Photography
Bloggers and globe-trotters will agree: Marrakech is one of the top places in the world for photography! With contrasting landscapes, a captivating array of colors, and uniquely charming monuments and palaces, the Pearl of the South offers the perfect backdrop for selfies and photo shoots. Made in Marrakech reveals the 10 best places to strike a pose in Marrakech. Photo: Yaopey Yong
Built in the late 19th century, Bahia Palace is a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. Its interior courtyards, lush gardens, and richly decorated rooms with stucco, zellige tiles, and painted woodwork offer countless photo opportunities. Each room tells a different story, capturing the essence of Moroccan art's refinement.
The narrow, winding alleys of Marrakech's medina are a playground for photographers. The ochre walls, colorful doors, arched passages, and everyday scenes provide unique photo opportunities at every turn. The changing light throughout the day transforms these alleys into ever-evolving backdrops for atmospheric images.
The Ben Youssef Medersa, a 16th-century masterpiece of Islamic architecture, offers a dazzling visual spectacle. Its walls feature intricate geometric zellige patterns, carved cedar wood doors and ceilings, and a central courtyard with a reflective pool that creates fascinating light effects. Built between 1564 and 1565 by Sultan Abdullah Al-Ghalib, this former Quranic school embodies the height of Moroccan Islamic architectural art.
The palaces of Marrakech are luxurious sanctuaries where every detail is designed for photography. Their lavish gardens, sparkling pools, and interiors decorated with traditional mosaics and carved woodwork offer a perfect blend of Moroccan tradition and modern comfort. The Royal Mansour, for example, comprises 53 individual riads, each an art piece itself.
The souks of Marrakech are a festival of colors, smells, and sounds. These traditional markets offer authentic and vibrant scenes of life. Stalls overflowing with colorful spices, intricately patterned carpets, and metal lanterns create rich and varied visual compositions. Each alley in the souks tells a different story, providing endless subjects for photographers.
Riads, these traditional houses organized around a central patio, are true architectural gems. Their courtyards adorned with fountains, walls covered in colorful tiles, and terraces offering panoramic views of the medina are all perfect settings for unique snapshots. These havens of peace beautifully contrast with the bustle of the surrounding streets.
The shops in the medina showcase lively scenes of Moroccan craftsmanship. From weavers to blacksmiths and dyers, each shop is a window into age-old skills. The interplay of light and shadow in these small workshops, the artisans' precise movements, and the colorful products create detailed and emotive photographic compositions.
Nestled in the heart of Marrakech's Palmeraie, Dar El Sadaka is much more than a luxury guesthouse. It is a living artwork created by artist Jean-François Fourtou. On an 11-hectare estate, visitors are invited into a surreal world where contemporary art blends with luxury and Moroccan tradition. Giant animal sculptures dot the lush gardens, while the "upside-down house" and the "giant's house" play with perceptions. Each suite, named after an animal, offers a unique experience. Dar El Sadaka doesn't just welcome guests; it takes them on a dreamlike journey where creativity rules, making every stay an unforgettable adventure in the artist's imagination.
The gardens of La Ménara, created in the 12th century, provide a peaceful and photogenic setting. The pavilion with its emerald green roof reflecting in a large water basin, set against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, creates an iconic visual composition of Marrakech. At sunset, the scene is bathed in magical golden hues, offering opportunities for spectacular shots.
Created in 1931 by French painter Jacques Majorelle, this garden is a paradise for photographers. Its signature cobalt blue, known as "Majorelle blue," contrasts beautifully with the lush vegetation of cacti, palms, and exotic plants. The fountains, winding paths, and art deco architectural elements offer unique visual compositions around every corner.
Published: Nov 15, 2024
Updated: Nov 18, 2024
Exhibition
Mahi Binebine's exhibition "Silent Elevations" has been extended until May 20 at the Mandarin Oriental. This event is a must-see for lovers of contemporary Moroccan art and those who want to explore a unique blend of sculpture and painting.
RAMADAN
Ramadan is a time for shared moments, and Marrakech offers many exceptional places to break the fast with family or friends. Here is a selection of establishments where you can enjoy a memorable ftour in Marrakech during the holy month.
Art
In Marrakech, graffiti artists and other street artists have not only made a splash in galleries over the past few years but have also taken to the streets. This is largely thanks to the Marrakech Biennale and the 'Liberty Wall' initiative, which have allowed them to establish their presence and tap into their creative freedom. While waiting to welcome travelers again, the team at Made in Marrakech invites you to explore Marrakech's vibrant street art scene through 10 images. Photo: DR
Escape
At the gates of Marrakech, the mineral-rich Agafay desert has become 'the place to be.' Far from the city's hustle, at the foot of the Atlas mountain range, it’s the perfect spot to recharge for a day or more. Our team reveals our four favorite picks! Photo: Be Agafay
Aperitif
Once the workday ends, we only have a few hours left to meet up with friends and enjoy some much-needed downtime at an afterwork gathering. Whether they are new hotspots or must-visit places in the ochre city, Made in Marrakech shares its current favorite spots.
Getaway
Looking to escape your daily routine, soak up nature, see the sea and feel the sea spray, hike in the mountains and breathe in the fresh air, or simply discover a different atmosphere... The areas around Marrakesh are incredibly diverse! While staying in Morocco, Made in Marrakesh suggests ten getaways accessible by car or plane, thanks to new flight routes, all within three hours. So, what are you up to this weekend? Photo: Samuel C