Most Impressive Buildings in Marrakesh

Details at Ben Youssef Madrasa in Marrakesh
Details at Ben Youssef Madrasa in Marrakesh | © Louisa Thomson / Flickr
Sarah Williams

Morocco is home to a host of visually striking buildings. For those planning a getaway to the country’s former imperial capital of Marrakesh, it would be a wise move to add the architectural gems outlined in this guide, to your itinerary.

1. Koutoubia Mosque

Mosque

The towering minaret of Koutoubia Mosque is the symbol of Marrakesh. Constructed from red bricks and sandstone, the outside of the mosque features many ornamental details. Turquoise tiling, plasterwork, calligraphy, arches, and fountains are a few of the mosque’s attractive features.

2. Saadian Tombs

Archaeological site

The Saadian Tombs, Marrakech.
© Nick Bailey / Alamy Stock Photo
The Saadian Tombs is a large complex of lavish mausoleums and tombs. Containing the remains of royalty and those held in high regard by the sultan, the site dates back to the 1550s. Gold, Italian marble, and colourful tiling add opulence to the final resting places.

3. Badi Palace

Ruins

Although now in ruins, it is still easy to imagine how impressive the former palace would have been in the past. Built to be one of the finest palaces of its time, the now-bare walls of Badi Palace were once adorned with decadent ornamentation.

Badi Palace, Ksibat Nhass, Marrakesh, Morocco, +212 5243 78163
Todo el palacio para mi #palacioelbadi#badipalace#Badí#marruecos#marrakech#marrakesh#palacio#medina con @atxutegi_88
A post shared by Nerea Jauregui (@nereajaure) on Apr 16, 2017 at 12:40pm PDT

An ornate former royal palace, Bahia Palace showcases glorious traditional designs. Colourful tiles cover floors and walls, monumental fountains add to the air of elegance, and graceful arches lead from one area to another. You’ll also see exquisite woodwork and plasterwork.

Bahia Palace, Rue riad zitoun el-Jedid, Marrakesh, Morocco
Mosaïque ?. . . . . #traveler #travel #maroc #marocco #marrakech #medina #bahia #bahiapalace #trip #trippy
A post shared by ANI. (@heyyy.ani) on Apr 29, 2017 at 1:10am PDT

4. Ben Youssef Madrasa

School

Ali Ben Youssef Medersa Islamic school, Marrakesh, Morrocco
© Nicram Sabod/Shutterstock
Ben Youssef Madrasa was one of the most splendid Islamic schools across the Maghreb. Admire the exterior details from the pretty courtyard before peering out of the small windows in the comparatively austere former studying rooms.

Marrakech Museum

The interesting Marrakech Museum is housed within a former palace. The 19th-century Dar Menebhi Palace has been restored to its former glory, displaying fine Andalusian-style designs. The main courtyard has lovely ornamental fountains and a huge chandelier hangs in the central area. Beautiful craftsmanship can be seen throughout the building.

Marrakech Museum, Place Ben Youssef, Marrakech-Médina, Morocco, +212 5244 41893
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A post shared by Goldlöckchen (@wa.rinka) on Mar 24, 2017 at 12:35am PDT

5. Dar Si Said

Museum

Another Marrakshi museum in a former palace, Dar Si Said has also been carefully renovated. It displays many fine examples of traditional Moroccan artisanship, including tilework, woodwork, and plasterwork.

Dar Si Said, 8 Rue de la Bahia, Marrakesh, Morocco, +212 5243 89564
Dar Si Said #voyage #travel #travelling #museum #maroc #morocco #marrakesh #Marrakech #explore #wanderlust #instatravel #instagood #green #architecture #darsisaid
A post shared by M A R C I A P R A D I P T I (@marciemarcia) on Apr 10, 2017 at 6:20am PDT

6. Kasbah Mosque

Mosque

The Kasbah Mosque, also known as Moulay El Yazid Mosque, is one of the city’s oldest mosques. The reddish-coloured minaret with its band of greenish-blue tiles is somewhat similar to that of the Koutoubia Mosque. The tower is also topped with a spire and orbs.

Theatre Royal

The Roman-inspired Theatre Royal is a photogenic building in Gueliz. A relatively new addition to the city, construction of the theatre was completed in 2001. Topped with a large cupola, the front of the building features splendid columns.

