In Arabic culture, a medina are the ancient cores of cities, typically enclosed by thick walls and entered through large gates called “Bab”. They are usually a maze of streets and the alleyways that are narrow and winding, often too small for cars, which is why they are sometimes shared with motorbikes and donkeys.
Medinas are not just historical sites; they are living, breathing communities where people still live, shop, work, and pray, similar to centuries ago.
They contain numerous elements of traditional life, including shops, artisan workshops, and public spaces like mosques and hammams (public baths).
Because they are generally a very dense part of the city Google Maps may not even help you navigate (although it worked well for us). So every piece of advice about walking through the medina is to just give yourself over to getting lost because it will happen. But sometimes really great experiences happen when you get lost and so we’ve accepted that.
Today without the benefit of our guide Said we set out to visit the Bahia Palace, a 160 year old palace built by a man named Si Musa who descended from black Moroccan slaves that served the royal government.
The palace was damaged in the 2023 Moroccan earthquake that had an epicenter in the Atlas Mountains south of Marrakech. But you can still see the original beauty of the place.
From the we visited the nearby El Badi Palace (similar name, very different place!). It translates as “Palace of Wonder”. Built in 1578 it was used to showcase the sultan’s wealth and power and is located in a district of Marrakech called the Kasbah (rock it!).
Part of the palace contains the labyrinth which you can see the remains of below.
From there we walked back through the medina to get to Le Jardin Secret (Secret Garden), a gentle oasis in the middle of Marrakech.
We spent some time sitting the Moroccan sun in the garden near the fountain. Lovely.
Last stop for the day was the Museum of Photography. A gem of a small riad that showcases black and white photography from as early as 1880s Morocco. Located in the heart of the medina it’s worth a stop if you’re here and enjoy photography.
From there we continued on through the medina back to our riad for cocktails. A gentle day which is our last in Marrakech.
Tomorrow we leave for the snowcapped Atlas Mountains.
Our driver from Olinto picks us up at 11:30!
