History and Culture | Marrakech Riad

Saadian Tombs

The Saadian tombs in Marrakech’s medina are the resting place of the former royal dynasty of Morocco, built in the 16th century by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur they were lost for many years only to be rediscovered by archaeologists in 1917. Since then they have become an integral part of any culture or history fans visit to Marrakech. […]

Ramadan in Marrakech

The Islamic calender also has 12 months like the Gregorian, however whereas the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar (i.e. based on the earth’s orbit of the sun) the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar. This means that the calendar does not correspond directly to the seasons in the same way that the western calendar does, […]

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 […]

Fresh Orange juice in Jemaa el Fna

When under the boiling sun that is often to be found in Morocco and indeed much of north Africa, there is little more refreshing or thirst quenching than a cup of freshly squeezed orange juice. Luckily if you happen to find yourself in the great square of Jemaa el Fna there is certainly no short […]

Drinking Pistachios

Of all the ingredients that spring to mind when one thinks of a smoothie, pistachios are probably not the first thing that springs to most peoples mind. However they are in fact used as a key ingredient in traditional yoghurt based Moroccan drinks. Indeed one would also imagine that the flavour of pistachios would not lend […]

Marrakech Museum

If you’re looking for a more historical perspective on Marrakech and Morocco or indeed just looking for a tranquil and interesting place to visit between the hustle and bustle of the markets and the souks then Marrakech Museum is what you’re looking for. The museum itself is a classic example of the local architecture meaning […]

Islamic Art in Marrakech

Due to scruples contained within Islamic texts it is forbidden to depict living creatures such as humans or animals. This has not however stopped the Islamic world from developing its own very distinctive and beautiful forms of art, indeed many of the forms and shapes expressed within the realms of Islamic art certainly have benefited from these cultural directives. […]

Orange Canelle a Moroccan treat.

For a fresh taste of Marrakech it is hard to find a better example of a simple yet delicious dish as Orange Canelle or Moroccan Orange Salad. This salad is the simple combination of slices of orange placed on a plate with cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on top. This seemingly simple dish is a great […]

Ben Youssef Madrassa

For a window into Islamic culture in the Mahgreb and the religious institutions that greatly influenced its development. One can do a lot worse than to visit the Ben Youssef Madrassa. Originally founded during the 14th Century during the Marinid Period by Sultan Abu al-Hassan, the building was first brought to great prominence by its reconstruction […]

Kouba Baroudiyine, the Almoravid koubba, a hidden gem in Central Marrakech

The oldest building in Marrakech is the Kouba Baroudiyine, the washrooms from the original Mosque built by, and named after Ben Yussef the second King of the Almoravid dynasty. Sadly this is the only remaining example of the highly decorated architecture of this period. It features some fantastic details which are echoed in later islamic […]

Donkey and cart

The donkey and cart is a common sight in the medina of Marrakech where the streets are too narrow for truck and vans. These docile and dependable creatures, known as ‘brill’ in arabic are essential to everyday life. A Riad hotel in the Medina is the perfect base from which to explore and experience this […]

Tanjia, a special dish unique to Marrakech

Many visitors to Morocco are familiar with Tagine, the classic slow cooked Moroccan meal prepared in a cone shaped clay pot of the same name. The ancient City of Marrakech has a signature slow cooked dish which is even more special, the TANJIA. The Tanjia dish is shaped like a greek urn, it is perfectly […]

An afternoon walk through the lively Marrakech Souks

The Marrakech Souks contain an astonishing variety of life. Just a 15 minute walk though the Souks near to Riad Papillon and Riad Cinnamon in the central medina gives a window onto an ancient culture. Start in a Caravanserai ( a camel motel!) recently restored using UNESCO funding (Marrakech is a UNESCO world heritage site), […]

A stroll through Marrakech at dawn, from Riad Cinnamon to the Jemma al Fna square

What better place to wake before dawn than the ancient City of Marrakech. The gallery below traces an early morning stroll, waking in our luxury Riad Cinnamon, taking a hot shower in the Casablanca suite, moving swiftly up to the roof terrace to catch the sunrise behind the Ben Yussef mosque and the Atlas Mountains […]

