Cheap Marrakech Holidays Allow You to Explore Jemaa el Fna

The fourth largest city in Morocco, Marrakech is considered the second most important among the country's four imperial cities. Founded in the year 1062 by Abu Bakr ibn Umar, the chief of Lamtuna Berbers, it has been inhabited by the Berber tribes since the Neolithic period. Many Quranic schools or 'madrasas' and mosques were built in this city during the reign of the Almoravid dynasty in the 12th century. The city witnessed rapid growth since then and continues to be a religious, cultural, and trading hub of the Maghreb and sub-Saharan Africa even today.

Your Marrakech short breaks & city breaks would allow you to explore Jemaa el-Fna, which is located in the city's old quarter and is the main square visited by locals as well as tourists. The history of this public square dates back to the times when Marrakech was captured by the Almohads in the mid-11th century and Jemaa el-Fna was renovated along with other prominent structures of the city. In the years that followed, this particular place saw periods of decline and renewal. Your visit to this place during the day would allow you to witness stalls offering orange juice, traditional water-bags made of leather, and brass cups. You'll also come across snake charmers and other entertainers.

During your cheap holidays to Marrakech, you'll also get to watch different forms of entertainment on this square as the day progresses. The dancing boys, magicians, and story-tellers are the greatest source of amusement to the people visiting Jemaa el-Fna. When darkness falls, the number of visitors to this place reaches its peak and you can see numerous food-stalls making their presence felt with some mouth-watering local treats. The square is located alongside a traditional North African market or 'souk', which caters to traders as well as the common locals.

A visit to Jemaa el-Fna during your cheap Marrakech holidays would help you visit the gardens and cafe terraces located nearby. The authorities had closed this place to vehicular traffic in the early 2000s. You'll also notice a strong but discreet presence of police that the authorities have maintained in order to ensure the safety of the tourists as well as locals. This square was described by the Spanish poet and novelist, Juan Goytisolo, as a physical space sheltering a rich oral and intangible tradition. It was once threatened by the pressures of economic development, but the square received tremendous support from the residents.

Jemaa el-Fna can take more than a day to explore, as it is a busy area with the hustle-bustle of crowds. There are a number of things sold at the souk and this gives you plenty of choices in various items that are offered for sale at the marketplace. It is always a good idea to be in the company of a local guide to get good bargains. You can split your trip of this place in two days. On the first day, you can spend your tour getting familiar with the overall environment and browsing the shops to decide what and where to buy. You can return on the second day to get your desired items from the shops or stalls.

You’ll get the opportunity to explore yet another fascinating city of Morocco with your cheap Agadir holidays.