Marrakesh, capital of the Moroccan South, gets a new luxury hotel, to the great pleasure of lucky travelers.
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t owes its name to the mosque of Koutoubia, second biggest mosque of Morocco, where booksellers, the koutoubiynes, had their stalls in the 12th and 13th centuries. The famous minaret of Koutoubia, 252 feet high, is a real "spiritual lighthouse" for the city: from its summit the call of the muezzine resounds every morning. It's both an emblem for the city and a landmark for guests.
Aformer 13th century "riad" was used as the foundation in the construction of the hotel. The biggest of its kind, it was already classified among Relays and Palaces of Morocco. Splendidly renovated, the place has kept all the charm and conviviality of a big family residence.
70 rooms and two suites are furnished and decorated with sobriety, far from the ostentatious details of an exuberant luxury. Everything is decorated in warm colors and materials: the leather armchairs, wooden furniture and walls, woollen carpets and silk kilims in red, ochre and orangey tones, wall hangings...
Around and beyond the swimming pool a succession of arches outline peaceful and friendly lounges, a magnificent library, and a restaurant in a garden. Ideally located in the heart of the medina, only a few metres from the famous place Jemâa El Fna, The Gardens of Koutoubia is the perfect starting point for your strolls in souks, towards the Palace of the Marroco and other marvels.
Marrakesh, city of art and history
Marrakesh , imperial city built in the 11th century, illustrates the history of the entire country, to which it basiclly lent its name. The amazing geographic variety of the country (mountains, plains, deserts, coasts) made it an issue of numerous conquests. That explains its natural blend of cultures: Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Andalusians and Africans were the origin of present-day Moroccan culture. The greatest kings fought over Marrakesh, and several dynasties succeeded one another. Artisans, architects, painters, sculptors set up palaces, mosques, gardens, and fountains. Showcase for so many jewels, Marrakesh remains dynamic and works to develop its patrimony, from its museums to celebrations and festivals (music, song, dance, and popular arts). Point of convergence of Arabs and Berbers, nomads and mountain dwellers, Marrakesh is the capital of the Morrocan South and one of the most desired destinations.
The Koutoubia mosque
The Menara
Marrakesh the magnificent
" Pearl of the South ", " the Red City ", metaphors are numerous to describe this bewitching city. Behind the doors of the medina, a magic atmosphere transports you out of time. Who wouldn't be fascinated by the spectacular Jemâa El Fna Square ? Narrators, musicians, dancers, public letter-writers, fortune-tellers, snake charmers, quacks and apothecaries offer you the unreal daily show. Get yourself lost in souks and accept an offered mint tea, take time to contemplate what surrounds you: bags of almonds and seeds, baskets of dates, apples, boxes of oranges, pottery, brass instruments, slippers, and spice. Smell the saffron, the cumin, the vervain, and the orange blossoms. Let your senses enjoy. Admire the mountains of the Grand Atlas Mountains, with their impressive mass, their snowy crests and flowered valleys next to the city gates. Ah! Marrakesh, the sublime, the attractive, the charming!
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