Chicken Tagine with preserved lemon and olives

Some would argue that Chicken Tagine is the Moroccan National dish (though others would say cous cous!). It is certainly a Moroccan classic. If you want to experience the REAL Morocco stay in our Riad Marrakech Luxury Accommodation. What better way to sample the delights of this ancient culture and share a warm moroccan welcome. […]

Fez style Zellig tile work

Craftsmen from the Imperial City of Fez, Morocco are known for their intricate tile work. This magnificent example is behind a fountain in the old town of Marrakech. Stay in one of our Riad boutique hotels and experience the Red City at First hand. Make contact today to reserve accommodation.

Oud, a classical arab musical instrument

In the heart of the Marrakech Mediana, master craftsmen, known as ‘mellem’ are working using many ancient skills. The Mellem below was photographed in the Marrakech Souks not far from Riad Cinnamon shaping an Oud in lemon wood. The enchanting sound of classical Oud is familiar throughout the arab world Stay in our Riads in Magical Marrakech and experience this fascinating and ancient […]

Broad Beans, in season in March and April

We enjoy serving seasonal organic fruit and vegetables at our marrakech riads. In March and April this includes broad beans which are abundant in the street markets. Reserve dinner for your arrival evening when you book accommodation. The perfect base from which to explore the ancient medina of Marrakech, Morocco.

Chrob ou Chouf fountain, Marrakech

The Chrob ou Chouf fountain is located in the Central Medina near to the Marrakech Museum and our Marrakech Riad Cinnamon. Built under the Saadian dynasty around 1600 the arabic name translates literally as ‘Drink and Look’. As Marrakech expanded fountains provided essential drinking water for new neighbourhoods transported via a complex system of underground […]

Recycled Car tyres

In Marrakech, as in other African cities there is a strong culture of recycling. Not far from the main square on Riad Zitoun Street there are a number of specialists expertly transforming used tyres into a variety of inexpensive house hold utensils. Our luxury Riads are the perfect base for your stay in Marrakech. Reserve […]

Svenge, Moroccan deep fried donuts

Svenge is a widely available in Marrakech, often served from street food stalls. Rings of dough deep fried in oil, usually sold tied in bunches of five. Svenge is eaten at breakfast or as a snack throughout the day. Our Marrakech Riads offer the perfect base from which to explore the Red City. Reserve Accommodation […]

Eid Mubarak, Eid al Adha celebrated in Morocco on 17 November, 2010

The holy festival of Eid al Adha celebrates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son. It is celebrated approximatley two months after the end of the holy month of Ramadan ends with Eid al Kbir. Eid al Adha is celebrated in Morocco on 17 November, 2010. Eid Mubarak, happy Eid!

Cactus fruit, prickly pears, in season in Marrakech

Cactus fruits also known as prickly pears are in season in Marrakech in the late summer. In the countryside cactuses are plentiful, sometimes planted as hedging plants around farms, at this time of year all over the old town street sellers are offering juicy cactus fruits peeled on the spot and ready to eat. The usual […]

Marrakech Riad Plasterwork

The skill of craftsmen practicing ancient trades in Marrakech is quite astonishing. The renovation of our Riad hotels involved dozen of ‘mellem’ or master craftspeople. Among the most impressive to watch working was the ‘mellem gubs’ the plasterworker. The intricate cornices and ceiling pieces were actually cast in the Riad just as they would have […]

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 […]

Spakia, a honeyed snack, eaten with soup while breaking the Ramadan fast

Spakia is one a number of ‘hi-energy’ foods traditionally prepared in Ramadan forming part of the meal which breaks the fast after sundown. Coated in honey and seeds it is usually eaten with Harira soup. Our Marrakech Riad Cinnamon belonged to a long established Marrakech family before we converted it as a Boutique Hotel. They […]

Slilou, a Moroccan delicacy traditionally made during Ramadan

Slilou is one of a number of seasonal specialities prepared during Ramadan. It consists of a blend of nuts and spices ground to a fine powder and eaten with teaspoons, usually from a shared dish during the ‘breakfast’ after sundown. Slilou is a high energy food, and it’s absolutely delicious! Our Marrakech Riads are located […]