MOROCCO
Vacations and Sightseeing
Vacations and Sightseeing
| Basic information | |
| Official language | Arabic, Berber |
| Capital | Rabat |
| Area | 446.550 km² |
| Population | 37,659,611 (2021) |
| Currency | Moroccan dirham (MAD) |
| Web | .ma |
| Code. | MAR |
| Tel. | +212 |
Cities in MOROCCO
| Marrakech |
Vacations and Sightseeing
Morocco has a lot to offer to tourists, a coast of alternating rocks and beaches, natural beauty, exotic-looking cities with an attractive medina (= old town) and souks (markets), where you can buy the products of Moroccan handicrafts. There are also many monuments of the Berbers and the Arab-Islamic culture.
High Atlas MoroccoPhoto: Nouario CC 3.0 Unported no changes made
You can admire Prehistoric and Roman remains, and the nightlife of Casablanca and Tangier. Other attractive places include Marrakech (former hippie paradise), Fes, Safi, Essaouira and Agadir. The most spectacular natural beauty can be found in the High Atlas. In contrast to this dry area, the mild Middle Atlas with its lakes, rivers, waterfalls and cedar forests. There are many oases along the Ziz (Er Rachidia, Erfoud, Rissani) and the Dra (Zagora, Agdz). There are winter sports centers in all mountains in Morocco. The oldest cultural-historical monuments are the prehistoric rock paintings in the High and Anti-Atlas from about 10,000-5,000 BC. Numerous geometric figures, hand axes, people and animals are engraved in the rocks. Of the Roman cities, Volubilis is famous, with remains of triumphal arches, thermal baths and houses with many well-preserved floor mosaics, located near the holy city of Moulai Idris.
Kasbah MoroccoPhoto: Donar Reiskoffer CC 3.0 Unported no changes made
Many places in Morocco have a kasbah (castle). The kasbahs of the Berbers have their own style: they are four-storey mud castles on a square plan, with four protruding corner towers and simple geometric decorations. Some Berberkasbahs consist of walled complexes with various fortresses, stables and gardens. They serve (d) and as a refuge, family house or storage shed. The most interesting Arab-Islamic cities are also known as royal cities. These are Fes, Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat. Many Moroccan cities have a moussem (annual pilgrimage) in honor of the local saint, accompanied by festivities, often including a closing fantasia (equestrian game). Moroccan handicrafts are known for their colorful carpets of leather, pottery from Safi and Fes, wool and silk fabrics, inlaid wood from Essaouira, engraved copper and brass utensils, silver and gold jewelery. Tourism is growing strongly due to the availability of cheap airline tickets to Morocco.
Marrakech MoroccoPhoto: Luc Viatour CC 3.0 Unported no changes made
Marrakech is the capital of the south of Morocco and one of the most visited cities in the country. It is a colorful oasis with a rather exotic touch, surrounded by 16 km of ocher yellow city walls. Marrakech has a beautiful souq (market). Marrakech's character has remained unchanged for over 1,000 years. There are numerous cafes, palaces, mosques and kasbahs, spread across the medina and very special is the central Djemaa El Fna square. Here you will see snake charmers, storytellers and many food stalls. Known as the Pink City, near the High Atlas Mountains in North Africa, Marrakech is a rich cultural mishmash of snake charmers, belly dancers and alluring tourist attractions. Marrakech attracts many visitors who are fascinated by colonial architecture, huge mosques and busy squares and markets. One of the main tourist attractions in Marrakech is the El Badi Palace with 360 rooms. This 16th-century masterpiece is located in the lively Djemaa El Fna square. There are also many gardens in the city to escape the heat and noise. The orchards of the Agdal Garden are very refreshing.
Sources
Encarta Encyclopedia
Lehmann, L. / Marokko
Van Reemst
Macguinness, J. / Morocco handbook
Passport Books
Wilkins, F. / Morocco
Chelsea House
CIA - World Factbook
BBC - Country Profiles
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