indigenous Berber people, whose history in North Africa dates back over 9,000 years. The museum's collection includes over 600 artifacts, dating from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. These pieces offer insights into the diverse Berber culture, which has played a crucial role in shaping Morocco's history and identity.

The Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech's largest mosque, was built in the 12th century during the reign of the Almohad Caliph Yaqub al-Mansur (1184-1199). Its name comes from the Arabic al-Koutoubiyyin, meaning "bookseller," as the area was once home to many manuscript sellers.

The mosque's iconic minaret, standing 77 meters (253 feet) high, was the model for the Giralda of Seville and the Hassan Tower of Rabat. It features intricate carved stone work, pointed merlons, and distinctive copper globes at its peak. An interesting historical note: the current mosque was actually built to replace an earlier structure that had an incorrectly aligned mihrab (prayer niche). The remains of this original mosque were discovered during archaeological excavations in the 20th century.

El Bahia Palace, meaning "Palace of the Beautiful" or "Palace of the Brilliant," was built in the late 19th century. Construction began in 1866 and took nearly 15 years to complete. The palace was commissioned by Si Moussa, grand vizier of Sultan Hassan I, and was later expanded by his son Ba Ahmed, who served as grand vizier to Sultan Abdelaziz. The palace is a prime example of Moroccan architecture from the Alaouite era. It showcases a blend of Islamic and Moroccan styles with some European influences, reflecting Morocco's increasing contact with Western powers during this period.

Covering an area of 8 hectares, the palace includes 150 rooms, multiple courtyards, and a 2-acre garden. Its intricate decorations were crafted by the finest artisans from Fez, showcasing the heights of Moroccan craftsmanship.

The Saadian Tombs date back to the time of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur (1578-1603), one of the most prominent rulers of the Saadian dynasty. The tombs were sealed up around 1672 by Alaouite Sultan Moulay Ismail, who sought to erase all traces of his predecessors. They were rediscovered in 1917 during a French aerial survey and subsequently restored. The mausoleum comprises the interments of about sixty members of the Saadi Dynasty, which ruled Morocco from 1549 to 1659. The tombs are renowned for their exquisite decoration, showcasing the pinnacle of Moroccan craft smanship from the Saadian period. The most impressive chamber is the Hall of Twelve Columns, which houses the tomb of Ahmad al-Mansur and his family. The room is adorned with intricate zellige tilework, carved cedar ceilings, and Italian Carrara marble columns.

Djemaa El Fna, which roughly translates to "Assembly of the Dead," has been the heart of Marrakech since the city's founding in 1070-1072 by the Almoravid dynasty. The square has served many functions throughout its history: a place of public executions in the early days, a military parade ground, and now, a vibrant center of Moroccan culture and commerce.

In 2001, UNESCO declared the square a "Masterpiece of World Heritage," celebrating its role as a unique concentration of Moroccan cultural traditions performed through musical, religious, and artistic expressions.The surrounding souks have been centers of trade for centuries. The organization of the souks traditionally followed a specific pattern, with different sections dedicated to particular crafts or goods. This organization was overseen by guilds, which regulated quality and apprenticeship.

These ancient marketplaces continue to be vital centers of commerce and culture in Marrakech, offering a glimpse into traditions that have endured for centuries.

Cap off your day with a spectacular evening at the Chez Ali Fantasia Show. This unique experience includes:

1. Majorelle Garden & The Museum of Islamic Art

2. The Mosque of Koutoubia, Koutoubia Gardens & Tomb of Lalla Zohra

3. The Bahia Palace

4. El Badi Palace

5. Ben Youssef Medersa

6. Musee de Marrakech and Almoravid Koubba

7. Marrakech Souks, Ramparts & Medina

8. Saadian Tombs

9. Musee Dar Si Said & Museum Tiskiwin

10. Menara Gardens & Agdal Gardens (Optional)

Each of these excursions offers a unique perspective on Morocco's diverse landscapes and cultural heritage. Book your Marrakech Private Tour today and immerse yourself in the magic of the Red City!