9 Interesting Facts to Know About Marrakech Before Visiting

Heading to Morocco’s most popular tourist destination of Marrakech? Well, you’ve come to the right place to learn more about the city you are about to experience firsthand. I recently spent a week in this amazing city and learned several Interesting facts about Marrakech.

This post is all about interesting facts you’ll want to know before exploring Morocco’s cultural mecca of Marrakech. Fact #9 might catch you off guard!

1. One of four imperial cities.

Morocco is home to four imperial cities. These cities are Fez, Marrakech, Rabat, and Meknes. This means that all of these cities were historically once the capital of Morocco – with Rabat currently holding the title.

The name Marrakech actually originates from the Berber words ‘mur (n) akush’ which means “Land of God”. Berber is the name of the ethnic group indigenous to North Africa and is not to be confused with Arabs. Arabs are indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East.

2. Known as the ‘red city’

Due to its inviting warm red, terra cotta, and salmon-pinked hued walls, Marrakech is often referred to as the red city. The iconic color of the walls came naturally from the rich clay originally used to build the city.

3. Marrakech is multi-lingual

Rich with many cultures and ethnic diversity, Marrakech is a city of many languages. The official language of Morocco is Arabic. Locals usually also speak the Berber language Amazigh, along with French, Spanish, and English.

With Marrakech being the top tourist destination in Morocco – the locals learn these languages to be able to interact with tourists for selling goods and providing services,

4. Home to the busiest shopping square in Africa

The bustling square of Jemaa el-Fnaa is the busiest square in all of the continent of Africa. I personally couldn’t believe it until I saw it with my own eyes. This square is located in the heart of the medina (old walled city) in Marrakech and is teeming with merchants, food carts, musicians, dancers, artists, snake charmers, and more.

Jemaa el-Fnaa is synonymous with Moroccan culture and in 2001 was named an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Then, in 2008 it was included in UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

5. Home to a UNESCO World Heritage site

The old medina has been an official UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. The medina is the old city in Marrakech and was established in the 11th century. Here you will find sprawling souks (shops) for anything you can imagine. Leather goods, Morrocan clothing, spices, jewelry, pottery, shoes, home decor, oils, restaurants, hotels, riads, and more can all be found down the narrow and intersecting alleyways of the medina.

6. It’s illegal to cut down palm trees

Something you’ll notice during your visit is the number of palm trees everywhere. Even in some inconvenient places like the middle of a road! Cutting down palm trees is illegal and carries a fine of 5,000 dirhams (approximately $460).

7. Marrakech is famous in Hollywood

Marrakech has been the backdrop for many famous films. The Mummy, Mission Impossible 5, The Man Who Knew Too Much, Game of Thrones, Mamma Mia!, and Inventing Anna – just to name a few – all had scenes shot in Marrakech.

8. Home to a flourishing art and architecture scene

Marrakech is home to breathtaking feats of African design and architecture. Inspired by their Berber roots with some French influence, the signature intricate tiled design of Moroccan walls and flooring will leave you in awe. This art is on full display in places like Ben Youssef Madrasa.

9. There are cats everywhere!

Something I was not expecting but was pleasantly surprised by during my visit to Marrakech was the plethora of cats on the streets. Cats are EVERYWHERE in Marrakech. Cats rule the streets of the medina and can be seen in restaurants, mosques, gardens, riads, and just about anywhere really. They live on the streets but are oftentimes fed and tended to by the locals, so don’t be surprised if they approach you looking for food!

Here are some of the cats I came across during my time in Marrakech.