7 Interesting Facts About Marrakech To Know Before You Visit

Marrakech is not the capital, largest, or oldest city in Morocco. Nevertheless, it is certainly the country’s most intriguing one. Although disputed by some, there is a consensus among those who travel to Marrakech that it is Morocco’s cultural capital.

Its famous sights, which include historic medinas and palaces to busy bazaars and alleyways, have given the city this designation.

It’s also a honeymoon destination and a source of inspiration for creative and artistic individuals. Here, we take a look at a few interesting facts that make excursions to Marrakech so appealing.

1. Marrakech’s Name Has Two Origins

Most historians note that the name Marrakech is rooted in the Berber phrase, murr akush, which means “the land of God”. However, there are other theories surrounding the name’s origin.

A second theory that suggests “Marrakech” comes from the Arabic words, murra kish, which mean to “pass by quickly”. Apparently, this phrase was created to warn those who travelled to Morocco to watch out for thieves and wild animals in the city. For tourism purposes, naming the city as a reference to “the land of God” would certainly be more welcoming!

2. Marrakech Sits Near the Height of North Africa

Marrakech’s prime location is just 50 miles north of North Africa’s highest peak, named Toubkal (pictured above), in the Atlas Mountains. The city is referred to as a prime location because of its relative proximity to other key cities. Ouarzazate, a city considered to be the gateway to the Sahara Desert, is 122 miles northwest of Marrakech. And 110 miles west of Marrakech is the port city of Essaouira.   

3. Marrakech is Hollywood’s Second Home

Throughout the years, Marrakech has served as a setting for big-budget Hollywood productions. The masterminds behind many golden era films would travel to Marrakech due to its scenery. One such film was The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956), which was filmed at the Mamounia Hotel. More recent movies were also shot in Marrakech. The creators and cast of Sex and the City 2 (2010) sojourned to the city and filmed the movie at the Taj Palace. Also, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015) had its filming take place in Marrakech at the Marrakech Stadium.

4. Marrakech is a Trilingual City

There are three main languages spoken in Marrakech (and all of Morocco) – Arabic, French, and Amazigh. During the early 20th century, the French occupied Morocco and for that reason, many Moroccan locals still converse in French today.  Amazigh (the Berber languages) is a group of the lesser-known set of languages spoken by the Berber people of Morocco. There are many subdivisions of these languages, which vary linguistically among different Berber tribes.

5. Marrakech is Home to Famous Traditional Arabic Structures

Marrakech is home to a wide range of iconic structures, many of which were constructed during the last millennium. They include the likes of El Badi Palace, built in the 16th century by Saadian sultan Ahmed al-Mansour. The sultan constructed the palace with money received from the Portuguese after the Battle of the Three Kings.

There’s also the Ben Youssef Madrasa (pictured above), a 14th-century university that was rebuilt in the 16th century. It is an impressive display of Islamic architecture that spans 17,976 square feet and contains 132 dorm rooms. Since 1982, it has served as a museum. This is located just 2 minutes on foot from Riad Farantchi.

6. Yves Saint Laurent Rescued a Piece of Marrakech

Algerian-born French designer Yves St. Laurent literally saved a piece of Marrakech heritage. Along with his partner, Pierre Berge, Yves bought the Jardin Majorelle when they discovered it was being converted to a hotel. Not only did they buy the property, but they also chose to live in Jardin Majorelle’s Villa Oasis. To this day, a Roman pillar memorial stands in the garden to pay homage to the late Saint Laurent who passed away in 2008 from brain cancer.

7. Winston Churchill Recommended Marrakech to His Friends

Visitors of Marrakech have long recommended the city to friends and family members, and this is true even among former U.S. presidents. During the height of WWII in 1943, Winston Churchill begged Franklin D. Roosevelt to travel to Marrakech after the Casablanca Conference.

Churchill said to Roosevelt: “You cannot come all the way to North Africa without seeing Marrakech”. That admonition was convincing enough for Roosevelt, as he agreed to a driving excursion from Casablanca to Marrakech with Churchill.

