Atlas and Atlantic

Capital of Two DynastiesMarrakech was the capital of the Almoravids, who here in the 11th century ruled an empire reaching as far as Andalusia. In the 12th century, the Almohads built the Koutoubia Mosque, whose minaret still defines the city's skyline. In the 16th century, the Saadians once again made the city their residence; the Medersa Ben Youssef dates from this time.Jemaa el-FnaSince the 14th century, the square has been considered a symbol of the city. Storytellers, healers, musicians, and food stalls made it so unique that UNESCO recognized it in 2001 as one of the first Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. This initiative was sparked by the Spanish writer Juan Goytisolo, who lived in Marrakech.After the EarthquakeThe earthquake of September 8, 2023, damaged parts of the city wall, several mosques, and historic buildings. The Koutoubia has been open again since March 2024, while restoration work is still ongoing at other monuments like the Bahia and Badi Palaces.

Atlas Mountain VillageImlil grew primarily with mountain tourism around Toubkal. The Kasbah du Toubkal above the village, once the summer residence of a local feudal lord, has been a hotel since 1995. Martin Scorsese filmed scenes for Kundun here. The 2023 earthquake caused relatively little damage to Imlil, and mountain operations quickly resumed.ToubkalThe summit was first climbed in 1923. A two-day tour with an overnight stay in a hut at approx. 3,200m is common. A licensed mountain guide is mandatory for the ascent.

Planned City by the SeaThe Skala de la Ville bastion, with its bronze cannons, served as the backdrop for the city of Astapor in Game of Thrones.Gnaoua FestivalHeld since 1998, usually in late June, the Gnaoua Festival attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The region is also a center for argan oil production.

SurfingThe best time for waves is from September to April. Hash Point, right by the village, is suitable for beginners, while Killer Point, Panoramas, and Boilers are reef and point breaks for advanced surfers.Fishermen and ArganBesides tourism and surfing, residents earn their living from fishing and argan oil. South of the village, the Taghazout Bay resort area, with its hotels and golf course, has been developing for several years.

Capital of Two DynastiesMarrakech was the capital of the Almoravids, who here in the 11th century ruled an empire reaching as far as Andalusia. In the 12th century, the Almohads built the Koutoubia Mosque, whose minaret still defines the city's skyline. In the 16th century, the Saadians once again made the city their residence; the Medersa Ben Youssef dates from this time.Jemaa el-FnaSince the 14th century, the square has been considered a symbol of the city. Storytellers, healers, musicians, and food stalls made it so unique that UNESCO recognized it in 2001 as one of the first Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. This initiative was sparked by the Spanish writer Juan Goytisolo, who lived in Marrakech.After the EarthquakeThe earthquake of September 8, 2023, damaged parts of the city wall, several mosques, and historic buildings. The Koutoubia has been open again since March 2024, while restoration work is still ongoing at other monuments like the Bahia and Badi Palaces.