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Bab Agnaou
One of the 20 gates in Marrakesh, this 12th-century 'gate of the Gnaoua' (named for the sub-Saharan slaves who served the sultan) was one of the first stone monuments in Marrakesh and a triumph of Marrakshi artisanship. From afar the bas-relief appears much deeper than it actually is, due to a sophisticated trompe l'oeil effect. The bluish-gold-green colour of its Guéliz stone seems to change like a mood ring according to the time of the day, the heat and, perhaps, the city's disposition.
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Dar Si Said
A monument to Moroccan maâlems (master craftsmen), the Dar Si Said highlights Marrakesh's graceful riad architecture and local craftsmanship - though artisans from Fez must be credited for the spectacular painted woodwork in the domed wedding chamber upstairs. Don't miss the painted musicians' balconies and the vaguely threatening kitchen implements on the second, plus views over the zellij harem courtyard (currently undergoing restoration).
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Fountain
The Medina had 80 fountains at the start of the 20th century, and each neighbourhood relied on its own for water for cooking, public baths, orchards and gardens. The Mouassine Fountain is a classic example, with carved wood details and continued use as a neighbourhood wool-drying area and gossip source.
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Koutoubia Minbar
Not to be confused with an ordinary staircase or a hotel beverage dispensary, this minbar (pulpit) is the Koutoubia's 12th-century prayer pulpit. With intricately carved cedar wood steps and minute gold, silver and ivory marquetry, this minbar is a credit to Cordoban craftsmanship under Moroccan rule and maâlem Aziz - the Metropolitan Museum of Art restoration uncovered his signature under the inlay.
Showing 1-4 of 4 results
