![Marrakech, Morocco cover page.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88498096.Cd6D3kVk.jpg) Marrakech, Morocco cover page. |
![Map of Morocco with the star indicating Marrakech.](https://a4.pbase.com/o3/73/691773/1/88498098.fO1NECVJ.Marrakechmorocco2236400x300.gif) Map of Morocco with the star indicating Marrakech. |
![Background view of the Ali Ben Youssef Mosque, the oldest mosque in the medina of Marrakech.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88493214.ng7KW9t2.jpg) Background view of the Ali Ben Youssef Mosque, the oldest mosque in the medina of Marrakech. |
![View of the minaret of the mosque (constructed in the 12th century by the Almoravid sultan Ali Ben Youssef).](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88493215.9N0NiWcw.jpg) View of the minaret of the mosque (constructed in the 12th century by the Almoravid sultan Ali Ben Youssef). |
![The interior courtyard of the 16th century Medrassa Ben Youssef (a 12 year school for students).](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88493217.VUFgOsRf.jpg) The interior courtyard of the 16th century Medrassa Ben Youssef (a 12 year school for students). |
![Fountain in the medrassa. To prove themselves, students had to wash 3 times at the fountain with only their right hand.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88493218.9Jejdxb6.jpg) Fountain in the medrassa. To prove themselves, students had to wash 3 times at the fountain with only their right hand. |
![Entrance door to the room of prayer at the medrassa.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88493219.1AJ9cd3d.jpg) Entrance door to the "room of prayer" at the medrassa. |
![An elaborate cedar ceiling in the room of prayer.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88493221.PpmIv6Vc.jpg) An elaborate cedar ceiling in the room of prayer. |
![View of a beautiful ceiling in the medrassa. The architecture is a combination of Berber and Arabic.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88493222.arhzFPuu.jpg) View of a beautiful ceiling in the medrassa. The architecture is a combination of Berber and Arabic. |
![Architectural details and mosaics in the Medrassa Ben Youssef.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88493223.QIGTNheT.jpg) Architectural details and mosaics in the Medrassa Ben Youssef. |
![This is part of the room of ablutions (the washing area and public toilette used by the students).](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88493224.3SasG9Zv.jpg) This is part of the room of ablutions (the washing area and public toilette used by the students). |
![Entrance to the area where the students slept.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88493229.JzkagAmX.jpg) Entrance to the area where the students slept. |
![A decorative support column in the medrassa.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88493235.uCO7DRBH.jpg) A decorative support column in the medrassa. |
![A view of the inside of a student's room with a reading table.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88493241.x0Yu8nTn.jpg) A view of the inside of a student's room with a reading table. |
![A decorative skylight in the Medrassa Ben Youssef.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88493239.2dfDE5OB.jpg) A decorative skylight in the Medrassa Ben Youssef. |
![Interior fountain in the Marrakech Museum, located in a 19th century palace built by Mehdi Mnebhi, a former minister of defense.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88493675.CVTGTOXM.jpg) Interior fountain in the Marrakech Museum, located in a 19th century palace built by Mehdi Mnebhi, a former minister of defense. |
![View of the interior of the big house of the palace (which is now the Marrakech Museum) with a large chandelier.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88493676.hbs8ElrJ.jpg) View of the interior of the "big house" of the palace (which is now the Marrakech Museum) with a large chandelier. |
![In the summer months, the people lived in the downstairs of the palace because it is cooler.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88493679.mXUzixg4.jpg) In the summer months, the people lived in the downstairs of the palace because it is cooler. |
![A beautiful chandelier and a seating area with mosaics in the background.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88493680.b5NAPjoO.jpg) A beautiful chandelier and a seating area with mosaics in the background. |
![A display of rugs in the Marrakech Museum from the sauna room.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88493683.ObyEjxAS.jpg) A display of rugs in the Marrakech Museum from the sauna room. |
![There is red in all of the rugs because the colors signify the house that they are in.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88493684.dcTf2h1W.jpg) There is red in all of the rugs because the colors signify the house that they are in. |
