The 'Ochre City' lies in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and has many of the features of a typical Moroccan city, including a fortified Old Town and modern 'new city' area built by the French at the start of the 20th century. However, the city is best known for the Djemaa el Fna, its incredible, bustling market square - the largest in Morocco and home to one of the busiest markets in Africa. The square is filled with entertainers during the day - acrobats, musicians, dancers, snake charmers, wide-eyed story tellers and instantly recognisable water sellers.
At night the square is transformed into a huge open-air restaurant as it fills with stalls selling every different type of Moroccan food. The incredible aromas will no doubt prove to be an irresistible temptation. Marrakech's many varied attractions include the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque, with its (relatively modest) 70-metre Minaret, which is the spiritual centre of Marrakech.
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