Travel to Marrakech to See It First Hand

Marrakech travel adventures offer the best of many worlds to its visitors. It is situated at an intersection of traditionalism and modernity, thus lending itself to a host of unforgettable sights.

We offer a variety of excursions to see the sights mentioned above. They include tours of the majestic Atlas Mountains, the beautiful Jardin Majorelle, and day trips to nearby cities like Essaouira.

For those of you want to see architectural, cultural and historical wonders, a Marrakech travel adventure will satisfy your soul!

Marrakech: The Perfect Honeymoon Destination

One of the first major decisions you will face as a newlywed is choosing a honeymoon destination.

Should you go somewhere sunny with palm trees or a ski resort on top of a picturesque mountain? Should you visit somewhere known for its shops and markets, or one that’s known for its historical settings?

The reality is that newlyweds can experience all of those settings in Marrakech and its surrounding areas. It is a honeymoon destination containing many sights and activities, and it can provide new couples with an abundance of new experiences, unlike many other popular destinations.

More importantly, it is a city that will give you lifelong memories for both you and your significant other.

Renowned Romantic Getaway

Marrakech, also known as the city of 1,001 nights, has long been recognized as a honeymoon destination for several reasons. They are largely related to the city’s list of activities and experiences that are family-friendly and provide a safe environment for new couples. The landscape itself provides beautiful scenery that honeymooners will naturally want to enjoy in the first few nights of their new union.

Photo Rewards

Just about everyone these days, both young and old, are documenting their travel excursions on Instagram and on other social media accounts. Marrakech offers a host of sights that are “Instagram-worthy” and will have your followers liking your photos. More importantly, however, the sights and scenes of Marrakech will sit wonderfully in your honeymoon photo album for years to come.

An Authentic North African Experience

For many of you, your first few dates may have been at art galleries, art classes, museums, and other unique facilities that weren’t bars or restaurants. Maybe you’ve kept up with the tradition.

That desire for more “cultured” excursions will be satisfied in Marrakech thanks to its host of palaces, mosques, museums, and more. Of course, if you want to let loose and have a little more fun, you’ll certainly find your comfort zone as the city is renowned for its many restaurants and bars.

Where Do I Start?

With everything mentioned above, it may sound like there’s plenty going on, maybe even to the point where it seems like you may get overwhelmed. No need to worry – we’re here to give you a quick guide on where you should begin your travels in the city.

Stay at a Riad

Riads are traditional Moroccan homes with an interior garden or courtyard. They provide a more culturally-grounded experience of Morrocan life and should be favoured over hotels and other living accommodations in order to enjoy the Moroccan experience to the fullest.

When you visit a riad such as Le Farnatchi, you will notice stylings such as Arabic interior decor, historic paintings, and rooftop gardens. For those with an eye for design, you’ll love the Moorish architecture and mosaic tiling standard to many riads.

Le Farnatchi features 10 large suites. They come stocked with amenities such as access to the Farnatchi Spa, a pool, and satellite TV. Regardless of their modernization, they still retain a cosy ambience that couples will enjoy.

Places to Visit in Marrakech

When you and your partner have arrived in Marrakech and a get some much-needed rest in a comfortable riad, there are plenty of places to explore in Marrakech and the surrounding area.

Jardin Majorelle

This botanical garden was created by French painter Jacques Majorelle (1886 – 1962), who purchased the land in 1923, four years after marrying his beau, Andrée Longueville. If that in itself isn’t romantic, a walk through its lush mix of cacti and palms will put both you and your significant other in a zen-like state.

Bahia Palace

This 19-century palace is a marvel of architecture and will surely intrigue couples who have a stickler for ancient design and architecture. A walk through the many rooms and courtyards of the Bahia Palace just might give you some inspiration for your own home decor thanks to its fancy decorations.