![Chandelier and one of many beautiful ceilings seen in the museum and other buildings in Marrakech.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88493686.uxZiRXEZ.jpg) Chandelier and one of many beautiful ceilings seen in the museum and other buildings in Marrakech. |
![Door with stained glass looking into the interior of the big house.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88493690.LXSjXVqz.jpg) Door with stained glass looking into the interior of the big house. |
![A tower of La Qoubba in Marrakech, which is an elaborate water system and cistern similar to what was used in Roman times.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88493695.6ha3BrHl.jpg) A tower of La Qoubba in Marrakech, which is an elaborate water system and cistern similar to what was used in Roman times. |
![A view of La Qoubba along the side of the tower.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88496829.5DfaH6vF.jpg) A view of La Qoubba along the side of the tower. |
![The ornate interior ceiling of the tower of La Qoubba.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88493697.RcdsDoVd.jpg) The ornate interior ceiling of the tower of La Qoubba. |
![A pipe that leads into the cistern which is similar to what was used in Roman times.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88493703.M9Wg9KZS.jpg) A pipe that leads into the cistern which is similar to what was used in Roman times. |
![Interior view of La Qoubba with underground chambers where water once flowed.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88496825.FRzi02vy.jpg) Interior view of La Qoubba with underground chambers where water once flowed. |
![The tour guide took me to the spice museum in Marrakech where they sold herbal medicines.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88496832.odqOhClh.jpg) The tour guide took me to the spice museum in Marrakech where they sold herbal medicines. |
![A view of the outside of the spice museum with the tour guide in the background.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88496835.aXqwaKPb.jpg) A view of the outside of the spice museum with the tour guide in the background. |
![Snake charmers in the biggest square in Marrakech called Place Djemaa El-Fna.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88496843.8VkGW1Wr.jpg) Snake charmers in the biggest square in Marrakech called Place Djemaa El-Fna. |
![Close-up of the snake charmer at Place Djemaa El-Fna in Marrakech.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88496845.Lc7tZUcd.jpg) Close-up of the snake charmer at Place Djemaa El-Fna in Marrakech. |
![It cost me 20 Moroccan dirhams (about $2.50 U.S. dollars) to get this snake charmer's photo!](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88496847.zeyVqpug.jpg) It cost me 20 Moroccan dirhams (about $2.50 U.S. dollars) to get this snake charmer's photo! |
![More snake charmers in Place Djemaa El-Fna.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88499603.eZgiQubt.jpg) More snake charmers in Place Djemaa El-Fna. |
![I went to a Moroccan pizza restaurant overlooking the square, which was ideal for taking photos.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88496856.kB3rAdLN.jpg) I went to a Moroccan pizza restaurant overlooking the square, which was ideal for taking photos. |
![View of some of the vending carts on Place Djemaa El-Fna.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88496862.1ioOuADI.jpg) View of some of the vending carts on Place Djemaa El-Fna. |
![A view looking down at Place Djemaa El-Fna below with a street lamp in the foreground.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88496860.LK6N43Ta.jpg) A view looking down at Place Djemaa El-Fna below with a street lamp in the foreground. |
![Many of the carts sold freshly squeezed orange juice, which was delicious.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88496852.kLgHZtYR.jpg) Many of the carts sold freshly squeezed orange juice, which was delicious. |
![More orange juice carts below.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88496854.dwd82CWV.jpg) More orange juice carts below. |
![Close-up of an orange juice cart.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88499607.ETdVnvxi.jpg) Close-up of an orange juice cart. |
![Crowds of people were standing in the square in front of the vending carts.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88499605.jJmwWKi5.jpg) Crowds of people were standing in the square in front of the vending carts. |
![View of a long line of vending carts in Place Djemaa El-Fna.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88499608.D5EWL2kZ.jpg) View of a long line of vending carts in Place Djemaa El-Fna. |
![Some of the traffic of people and horse drawn carriages below.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88497396.aEs3TyDG.jpg) Some of the traffic of people and horse drawn carriages below. |
