Marrakesh was founded by the Berber leader, Youssef BEN TACHFINE who came from the desert with his tribe, Sanhaja. "Al moravides", Tachfin's fellows' main aim was to introduce Islam to the region. According to the historian and author of Roudh Al Qirats, Youssef BEN TACHAFIN was one of the greatest and most vertuous kings that had ever ruled the country at that time.

BEN TACHAFIN didn't have any idea about how the Maghreb or Andalousia may look like, he gave Marrakesh a Saharian aspect which was inspired from the region he was born in. His first edifices were a glorious mosque, his mother's residence and Dar El Hajar Casbah. But he continued to lead a nomade like life.

The city grew quickly with the coming of Youssef BEN TACHAFIN'S son who added more to the city and developed its architecture. Youssef BEN TACHFIN'S mosque and some other historical monument's ruins tell a lot about the wild beauty of Almoravides architecture.

Marrakesh, capital city of a huge empire that went from la Castille to Sudan, was deeply influenced by Andalousian culture and art. El Mouatamid, Poet and king of Seville, wrote his most beautiful poems in Marrakesh when he was exiled in it. When the famous poet Hafsa Ben EL HAJ left Spain and came to Marrakesh with king Yacoub EL MANSOUR, she met many brilliant poets and artists.

Marrakesh was lucky enough to serve as a capital city for numerous Moroccan dynasties, namely Almoravides, Almohades and Saadians whose contributions to the city can still be seen in the medina, the old part of the city. 

Marrakesh, like its most counterparts in Morocco, is a dramatic contrast : The modern city is surrounded with beautiful gardens like the one designed by Majorelle in the North, and Menara gardens in the South. The Medina, old part of the city, is one of the most fascinating sites in the country. It is possible to visit the medina and its historical WALLS by car but it will be more exciting if you do it on foot. The first place to visit is Jamaa El Fna which is a real theatre attractive enough to lure your eyes.

As in all Moroccan cities, Mosques are forbidden for non muslims. However, there are so many interesting sites to visit in the South of the Medina. Not least, AL BADII palace, AL BAHIA palace and Dar Si Said where the museum of Moroccan art is located. More sites to visit are the SAADIANS mausoleum, the KOUTOUBIA tower, "Eiffel Tower" of Marrakesh. It tells a lot about the glory of Almoravides era. BEN YOUSSEF medrassa is a mile stone in the development of scientific research at that time.

Marrakesh is a place that offers something for every one. It is true that Marrakesh is a city of monuments par excellence, but it's also the place of gardens and natural sites where plants and flowers of different types and colours draw a beautiful rainbow that crosses the sky from East to West. Such a picture forshadows the warm welcome that you will get there.

This description is not enough to help you admire the city and its monuments so come here and feel Marrakesh with all your senses.