Marrakech

Marrakech, often called the red city, is just like everything you expect, and yet, so different from anything you can imagine. Positioned in Maghreb, also known as Northwestern Africa, Morocco sits just opposite Spain, separated by the Strait of Gibraltar. Founded in the mid-11th century by the Almoravids, Marrakech quickly rose to power and became one of Morocco’s four historical capitals. And in the country’s center, the red city stands as one of its most renowned destinations.

The terracotta walls of Marrakech’s medina (a UNESCO World Heritage site) shape a labyrinth of homes, places of worship, gardens, and souks (markets), all immersed in an ecosystem of its own. Donkeys haul goods through narrow streets as motorbikes whiz by; these contrasting scenes create a beautifully chaotic picture.

Surrounding this ancient center, modern neighborhoods like Gueliz and Hivernage reveal Morocco’s growing contemporary lifestyle. This side of Marrakech displays wide boulevards, shopping centers, French cafes, and luxury boutiques. While the city is growing and changing, its soul remains visible in the colors, the hospitality, and the history that’s embedded throughout its streets.