Scoutism-Club: Marrakech A VTT

Marrakech

Marrakech, is the touristic capital for its capacity, its geographic situation, and its international airport, but it is also an imperial city impregnated with more than a millennium of history. Many dynasties established here the capital and the monuments testimony. Our visit began with the visit of the Bassin Menara (in arabic this means light).

We are about to visit the most known and visible monument in the city: Kountoubia of Marrakech. Yacoub El Mansour, the almohade King built at the end of the 12th century this nice mosque. Its minaret is 69 m highand each of its faces is different from the others. On all the Arabian minarets we can remark 3 or 5 balls right on the top. If there are three the symbolise the earth, the water and the fire, and if there are five, they symbolise the five pillars of the Islam.

After having seen the souks of Marrakech, we went to admire the Saadians graves. The saadian dynasty ruled the Morocco from the middle of the 16th century to the middle of the 17th century and it let magnificent graves. The site was bricked up during centuries. Actually, the public may visit the graves. There are three separated graves: that of the dynasty’s kings, that of the kings’ women, and that of the children’s kings.

We were surprised to view at the entrance the storks in an immense nest suspended on a wall. The guide told us that the storks lived in Morocco. Wa had the opportunity other cities subsequently. The storks don’t go anymore to European countries.One of the most beautiful visits was offered to us in the afternoon: the visit of the medersa Ben Youssef. The medersa are Coranic schools. When you saw one, they resemble all. That of Marrakech is well-kept considering the others that we could visit.

Entering to the Medersa we can see a big central patio. The patio’s walls are decorated according to the Hispanic architecture: zelliges, sculpted stucco and an open shed in cedar. There is a pray hall in this patio.

The day finished with a free district in the famous square Djemaa El Fna. It is a vast square where the animation is completely phenomenal beginning with 5 o’clock in the afternoon. Snake-charmers and other animals can be seen in this square. There are also musicians that entertain the people. And also many sellers of grills, orange juice and other traditional products. The grill’s smoke and the houses give a formidable spectacle.

To visit :
Marrakech poses very beautiful monuments and sites. Whether you stay a day or a week you will always discover another treasures. The visits can be organised around two themes:

The monuments the medina :

The palace and the gardens :

Shopping :

Marrakech is the city if the contrasts which doesn’t let indifferent anybody. Glamour city by excellence, many jet-set personalities have residences here. Don’t forget the masterpieces of the architecture Hispanic- Mauresc its souks and its temperate climate (11 degrees in winter and 28 degrees in summer) that make it an undeniable tourist city. Visit the shops and don’t hesitate to buy souvenirs. Leaving the square Jemaa el Fnaa, go to north and follow the street of the Souk Smarine. Here you will find the square Rahba Kedima. The other souks are in the little streets situated around the square.

The Médina :

Souk Qassabinerue Smarine Souk – fruits and spices
Souk Smarinerue Smarine Souk cloths and textiles
Souk GhazalplaceRahba kedima (in the afternoon)
Souk El-Btanaplace
Souk Rabia covers (16 h)
Souk El-Kebir fancy leather shops
Souk Fagharine blacksmiths
Souk des Bijoutiers at left from the little square in front of hte Palace Bahia Jewels in gold

Guéliz :

Délégation de l'artisanat avenue Mohammed V Local craftsman’s trade (quality products at reference prices).

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SCOUTISM-CLUB ANNONCE À SES MEMBRES QU’UNE SORTIE À VTT EST PREVUE POUR LE MERCREDI 16 NOVEMBRE 2005.
09h00 Rassemblement devant l’école.
09h30 Départ aux :
· Jardins Majorelle.
· Tombeaux des saadiens.
· Palais Badii-Bahia
12h30 Pause déjeuné à la place jamaâ El Fena
14h00 Départ à Dar si Saîd - Menara
17H00 Retour à Sup De Co