![The horse drawn carriages are mostly for tourists.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88496864.m5kUruTG.jpg) The horse drawn carriages are mostly for tourists. |
![It looks like an argument was ensuing between the carriage driver and this guy on a motorcycle!](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88496868.mZmRCgaB.jpg) It looks like an argument was ensuing between the carriage driver and this guy on a motorcycle! |
![There was a lot of pedestrian traffic in the square that day.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88497394.GWwfzPC3.jpg) There was a lot of pedestrian traffic in the square that day. |
![These 2-wheeled carts are used to haul things in the medina. That's how I got my suitcases to the riad.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88497395.Eubb5UtP.jpg) These 2-wheeled carts are used to haul things in the medina. That's how I got my suitcases to the riad. |
![Two mysterious-looking women were engrossed in conversation.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88497400.uh9p2UnB.jpg) Two mysterious-looking women were engrossed in conversation. |
![Exotic-looking Moroccan woman sitting in front of a colorful umbrella at Place Djemaa El-Fna.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88499604.mhHWfIMf.jpg) Exotic-looking Moroccan woman sitting in front of a colorful umbrella at Place Djemaa El-Fna. |
![View of Place Djemaa El-Fna at night from the balcony of the Moroccan pizza restaurant.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88499609.tSI14v8T.jpg) View of Place Djemaa El-Fna at night from the balcony of the Moroccan pizza restaurant. |
![People strolling in front of the orange juice stands.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88499610.JaeuzSOm.jpg) People strolling in front of the orange juice stands. |
![Close-up of the orange juice stands at night.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88499611.0NkgJqcf.jpg) Close-up of the orange juice stands at night. |
![Me sitting on a wall of the Moroccan pizza restaurant overlooking Place Djemaa El-Fna.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88499615.OA6H4Hp8.jpg) Me sitting on a wall of the Moroccan pizza restaurant overlooking Place Djemaa El-Fna. |
![People shopping at a stand that sold fruit and nuts.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88499617.3zlUx1fU.jpg) People shopping at a stand that sold fruit and nuts. |
![Close-up of the fruit and nuts stand at Place Djemaa El-Fna.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88500334.CoopxqUR.jpg) Close-up of the fruit and nuts stand at Place Djemaa El-Fna. |
![People quenching their thirst at the orange juice stand.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88500333.aodTLI9S.jpg) People quenching their thirst at the orange juice stand. |
![Chefs preparing food at a food concession stand in Place Djemaa El-Fna.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88499627.043ByWAn.jpg) Chefs preparing food at a food concession stand in Place Djemaa El-Fna. |
![A couple having a drink in the square.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88499625.FiJoReIv.jpg) A couple having a drink in the square. |
![These musicians were performing in Place Djemaa El-Fna at night.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88499619.rDlUu77Q.jpg) These musicians were performing in Place Djemaa El-Fna at night. |
![A Moroccan lamp shop with illuminated lamps off of the square.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88500335.qZZc1F6k.jpg) A Moroccan lamp shop with illuminated lamps off of the square. |
![An atmospheric view of Place Djemaa El-Fna with a myriad of acetylene lamps glowing at night.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88499623.BZfHpqZI.jpg) An atmospheric view of Place Djemaa El-Fna with a myriad of acetylene lamps glowing at night. |
![View of the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque at night, the tallest (70 meters) and most famous landmark in Marrakech.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88499621.vMjcWGw6.jpg) View of the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque at night, the tallest (70 meters) and most famous landmark in Marrakech. |
![Side view at night of the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque. It is the one that is visible from Place Djemaa El-Fna.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88499622.24aXguIg.jpg) Side view at night of the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque. It is the one that is visible from Place Djemaa El-Fna. |
![View of the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech during the daytime. Only Muslims are permitted to enter it.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88500337.J5HprtCv.jpg) View of the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech during the daytime. Only Muslims are permitted to enter it. |
