Wandering Medieval Alleys & Enjoying a Sunset - Marrakech Medina - UNESCO Morocco
Hello everyone, and welcome back to my journey through Morocco. Marrakech is a bustling city of more than 1.57 million people in the metro area, and a variety of modern industries, including real estate and green energy research. Marrakech’s medina (old quarter), however, is a walled-off city within the city, dating back to medieval times, and still home to more than 80,000 people who live in much the same way as their ancestors. Due to the medina’s rich historical significance, medieval design, and well-preserved local customs, the quarter is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Like other medieval cities from this part of the world, the complex design of the city’s alleys was made to be intentionally disorienting to aid in struggles against outsiders. Many of the narrow alleys will turn suddenly and often, adding shade and also muffling the sounds. I found it common to be walking down an alley which was quiet and seemed abandoned, only to turn a corner and find myself dropped into a crowded boulevard, lined with sellers and teeming with foot traffic.
The shops are stocked floor to ceiling with goods of all sorts, and with sights and smells which dazzle the senses. Pottery, jewelry, spices, leather, lamps, and carpets in all shapes, sizes, and colors. I imagine if I ever lived in Europe, I would come here to furnish my home, as much of the goods were hand-made, and of good quality for the prices being asked. I think it is cool that tourism has allowed the people here to continue the legacy of human creativity and craftsmanship, which has been carried on through the many generations that have lived here.
Walking through these alleys can be a bit hectic, and it is difficult to just walk around and window shop without people trying to invite you in for a personalized sales pitch. That being said, it is truly an exhilarating experience being caught up in the current of the city and guided forward by the sheer momentum of the street.
Despite having no cars allowed in the medina, they still seemed to experience the occasional traffic jam …just with donkeys.
I come to a large and crowded clearing full of tents and seller stalls called Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the home of Morocco’s busiest market. It is hard to describe this place, but chaotic is a good word to start. There is action of every sort all around you, from acrobats and snake charmers, old ladies selling candies, guys swallowing swords, and men betting on scorpion fights …it's a wild and unpredictable place.
In the middle of the square, there are many food tents set up, and men who will shove menus in your face, hoping you will choose to follow them to their tent. Some of the men were quite aggressive and were even yelling obscenities at people, including myself, when their restaurant wasn’t chosen.
At the end of the square is the Koutoubia Mosque, which is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. It looks cool from the outside, but non-Muslims were not allowed to enter.
Finally back home after a long day of walking, I enjoy a relaxing sunset while looking out over the old city.
I hope you enjoyed reading about my walk through the historic medina. If you would like to read more about my adventures in Marrakech, please consider checking out some of my previous posts, including:
Breathtaking Designs of the Saadian Royal Tombs in Marrakech, which can be found here.
Rooftop Turtles & A Ruined El Badi Palace, which can be found here.
All photos are mine, unless otherwise sourced. Have a great day!