Jemaa el-Fnaa

Jemaa el-Fnaa is a sqaure and marketplace located in Marrakech’s medina (the old city). It’s a busy and bustling space and is full of excitement. If you want to dazzle your significant other, this is the spot to take them due to its snake charmers, dancers, storytellers, musicians, and magicians. The performances will captivate you and leave you in awe. After you leave, you and your spouse will chat about your experience here for many nights to come.

How to Decompress in Marrakech

Marrakech offers so many activities and attractions that you won’t want to spend too much time indoors. The city is also considered one of the best honeymoon destinations because it is as relaxing as it is exciting. If you want to know how to let go of your stresses, look no further than our own offerings.

Hammam & Spa Treatments

Part of the reason you and your other half want to travel is to de-stress. Our hammam and spa treatments will help you do just that thanks to the hands of our skilled practitioners. With the help of healing essential oils and other products, their touch will release the tension in your body and rejuvenate your skin and mood. Being together with your significant other in the warm and quiet room of a hammam will give you a perfect opportunity to bond.

Get a Taste of Marrakech’s Fine Dining

By now, you may have heard about the delicious tagines, mechoui, couscous, and salads that leave visitors asking for more. Food and drink in Marrakech are as much about socializing and R&R as it is about taste. A night on the rooftop of our Le Trou Au Mur restaurant will allow you and your spouse to enjoy each other’s company while dining under the evening sun.

A Honeymoon in Marrakech is a Honeymoon to Remember

Marrakech is a great honeymoon destination due to its various sights, attractions, and opportunities for you and your spouse to bond. It’s no wonder why couples from all over the world come here shortly after tying the knot. If you and your significant other are looking for the perfect honeymoon destination, give Marrakech serious thought. It may very well turn out to be one of the best trips you and your soulmate ever take!

The Advantages Of Staying At a Marrakech Riad Over a Hotel

Morocco is a land filled with picturesque scenery that will stay in one’s memory for life. For many people, the hotels of Morocco are the icing on the cake. However, as appealing as these resorts can be, an even more satisfying experience awaits travelers at a riad in Marrakech.

A Riad in Marrakech: A Stay You’ll Never Forget

We know what a typical Moroccan hotel experience feels like, but at a riad, guests will be immersed in something completely different. Riads are private homes built around courtyards, and in recent years, have been converted into guesthouses and boutique houses.

They may contain 5-10 bedrooms, each with their own distinct shapes, designs, sizes and textiles that incorporate traditional Arabic stylings. You will also find the amenities of a five-star resort such as a spa, pool, satellite T.V., and Egyptian cotton sheets.

The modern Riad is designed to retain its traditional feel while combining the international style found at popular hotels, all of which are under a boutique setting.

The Experience Of a Riad in Marrakech

• Historically and culturally rich – Riads give you a glimpse of traditional Moroccan living. With the tours offered, you’ll get more familiar with how riads were built. You will also be able to experience artisanal crafts and adventurous outings.
• Architecture – Are you a stickler for Moorish architecture? Do you love to see hand-carved plaster and mosaic tiling? A riad in Marrakech is the place for you. You don’t have to drive away from a hotel to see those sights – you can wake up in the heart of it.
• Atmosphere – Coming to Morocco, for most, means losing one’s self in a totally different experience. At a riad in Marrakech, you will eat, sleep and relax in a setting filled with Arabic interior decor, historical paintings and rooftop gardens fit for a Moroccan king or queen. Our rooftop dining experience allows you to enjoy fine Moroccan cuisine surrounded by beautiful palm trees and an unforgettable sunset.

What Le Farnatchi Has to Offer

You can find everything mentioned above and more at Le Farnatchi. There are adventure tours for those who love the outdoors, activities for children and traditional Moroccan amenities with wonderful hospitality for those who want to sit back and relax.

Le Farnatchi offers a rooftop dining experience in an open outdoor setting where you can enjoy the North African climate and cuisine at our restaurant, Le Trou au Mur. You can also find pampering and rejuvenating spa treatments at the Farnatchi Spa.

With our combination of five-star facilities and access to the country’s best adventures, you’ll definitely want to book with us.

Get in touch for more information about our facilities and packages!