The Marrakech Medina
The Marrakech Medina
At Marrakech Riad we pride ourselves on offering our guests as much support and information as they require to help them to plan their perfect stay in our beautiful Medina accommodation. The ancient walled city at the heart of Marrakech is a labyrinthine adventure, filled with the daily activities of the inhabitants of this marvellous place, some moments truly seem frozen in time! Here you will find details of some of the great places within those fabled walls of this celebrated red city.
Modern Marrakech: the Medina cyberpark
Nestled alongside Boulevard Al Yarmouk is the Marrakech Medina’s cyber park. If you are looking to seek some shade from the Moroccan sun or need to send a quick e-mail while you are on the move in the city, then the cyber park is the ideal location to spend an hour and recharge your batteries. […]
The Tankkacht of the Medina – Moroccan copper-work
Marrakech is a ancient city which has acted as a hub of trade and commerce for nearly a thousand years. One of the most fascinating aspects of the cities rich and diverse history that is well worth your attention is it’s relationship with the arts and crafts. From leather, textiles and especially metal, craftsmen and […]
Ensemble Artisanal in Marrakech
If you take a five minute walk from Koutoubia Mosque and Marrakech’s central square (Jemaa El Fnaa) in the direction of the new town of Guillez, you will find the ‘Ensemble Artisanal’. The Ensemble offers the same wide selection of handcrafted goods that you could hope to find in the Souks, however the prices are at […]
Tin craftsmen in Marrakech
Although there are a huge variety of crafts being practiced in Marrakech, one that you’re path will definitely cross as you discover what the souk’s have to offer is the Moroccan tin work. After a short walk to Jemaa El Fnaa, I come across some of the striking pieces the Marrakshi craftsmen have to offer. […]
The snake charmers of Jemaa El Fnaa
Snake charming is an ancient skill in Morocco and those who practice this art can always be found in Marrakech’s central square, Jemaa El Fnaa. Although there are a myriad of remarkable sights to be discovered in the centre of the city, the small communities of charmers will perhaps be those you hear, before you […]
Orange juice stalls in the centre of Marrakech
Situated in the middle of Marrakech, the central square (Jemaa El Fnaa) truly can be described as the beating heart of the city and a day spent wandering through the groups of performers, artists and musicians can indeed be thirsty work. So when you’re ready for refreshment there really is no other option than to […]
Morocco’s Friday Couscous
Every Friday lunchtime a large ornate clay tagine dish arrives on the ground floor of the charity Henna Café, which is where many visiting guests and local Marrakshi and Marrakshia’s will come to get an education for free in a number of subjects. Aside from the black flags flying aloft the many Mosques around the […]
The salted walls of Jewish Morocco
The name El Mellah is used to indicate the walled districts that the Jewish population inhabited in the imperial cities and some rural areas of Morocco. The Marrakech Mella was adjoined to the palace of Bahia in the south during the Saadien dynasty as further protection for its valued inhabitants who made an important contribution […]
Secret palace of the Marrakshi Millionaire
A harem of your beautiful women relaxing and natural, greets the Pacha of Marrakech at his grossly decorated palace in the heart of the Marrakshi medina. As the Pacha of Marrakech, most powerful man in Morocco and one of the richest in the world, Themi El Glaoui was able to command great respect and a […]
Last Pasha and Lord of the Atlas
Time and events around “Dar El Bacha,” was difficult for the national unity of Morocco in the turbulent time of the French protectorate. The palace, built in the early twentieth century, was the residence of Thami El Glaoui who, for mutual benefit, brought decisive support to the French “resident” Lyautey based in Marrakech. As a […]
Heating drum skin for Achoura
Riad Denise Masson played host to fest of Moroccan clay drums as the last day of the Islamic Achora festival, celebrating the freeing of Moses from the Egyptians by god and the day Noah left the Ark, rained out over the traditional open riad roof. Entering the performers rehearsal room has a mellow tone, with […]
