The Imperial Cities Marrakech The great thing about Marrakech is that, despite the hyperbole, it doesn’t disappoint. The walls are just as ochre as tradition holds, the souks as intoxicating, the palaces as intricate and impressive, and the museums as fascinating. The Jemaa el-Fna is the beating heart of the city, coming alive at night in a swirl of snake charmers, acrobats and storytellers, all eerily lit by the light of lines of fragrant charcoal braziers cooking up local delicacies. But Marrakech is also a city of increasing sophistication: first-class restaurants, elegant bars and stunning riads (traditional houses converted to luxury boutique hotels) all vie for your attention. You might hear it said that too many visitors have robbed Marrakech of its charm, but it’s not the case - far from it - the mystical allure remains but the accommodation infrastructure both in town and in the surrounding foothills of the High Atlas montains are some of the finest in the world Fes Fez has a special atmosphere. This 13th-century city is an imperial city of long-lasting multicultural history, that reserves unexpected surprises for its visitors. Its medina is the oldest and largest in Morocco, a maze containing all types of craftsmen, from tanners to weavers, dinandiers and potters. Its streets are decorated with architectural masterpieces, and its squares are meeting places where an ancestral art of living is expressed through confident yet delicate gestures. Enter the Bab Boujloud gate and admire the sophistication of Arab-Andalusian art ; the zelliges of blue and jade that adorn it, the scrolls that carve out its openings. In the distance, you can see the minaret of the Karaouiyine mosque ; the doors of knowledge will welcome you, those of the oldest university in the world. Meknes Meknes was the 17th century capital of Sultan Moulay Ishmail, who wanted to create a royal capital here that would rival Versailles. He had an army of bricklayers, black slaves and several hundred captured Christian slaves build 120km of town wall, dream palaces, stables for 12,000 horses, hanging gardens watered by a 4 hectare pond and immense storage sheds. After almost a century of construction, he left one of the most beautiful cities in MoorishArabic style in the world. A short drive from Meknès lays Volubilis, the most important Roman site in this part of North Africa. 32 Four cities share the honour of having been capitals of the country, Marrakech, Fes, Meknes and Rabat. Combined in a single tour they deliver one of the most storied and architecturally magnificent circuits you are likely to experience in the Arabian-influenced world. Rabat Although not its largest city, Rabat is Morocco's modern day capital and 'Royal City'. Known nowadays as the 'Washington' of North Africa, because of its parks, boulevards, monuments, embassies and government buildings, Rabat is also the seat of the Royal Family. Not surprisingly, it is home to a great many splendid palaces, mosques and parks, all in the sensual North African style.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NjE5ODQ=