Theatre Royal, Avenue Hassan II, Marrakech, Morocco, +212 5244 31516
Algo que chama a atenção em Marrakech é o padrão de cores predominante na cidade no tom bege. Do outro lado da rua, podemos ver o Théâtre Royal de Marrakech, que exemplifica bem característica marcante da arquitetura da cidade, com seus 50 tons de bege ? #Marrocos
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7. Marrakesh Railway Station

Attractive both inside and out, the current Marrakesh Railway Station was built in the late 2000s. It combines traditional Moroccan and Islamic styles with modern designs. The main atrium is light and airy, and there are interesting sculptures outside the main entrance.

Marrakesh Railway Station, Marrakesh, Morocco
“Don’t you know we’re riding on the Marrakesh Express” #crosbystillsandnash #railwaystation #marrakechrailwaystation #marrakeshexpress
A post shared by Patrick Benjaminsson (@patrickbenjaminsson) on Oct 14, 2015 at 9:45am PDT

Menara Airport

Sleek and stylish, Menara Airport perfectly blends the old with the new, with traditional designs fused with contemporary features. Symmetrical patterns, lots of glass, and gleaming white metal create a feeling of order and efficiency.

Menara Airport, Menara, Marrakesh, Morocco, +212 5244 47910
L’aéroport Marrakech-Ménara figure à la 4ème place du classement des “11 plus beaux aéroports du monde” réalisé par le journal italien TGCOM24. Il est situé 10 minutes de l’ l’hôtel @kenzimenarapalace ! ☀?✈ #Marrakech #Airport #Marrakechmenara #Travel #flight #holiday #beautiful #marrakechairport #menaraairport #morocco #aviation #architecture #design
A post shared by Hôtel Kenzi Menara Palace (@kenzimenarapalace) on Mar 15, 2017 at 3:39am PDT

La Mamounia Palace

The luxurious La Mamounia Hotel offers a modern stay within a historic palace. Andalusian elements are visible throughout, with vibrant tilework, intricate arches, carvings, and polished floors. The high walls present an imposing first sight.

La Mamounia Palace, Avenue Prince Moulay Rachid, Marrakech, Morocco, +212 524 388 600
LA MAMOUNIA AS AN ARTIST’S MUSE ? ✈️ ? This multi-faceted place, its architecture, Arabic-Andalusian decoration, and fantastic views over the gardens, the Koutoubia, the Atlas Mountains and the park have all been sources of inspiration and creativity. La Mamounia and its spirit have inspired artists and writers, and enriched the experiences of those who stay here, and take the time to explore and understand it. This Moroccan palace has never been more alive. #LaMamouniaLife is the Best Life Ever… ‪#LaMamouniaMarrakech is the place to be… #LaMamouniaStyle is the iconic style…. #interiordesign #architecture #art #artist #artistsofinstagram #travel #luxury #lamamouniamarrakech #travel #Lovemyjob #Staytuned #travelstyle #Luxe #luxurylife #mamounia #mamounia_hotel #Maroc #Morocco #marrakech #sun #nicewheather #leadinghotels #jardins #gardens #takemeback #bestvacationever ⛤ ? www.mamounia.com ? 00212 524 388 600
A post shared by La Mamounia Marrakech (@lamamouniamarrakech) on Feb 24, 2017 at 2:33am PST

8. Hotel Royal Mansour

The five-star Hotel Royal Mansour is another of Marrakesh’s most attractive luxury accommodations. Lavish furnishings perfectly accentuate and complement the striking designs. Architecturally and ornamentally, the hotel blends traditional Moroccan elements with Andalusian and Moorish styles. The large and impressive entrance gateway sets the tone for the beauty concealed behind the outer walls.

Hotel Royal Mansour, Rue Abou Abbas el sebti، Marrakech, Morocco, +212 529 808 080
Our Artistic Director, Imane Oulaali will be pleased to help with creating themes and matching décor for your wedding! . . . #royalmansour #marrakesh #marrakech #morocco #interiordesign #interior #travel #luxury #luxurytravel #vacation #holiday #wedding #events #MICE
A post shared by Royal Mansour Marrakech (@royalmansour) on Mar 16, 2017 at 4:58pm PDT

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