An Engagement in La Medina
Walking down the street of Souikat market in the North West of the Marrakech Medina you see two men pulling an unwilling full sized ram towards you, it passes and you think nothing of it. An hour later, in the distance pipes and drums begin to play which gradually crescendo and from a distance you […]
Tam Tam Teenagers
Walking through the small streets of La Medina in Marrakech on the 10th day of Murahham (the Islamic calendar) you would be mistaken to think that a micro war has broken out, in fact, this is the exciting and friendly celebration of Achoura. Celebrated by all ages in a variety of ways around the Muslim […]
Absinthe, and the Marrakech winter
In Europe Absinthe is synonymous with a distilled highly alcoholic spirit and ‘little green fairies’, however with the local Moroccan population in Marrakech, it is something quite warming and welcoming with the colder winter period setting in when mint is out of season. This herbal tea drink is bought and made in much the same […]
Mint Tea Recipe
Mint tea is the staple of Moroccan hospitality. Here is our recipe for mint tea as the locals drink it. Essentials: * 1 teapot * 2 tsp Loose Black Tea Leaves * 2 bunch Fresh Mint Leaves * Boiling Water *Sugar Method 1. Put the tea leaves in the bottom of the tea-pot 2. Break mint […]
Marrakech Mint and Herbs
One of the delights of Magical Marrakech is a traditional mint tea which is usually made from seven or more mint and herb varieties. What could be more refreshing as you relax in your Marrakech Riad. The video above shows a young man called Mohamed who takes care of his family mint and herb stall […]
Bahia Palace
The Bahia Palace was built relatively recently at the end of the 19th Century by Sidi Moussa a leading nobleman of his time who buit his fortune on the slave trade. Under the French protectorate it was used to house French army officers. Spacious and airy the palace is decorated with mosaics and plaster work. […]
Orange delivery
Just minutes from our Marrakech Riads, the Jemaa al Fnaa square in Marrakech is famous for freshly squeezed orange juice. Aziz has been supplying delivering oranges to the square for many years. Ably assisted by his team- Hamid and Ibrahim in his efforts to supply Fresh oranges grown in the Marrakech region destined to the […]
Marrakech Silver Coins
In the 11th century Marrakech was the Capital of the Almoravid dynasty and issued its own currency. The square silver coins (to the left on the image above) are from this period. The round coins to the right are a currency that circulated in Marrakech three centuries later. All these coins are silver, note how […]
Ben Youssef Terrace Cafe
Recently opened cafe on located on Riad Larrouss street, one of the main north-south routes through the Marrakech old town. A series of comfortable salons on various levels but what’s really special about this place is the panoramic roof terrace with 360 degree views around the medina and across to the Ben Youssef Mosque from […]
Parking for cars and motorcycles
Arriving by road could not be easier for guests at our Marrakech Riad hotels. We recommend using supervised parking at the entrance to the old town medina where your vehicle will be looked over by the dependable ‘guardians’ night and day for a modest charge. Our staff will be pleased to meet you at a landmark location […]
Cafe Talaa
The Talaa Cafe is an inexpensive and very pleasant establishment near to the Marrakech Museum just opposite the entrance to the souk semarine. Talaa Cafe is conveniently located for our Marrakech Riad Cinnmaon. A good range of traditional Moroccan dishes, tagines, cous cous etc. There is a large and well stocked fridge full of cold […]
Tiskiwin Museum
The Tiskiwin Museum is a truly a hidden gem. Tiskiwin was founded by Bert Flint (a Dutch anthropologist who has been resident in Marrakech since 1957) to display the best of his personal collection of Amzigh berber artefacts. Such is its importance that Tiskiwin is now part of the Marrakech University Cadi Ayyad. The unassuming Mr Flint is […]
Film Set, Marrakech
With it’s vibrant and mystical qualities, the city of Marrakech is often used as backdrop for many films. Occasionally the movies leave a mark on the Red City. One such example is to be found on the rue Mouassine, very near to the Mouassine fountain in the Central Medina five minutes from Riad Cinnamon and […]