![The minaret, like the mosque, is a jewel of Almohad art, built for Abd al-Mumim and finished by Yakub al Mansur (1184-1189).](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88500338.KZWqBoY6.jpg) The minaret, like the mosque, is a jewel of Almohad art, built for Abd al-Mumim and finished by Yakub al Mansur (1184-1189). |
![It is built of pink sandstone and is known as the book vendors' mosque because more than 200 bookstore stands surround it.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88500339.yTTi1m8r.jpg) It is built of pink sandstone and is known as the book vendors' mosque because more than 200 bookstore stands surround it. |
![Bahia Palace which was built by Si Moussa, the prime minister of king Sidi Mohamed Ben Abderrahman, and by his son Ba Ahmed.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88500341.DDavMiut.jpg) Bahia Palace which was built by Si Moussa, the prime minister of king Sidi Mohamed Ben Abderrahman, and by his son Ba Ahmed. |
![View of some of the architectural details in the receiving area (courtyard) of the palace, which was built in the 19th century.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88500345.rFqSeyV6.jpg) View of some of the architectural details in the receiving area (courtyard) of the palace, which was built in the 19th century. |
![Fireplace with beautiful mosaics in the living area where the prime minister lived.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88500347.44Kj3g8l.jpg) Fireplace with beautiful mosaics in the living area where the prime minister lived. |
![View of the fountain in the courtyard, which has been redone since the time when the prime minister lived there.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88500351.oVzpbR1B.jpg) View of the fountain in the courtyard, which has been redone since the time when the prime minister lived there. |
![This is the receiving room in Bahia Palace where the prime minister met dignitaries.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88500353.pwwTIzhC.jpg) This is the receiving room in Bahia Palace where the prime minister met dignitaries. |
![A view of the ceiling in the receiving room. All of the ceilings in the palace are magnificent and different.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88500355.CeOy5mS1.jpg) A view of the ceiling in the receiving room. All of the ceilings in the palace are magnificent and different. |
![Here is another magnificent ceiling in Bahia Palace with exquisite colors and inlay work.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88500356.ThYawkUm.jpg) Here is another magnificent ceiling in Bahia Palace with exquisite colors and inlay work. |
![And here is yet another gorgeous ceiling in the palace!](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88500357.Fk6skBl0.jpg) And here is yet another gorgeous ceiling in the palace! |
![This room was reserved for the 4 wives of the first prime minister who lived in Bahia Palace.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88500358.kSBTWArs.jpg) This room was reserved for the 4 wives of the first prime minister who lived in Bahia Palace. |
![In 1933, the law changed so that the prime minister can only have 2 wives (if both wives agree to it).](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88500359.7ftCYEul.jpg) In 1933, the law changed so that the prime minister can only have 2 wives (if both wives agree to it). |
![Detail of a door off of the room that was reserved for the 4 wives of the first prime minister.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88500432.qZfMCMiV.jpg) Detail of a door off of the room that was reserved for the 4 wives of the first prime minister. |
![Detail of a ceiling over the room of the first prime minister's favorite wife.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88500433.zwXaWhZW.jpg) Detail of a ceiling over the room of the first prime minister's favorite wife. |
![Another beautiful ceiling in the palace.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88500361.GNr1Q2Mc.jpg) Another beautiful ceiling in the palace. |
![Another ceiling close-up in the Bahia Palace in Marrakech.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88500431.zu915btG.jpg) Another ceiling close-up in the Bahia Palace in Marrakech. |
![Outdoor courtyard where events and festivals took place in the Bahia Palace.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88500434.w8zqyLWb.jpg) Outdoor courtyard where events and festivals took place in the Bahia Palace. |
![Ornate door off of the courtyard.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88500436.mTaB9RlD.jpg) Ornate door off of the courtyard. |
