There is something about the Jemaa el Fna that exerts an almost gravitational pull on the visitor to Marrakech. This isn't just because everyone knows the Jemaa is the central square and hub of the Medina, Marrakech's old town. It isn't just that the labyrinthine lanes and souks all seem to wind their eventual way to it if you follow them far enough, having retraced your steps systematically whenever - which will be often - you find yourself in a ... ...the umpteenth time.
The Jemaa el Fna is ancient, so presumably it served some significant purpose even before the tourists came along. The name translates literally as "Assembly (or mosque) of the Dead (or departed)". This is customarily construed to mean that it was a place of execution, with the heads of the decapitated being displayed on spikes around the perimeter as a warning to others, though it could simply mean that it was once the site ...
torr 24.02.2009 (06.03.2009)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: exceptional Review of Jemaa el Fna, Marrakech
Advantages: lots to do Disadvantages: comes alive more by sunset
While in Marrakech, I stuck to my top 10 guide as everyone seemed to have this book on them but it was definitely necessary as I wasn't sure of major attractions here. One of the main things listed to see if of course the Djemaa El Fna which translates to Assembly of the Dead. It is almost like the town centre as it is the main square where all of the things happen. In the day time this square is not the best place to be as there is no shade with ... ...hitting down on it. The square is where a lot of locals come as well as a lot of tourists. In the daytime the main things you will come across here are the orange juice stalls which is one of the unusual things about Marrakech they charge about 5 Dirham's a glass which is if you're lucky 50p but it is freshly squeezed and in the heat there is nothing more refreshing. However, they are very competitive as there are a few so watch for them getting ...
ms19 19.10.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Jemaa el Fna, Marrakech
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