The church of Saints-Martyrs
Built in 1928 by the French architect and urban planner Henri Prost, the church of Saints-Martyrs is a key part of the city's heritage. Right in the heart of the Guéliz district, it now stands opposite a newly built mosque. A fine example of interfaith tolerance! The church was named in honor of the five Franciscan brothers, Bérard, Pierre, Othon, Adjutus, and Accurse, who died in Marrakech on January 16, 1220, not far from its location.
Did you know? The name "Guéliz" might actually be derived from the word "église," meaning church.
A famous café
Doesn't this place ring a bell at first glance? Yet, you've probably walked past it! Built during the Protectorate in the 1920s, it was both a café and a postal service point. It's said that Jacques Majorelle spent time there with General Lyautey… Yes! It's the Grand Café de la Poste! This historic spot stands on Place du 16 Novembre, at the junction of Avenue Hassan II and Avenue Mohammed V.
The Grand Central Post Office of Guéliz
Just a few steps from the Grand Café de la Poste is the Grand Central Post Office of Guéliz, dating from the Protectorate era.
Mohammed V Avenue
The place is unrecognizable! Today, it's Mohammed V Avenue, connecting the new town to the medina. Vibrant and lively, it houses banks' headquarters, restaurants, and big brand stores...
The crossroads of three cafés
Do you recognize the "crossroads of the three cafés" with its central roundabout? You'll find the Café des Négociants built in 1936, the Grand Atlas Café in 1945, and since 1952, the Renaissance Hotel.
The clock square
Do you know the old Clock Square? Before 1920, a clock stood in the place of the Central Roundabout, topped by a lantern so passersby could read the time at night. In 1936, during the construction of the Café des Négociants, it was moved to the sidewalk and eventually replaced by a roundabout. In the 1980s, the clock vanished completely... Officially, it's called the Central Roundabout, but in the hearts of the Marrakchis, it's always the Clock Square!
The Ciné-Theater Palace
Built in 1926, the Ciné-Theater Palace is an exact replica of the Eden Cinema by the Lumière Brothers in La Ciotat, France. It was considered the first multicultural venue in the Kingdom and attracted famous stars like Nat King Cole and Rita Hayworth, who performed at the Palace. However, after more than 40 years of success, the cine-theater closed its doors in 1984. A piece of Marrakech's history left with the partial destruction of this legendary venue. These demolitions are said to be the beginnings of a future hotel project... something to keep an eye on!