![Internal garden for the wives of the prime minister. The wives were not allowed outside the palace.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88827437.G92LTOpT.jpg) Internal garden for the wives of the prime minister. The wives were not allowed outside the palace. |
![This room was a study for student lessons held in the palace.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88497401.8PYkwZ9v.jpg) This room was a study for student lessons held in the palace. |
![The ornate ceiling above the study area.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88497399.f4COzACM.jpg) The ornate ceiling above the study area. |
![This smaller room off of the study was a room for the professor who taught the lessons.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88497402.TOO46OQQ.jpg) This smaller room off of the study was a room for the professor who taught the lessons. |
![Ceiling over the apartment of the prime minister (where he would break in his wives). The stained glass is in the Iraqi style.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88497404.Y2Vw1shp.jpg) Ceiling over the apartment of the prime minister (where he would break in his wives). The stained glass is in the Iraqi style. |
![Exterior view of the Saadian Tombs, which came into being when Sultan Moulay Ahmed al-Mansur buried his mother there in 1591.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88497405.Gs6tNLgh.jpg) Exterior view of the Saadian Tombs, which came into being when Sultan Moulay Ahmed al-Mansur buried his mother there in 1591. |
![The tombs are arranged in two separate mausoleums that overlook a garden. The tombs were discovered in 1917.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88497406.DDxdV51W.jpg) The tombs are arranged in two separate mausoleums that overlook a garden. The tombs were discovered in 1917. |
![Each rectangle represents a different person. Entire families are buried here.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88497412.fhP8whR8.jpg) Each rectangle represents a different person. Entire families are buried here. |
![Interior of one of the mausoleums of the Saadian Tombs.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88497413.0qW2bgl2.jpg) Interior of one of the mausoleums of the Saadian Tombs. |
![Another room in one of the mausoleums.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88497407.JOfdIbX5.jpg) Another room in one of the mausoleums. |
![This room is considered to be a masterpiece of Hispano-Moresque art and is known as the room of 12 columns.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88497408.qtUwFFnL.jpg) This room is considered to be a masterpiece of Hispano-Moresque art and is known as "the room of 12 columns." |
![All of the columns are made of Carrara marble.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88497409.OXxFXFOf.jpg) All of the columns are made of Carrara marble. |
![The exquisite gold ceiling of this mausoleum is also noteworthy.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88497410.pWtozzUY.jpg) The exquisite gold ceiling of this mausoleum is also noteworthy. |
![View of the Saadian Tombs as I was leaving. They are made of stucco which was originally white, but changed color due to dust.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88497415.bYvGBWqG.jpg) View of the Saadian Tombs as I was leaving. They are made of stucco which was originally white, but changed color due to dust. |
![View of the large pool in the Menara Gardens, which is known for its mineral waters.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88497543.sNeXuiY2.jpg) View of the large pool in the Menara Gardens, which is known for its mineral waters. |
![People of Marrakech used to come here to bathe since it was supposed to have curative effects.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88497544.lUVor7J7.jpg) People of Marrakech used to come here to bathe since it was supposed to have curative effects. |
![The large pool reflects the pavilion, which was built around 1866 allegedly for the Sultan to woo his mistress!](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88497545.XD811gD7.jpg) The large pool reflects the pavilion, which was built around 1866 allegedly for the Sultan to woo his mistress! |
![Another view of the pavilion and of the Menara Pool.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88497547.SPQuphVp.jpg) Another view of the pavilion and of the Menara Pool. |
![My tour guide drove me by these camels in their natural habitat in Marrakech.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88497548.zgRWraAs.jpg) My tour guide drove me by these camels in their natural habitat in Marrakech. |
![The last thing that I saw on my tour was the seven monuments to the seven saints of Marrakech.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/88514984.NfuJoJ7E.jpg) The last thing that I saw on my tour was the seven monuments to the seven saints of Marrakech. |