Jemaa el-Fnaa Square

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What people say

"Jemaa el-Fnaa, also spelled Djemaa el-Fna or Jamaa el-Fnaa, is the beating heart of Marrakech. This vast square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transforms throughout the day, offering a captivating glimpse into Moroccan culture. Be prepared for an assault on the senses – a vibrant spectacle of sights, sounds, and smells awaits. The name's origin is debated. "Jemaa" translates to "congregation" or "mosque" in Arabic, possibly referencing a destroyed mosque on the site. "El-Fnaa" can mean "death/extinction" or "a courtyard, space in front of a building." Some believe it translates to "Assembly of the Dead," referencing the square's past use for executions. The square comes alive during the day, transforming into a bustling marketplace. Stalls overflow with an array of goods, from hand-woven carpets and colorful pottery to glistening spices and enticing local delicacies. Watch skilled artisans create intricate metalwork or lose yourself in the vibrant energy of henna artists. As dusk settles, the square takes on a magical atmosphere. Storytellers weave tales under flickering lanterns, acrobats defy gravity, and snake charmers mesmerize crowds with their slithering companions. Sample sizzling skewers from food stalls or sip fragrant mint tea while soaking up the unique ambiance."
Michelle Dautfest
"In Marrakech, the main square Jemaa el-Fnaa is considered the city's center – it's where most people gather and the liveliest spot. Especially in the evenings with all the lights, it's particularly beautiful. Here, you'll find many vendors selling their goods or freshly squeezed orange juice. You might also encounter local women offering henna tattoos. However, we've heard there are health concerns related to black henna, so we cannot recommend it."
Laura Bornstein
"Jemma el fna is the heart of Marrakech and it's a must if you're in the city. The best time to go is at sunset, I recommend getting there a bit earlier to get a spot at a terrace and enjoy the lovely views of the square and the Koutubia mosque. It's also a great place to explore the streets nearby and buy a few souvenirs, test your haggling skills, try local foods and spices and truly inmerse yourself in Moroccan culture."

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This Morocco travel guide is not just about riads to stay at & sights to see. I want to help you see almost every corner of this country - from staying overnight at a luxury camp in the Sahara desert & taking a cooking class at a non-profit association, empowering women in Marrakesh, to visiting the oldest university in the world & seeing goats on trees on the way to Essaouira port town. 10 days is a perfect timeframe to explore Morocco and have an adventure of a lifetime. Structure of this guide >> - Day-by-day itinerary with 80+ interesting things to see & do, countless hidden gems, best restaurants & cafes as well as most beautiful riads to stay at; - What to do if you have more or less than 10 days in Morocco; - Essential travel tips & tricks, including travel safety tips, what to pack guide, ways to get around, the best time to visit and average costs of a day in Morocco. Follow this travel itinerary for a guaranteed set of amazing experiences and stunning vistas. You’ll save 50+ hours of research, have it for life and can access it anytime. You can also combine my saved spots & insights with your own research to craft the Morocco trip of your dreams. If you are short on time or have a few extra days - worry not, I have added a few tips for those circumstances also. If you are travelling to this gorgeous country soon, tag me in the pictures you take - @irinadoingthings - I'd love to experience Morocco again through your eyes.
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