5 Unique Places For Curious Travelers In Marrakech, Morocco

With its deserts and mountains, Morocco is a fascinating country at the best of times. However, the cities are also intriguing, especially the city of Marrakech with its sights and sounds. However, for those who seek the unusual side of the city, here are five unique places for curious travelers in Marrakech, Morocco.

1. Jardin de Majorelle, Marrakech

 

Jardin de Majorelle was first built in 1923 by French artist Jacques Majorelle, where he built a Berber-style villa called the Borj. Over a period of 40 years, the artist cultivated 135 plant species from five continents. Meanwhile, his enchanting garden had a landscape of yucca, cactus, bougainvillea, jasmine, coconut trees, palms, banana trees, white water lilies, bamboo and more. The artist also painted the buildings within the property in a clear blue, trademarked by him as Bleu Majorelle.

Eventually, in 1947, Majorelle opened the garden to the public to help with the maintenance costs. However, things soon started going wrong, including his divorce from his wife, Andrée Longueville, in 1956. This forced the artist to split up the property. Due to injuries from a car accident he was later forced to sell his share of the villa and gardens.

Soon, the Jardin de Majorelle fell into disrepair, but four years after the death of Majorelle, fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent took over the property. He and his partner, Pierre Bergé, set about restoring the garden. When Saint-Laurent died in 2008, the street outside the garden was renamed in his honor. These days, visitors to Marrakech can visit this beautiful place on Rue Yves Saint Laurent.

2. Musée de La Femme (Women’s Museum)

Musée de La Femme in Marrakech is the first museum of its kind in Northern Africa. Its aim is to preserve the culture of Moroccan women and their artistic achievements. The museum is set in the heart of the historical Sidi Abdelaziz quarter.

Meanwhile, the Musée de La Femme is home to a variety of thematic exhibitions. Moreover, the exhibits highlight the creative spirit of Moroccan women, as well as their cultural contributions around the world.

The museum highlights the contributions of filmmakers, photographers, contemporary painters, activists and poets. It also reveals the work of local craftswomen, fashion designers and textile weavers. Here, visitors can learn about the social, political and historical impact of women’s art in Morocco via a series of cross-genre exhibits.

3. ANIMA Garden, Marrakech

Hidden on the outskirts of Marrakech, ANIMA is another beautiful garden and truly worth the visit. The garden is the work of artist André Heller and is a place of fantasy, where lush plants and vibrant art beautifully combine. In fact, the garden is so lush and green, it is hard to believe you are standing in the heart of the Moroccan desert. Visitors enter through colorful walls and stroll the winding walkways through the palm trees, cacti and roses.

Meanwhile, it also gives the feeling of a fantasy art gallery. Dotted among the plants are a number of pieces, from photographs to paintings and unique sculptures. While visiting, keep an eye out for works by iconic artists like Pablo Picasso and Keith Haring.

Bear in mind that this is an artist’s private garden, but tickets to visit are available. Also, while on the outskirts of the city, there is a free shuttle from the Media. The property also features a small museum and a café.

Morocco is known for its many souks, where visitors can haggle for a bargain. However, this historic square is a little different. Here, snake charmers, fortune tellers, poets and storytellers gather in the square. Located in the center of Marrakesh, Jemaa el-Fna has served as a gathering place and market for 1,000 years.

Today, the square still attracts locals from various ethnic backgrounds and, of course, tourists from all over the world. In the morning, stall owners sell orange juice, spices, traditional medicines, mint leaves and snails. Meanwhile, monkey trainers entertain the crowd, while snake charmers’ flutes are heard across the square.

However, Jemaa el-Fna truly comes alive after sunset, when restaurants surrounding the square start serving customers as they stroll around the square. Visitors can also enjoy the music of Berber musicians and watch the Gnaoua dancers. Meanwhile, henna tattoo artists turn storytellers and poets to pass on the traditions of Marrakesh to visitors.

5. Learn local culture at the Heritage Museum

A short, five-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fna square is the Heritage Museum, housed in a 17th-century riad in the center of the city. The small museum features a charming array of Moroccan antique artifacts from the Alouani Bibi family.

Explore the display rooms, loaded with ancient pottery and beautiful tribal jewelry from the family’s past. Before you leave, make sure to head up to the tranquil rooftop cafe, with its panoramic views over the souk below.

Experience Marrakech in Morocco this year, where you can visit all these attractions and so much more.

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