Words by Jane Daniell – Images kindly provided by Jo Malcolm.
Essaouira :
Fringing the Atlantic Ocean, Essaouira – (pronounced Essaweera) is a small Moroccan medina of around 80,000 people. First settled long ago in the 5th century, now in the 21st century, it remains an ancient, historic, fascinating place with UNESCO World Heritage status.
The Portuguese settled in Essaouira in the early 16th century, between the 5th and 21st centuries. Their influence is notable in the stone walls and parapets they built to surround the city. But Essaouira’s history harks back to prehistoric times, followed by Phoenician, Carthaginian, and Roman times, all contributing to its intriguing cultural melting pot.
The colourful and interesting photos below (kindly provided by Jo Malcolm, who currently resides in Morocco) reveal everyday life and some of the captivating attractions in Essaouira.
If you’re keen to visit Morocco, we hope these pictures will help you familiarise yourself with its many beautiful places.
Click here for other attractions in Essaouira
Marrakech :
Some have described this imperial city in western Morocco as providing “sensory overload.” The medina is a caldron of history, tourism, and everyday attractions, seething with variety and interest, such as the food, tea, coffee, markets, and, of course, the people.
Founded in the 11th century, this visually rich and intriguing city of over a million people is situated in central western Morocco, Africa, fringed by the Atlas Mountains.
Nicknamed the “red city” due to the colour of the walls surrounding the UNESCO World Heritage medina, it offers strikingly beautiful vistas of the surrounding mountains and access to the Sahara desert. Along with these majestic outdoor attractions, visitors can, for example, also visit the famous souks (markets) and the renowned Koutoubia Mosque.
And while visiting, there’s always the opportunity to take a refreshing break for a cup of (commonly mint or green) tea and an assortment of delicious snacks.
Click here for other attractions in Marrakech
The High Atlas Mountains :
In Morocco, the High Atlas Mountains, made up of volcanic rock, stretch some 740 km from the Atlantic Ocean, separating it from the Mediterranean Sea, northeast to the Algerian border. Amongst the elevations of the mountains, the highest being just over 4,000 metres, are spectacular sites, vistas, and cultural attractions.
The starkly beautiful and imposing chain of mountains, with snow caps in winter for skiing and craggy precipices, is home to Morocco’s indigenous people, the Berbers – the valleys housing their many abodes. Traditionally built out of sand, mud, gravel, stones, and timber beams, the buildings are staggered up the hillsides and meld into the surroundings with their earth-coloured frontages and flat roofs.
Many visitors take advantage of the wild allure of these ranges to hike, take guided tours, or rent vehicles to see the sights. They also contribute to the local economy by buying food, drinks, souvenirs, and crafts from the local population. They might even camp in the Sahara Desert.
Click here for other attractions in the High Atlas Mountains
If you would like to know more about this story please contact janeco@mytravelroom.co.nz
