CULTURAL ACTIVITIES MARRAKECH
Discovered in the 11th century and full of history, Marrakech is a fantastic location for Morocco yoga retreats. Since 1666, the city has been under the Alaouite dynasty and there’s plenty to do for all visitors.
While some like to go from site to site learning all about Marrakech, others prefer a relaxing mint tea at Place Jemaa el-Fna. There’s plenty to see and do including the Medersa Ben Youssef, Palais de la Bahia, the Minaret of Koutoubia, the 19km town walls from the 12th century, the Majorelle Gardens, and even the Menara Gardens.
Full of culture, you also have lots of museums and art galleries to take in. For example, the Marrakech Biennale is on the calendar for all art lovers. If you want a more relaxed visit, you can spend your time between yoga classes exploring the stunning Medina.
Below, we’ve listed just some of the sites you can enjoy!
While some like to go from site to site learning all about Marrakech, others prefer a relaxing mint tea at Place Jemaa el-Fna. There’s plenty to see and do including the Medersa Ben Youssef, Palais de la Bahia, the Minaret of Koutoubia, the 19km town walls from the 12th century, the Majorelle Gardens, and even the Menara Gardens.
Full of culture, you also have lots of museums and art galleries to take in. For example, the Marrakech Biennale is on the calendar for all art lovers. If you want a more relaxed visit, you can spend your time between yoga classes exploring the stunning Medina.
Below, we’ve listed just some of the sites you can enjoy!
JEEMA EL FNA SQUARE
For many yoga Marrakech students, this is a favourite spot and it’s not hard to see why. With all kinds of fresh juices, nut stands, restaurants and cafes, and even street performers, it’s a great place to get an idea of the culture of the city. As well as the standard singers and dancers, you might just come across a snake charmer.
In 2001, the square was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In 2001, the square was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Medina Walls
With history going back to the 12th century, these clay and lime walls stretch for 19km and contain no less than 20 gates and 202 towers. Despite the passing time, renovations of the walls still use the traditional manufacturing methods to retain the old style. Once you get off the plane and travel to our yoga retreat in Marrakech, the walls will come into view and tell the story of the old and new city.
KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE
When on a Morocco yoga retreat, you cannot miss the largest mosque in the Marrakech whether you’re religious or not. Named the ‘Mosque of the Booksellers’, it was originally built on a book marketplace. With stunning architecture, the minaret stands 69 metres tall and offers 17 naves. Although closed to non-Muslims, the site is still an impressive one.
BAB AGNOU
Dating back to the 12th century, this authentic gate has four arches made of sandstone (and is highly likely to take your breath away as it oozes history).
Dating back to the 12th century, this authentic gate has four arches made of sandstone (and is highly likely to take your breath away as it oozes history).
BEN YOUSSEF MEDERSA
With around 900 students, this was once the Maghreb’s largest school. Five centuries later, the school holds the Arab Andaluse Architecture and Art Craft and welcomes all visitors. Although closed on religious holidays, this gem is open daily between 09:00 and 18:00.
Price MAD (Moroccan Dirham) 10
EL BADI PALACE
To extend your Marrakech yoga retreat, we urge you to visit this 16th century palace. Once a home in the Medina, the ruins still exist today but the real value comes from the traditional orchards around the grounds. It once held the water basins, the largest of which still covers the whole length of the palace.
We’ll let you in on a little secret; the panoramic viewpoint is a great spot to see the storks during winter.
To extend your Marrakech yoga retreat, we urge you to visit this 16th century palace. Once a home in the Medina, the ruins still exist today but the real value comes from the traditional orchards around the grounds. It once held the water basins, the largest of which still covers the whole length of the palace.
We’ll let you in on a little secret; the panoramic viewpoint is a great spot to see the storks during winter.
Open daily, 8:00am – 5:00pm. Price MAD 10
BAHIA PALACE
In Arabic, ‘Bahia’ translates to ‘Bright’ and it was originally designed for the flirtatious women by the Vizier Si Mouassa. During the 19th century, the palace had 160 luxurious rooms and we can visit them today.
For MAD 10, it’s open between 08:30 and 18:00 (with a short closure between 12:00 and 14:30).
GUELIZ & HIVERNAGE
Marrakech is memorable for many reasons, but most choose it for the blend of old and new. In the beginning of the 20th century, the ‘new’ city was launching, and this led to new offices, stores, banks, luxury good shops, restaurants, art galleries, and more. You’ll find the city’s top companies here and it feels like a completely different city, while still retaining the same charm for your yoga retreat in Marrakech.
FOUNTAIN CHROB OU CHOUF
Since 1985, this ‘drink and watch’ fountain has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Carved in wood, it’s full of character.
DAR SI SAID
Though it once stood as a house, the building is now home to a crafts museum. Inside, you’ll find all sorts of ancient wooden carved doors, antique Berber carpets, ancient weapons, jewellery, and pottery.
Opening times fall between 09:00 and 12:15 as well as 15:00 and 18:00.
MUSEUM MATHAF FARID BELKAHIA
A yoga retreat in Marrakech is all about relaxation, something that can continue at this new (2016) modern and contemporary art gallery. The exhibitions are renewed twice a year, so it always offers something fresh and exciting in the world of art. The gallery is open between 10:00 and 19:00.
The gallery is open between 10:00 and 19:00.
MAJORELLE GARDEN
As an extension of the peace and serenity you’ll enjoy on your yoga retreats in Morocco, the studio in Majorelle Gardens once belonged to Jacque Majorelle and now contains the private collections belonging to Pierre Berge and Yves Saint Laurent.
All the jewellery and costumes you encounter are from the Berber culture, and Majorelle Gardens also boasts a restaurant and bookshop.
All the jewellery and costumes you encounter are from the Berber culture, and Majorelle Gardens also boasts a restaurant and bookshop.
Prices MAD 70 entry to the Majorelle Gardens & MAD 30 visit of the Museum
HERITAGE MUSEUM
Costing MAD 30, the museum is open every day from 09:30 to 19:00.
Near the Place des Espices (spice market), the final activity we want to show is the Heritage Museum. If you want a one-stop shop for all things Marrakech, this is the place to be. You can explore carved doors, costumes, wall carpets, manuscripts, amphoras, and more. Owned and managed by a local family, the patio area and terrace offer great spots to sit and read (while also enjoying a mint tea, of course!).
Costing MAD 30, the museum is open every day from 09:30 to 19:00.
MARRAKECH YOGA RETREATS
MARRAKECH OASIS YOGA RETREAT
PALMERAIE LUXURY YOGA RETREAT
