Jemaa al-Fnaa
Jemaa al-Fnaa
The famous gathering place in the walled Medina of Marrakech , Locals and visitors gather here each evening as the carnival of the Jeema el Fnaa unfolds around them. A must see spectacle for your Marrakech visit, and a short evening walk from all of our centrally located boutique riad Hotels.
Qu’elle est jolie, Jemaa al Fnaa
Qu` elle est jolie is a folk group usually to be found playing in the Jemma al Fnaa square opposite to the landmark Cafe France. Their best known song of the same name switches between Spanish, Berber, French and the Darija Moroccan dialect. The group was established in the early 1980s, and today usually comprises four or five […]
The Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia mosque was built in the 12th century under the Caliph Yaqub al-Mansur to be the crowning glory of his North African based empire, it is indeed today still the largest mosque to be found in Marrakech today. The structure stands 69 metres tall towering over the surrounding city, an impressive structure by any […]
Fishing for bottles
In the midst of Jemaa el Fna square every evening you can catch a group of locals in a circle doing something which at first looks rather peculiar, and on closer inspection still looks fairly peculiar, if perhaps somewhat more logical than previously. Most British people will be familiar with the fairground game of a […]
The Jewish community in Marrakech
The Jewish community has a long history in Marrakech and Morocco at large, indeed the history of the community stretches back to antiquity under the Roman empire following the dissolution of the Jewish state in 70 AD with Jewish people arriving after the destruction of the Jewish state. The Jewish people received relatively kind treatment under the sultans due […]
Spicy tea in Jemaa al Fnaa, Marrakech
On the South side of the Jemma al Fnaa square between the night time food stalls and the crowded open space packed with performers is a row of spicy tea vendors. Each offers his own brew with exotic ingredients like Ginseng, Cardamon, Star Anis, Lemon Balm and Fenugrek. The competing recipes are proudly displayed, very […]
Pharmacie de la Place, Jemaa al Fnaa, Marrakech
Pharmacists in Morocco can dispense many drugs, for example antibiotics, that would require a prescription in Europe. The Pharmacie de la place is conveniently located overlooking the main Jemaa al Fnaa square and has exceptionally helpful staff. There are many other chemists in both the medina and the new town. Your Riad staff will be pleased […]
Marrakchi Restaurant, Marrakech
The Marrakchi is a well known and well loved restaurant situated next to Cafe France on the North West corner of the main Jemma al Fnaa square in Marrakech. We particularly like Marrakchi at night, ask for a window table, the view down to the square is stunning. The menu includes a variety of traditional […]
Cafe France, Jemaa al Fna, Marrakech
Cafe France is a Marrakech institution, located at the north west corner of the Jemaa al Fnaa it has been a meeting place and watering hole for Europeans since the days of the French Protectorate in Morocco. It was redecorated at the end of 2009 and inconveniently for the new visitor the Cafe France sign […]
Chleuh dancing-boys, Jemaa al fnaa, Marrakech
Around dusk in the north west corner of the Jemaa al fnaa the famous-dacing boys gather and start to perform. The dance and accompanying music will build to a crescendo many hours later. The cultural origins of this tradition lie in the fact that it would be considered innapropriate for women to put on such a performance. Visitors […]
Water Sellers in Jemaa al Fnaa
There are many sights and sounds in the vibrant Jemaa al Fnaa, the main square in Marrakech Morocco. One of the more curious is the sights of brightly dressed men moving throught the crowds (often ringing bells or callingout) carrying goat skin bags of water and brass cups. The explanation is that they are water […]
Harira Soup
Harira is a rich soup based on a red meat stock made with lentils and seasonal fresh vegetables. It is often eaten as part of the Ftour the ‘breakfast’ at the end of the days fast during the holy month of Ramadan. A stay in one of our traditional riads offers the opportunity to experience […]