Located north of the foothills of the beautifully snow-capped Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is the fourth largest city in Morocco. An ancient trading town transformed into a metropolitan oasis conglomerated with…
One of those places in the world, where when you walk in you are transported to a different world altogether, Morocco casts itself on you like an ancient spell. The architectural finesse this place displays is awe-inspiring and you will have the time of your life striding along the expanse of the country, exploring different buildings of artsy and historical importance.
The influence
The architecture is majorly influenced by the different tribes that came here back in the day and starting building different buildings. The Berbers, the Moorish and the French have major influences on the architecture of this place and the colours, styles and designs used in creating the buildings, were brought into the country by them.
The styles and features
Delicate metal work, domes, fountains, pastel colours, small doors, carvings and cut work using glass are some of the most prominent features of Moroccan architecture. Besides, there are large partitions created with wood and geometric patterns that are intriguing and designed with great precision. Fountains are usually made of marble or cement and are one of the most welcoming features to any building.
Material and their uses
The wooden work serves as the main finishing and with the delicately embossed/carved designs; this style of construction is still prevalent in the urban as well as rural areas of the country. There is a wide variety of ceramics available and used in the construction here, and they form designs and false ceilings and other artistic pieces for adornment on the walls, the ceilings, doors and so on. Blue, white, red black, greed and yellow are colours that are most fondly incorporated in the architecture of this country.
Places you should visit
When on your architectural quest in Morocco, there are some fine examples of the craftsmanship of the artisans here that you shouldn’t miss at any cost. Some of them are:
- Saadian Tombs
Created under the rule of Sultan Ahmed Al Mansur in 1578-1603, these tombs are a work of art. The work using cedar wood as well as the stucco work is something that architects around the world still use as reference for fine art. Created using Italian Carrara marble, this is one of the oldest examples of excellent architecture around the world.
- Mohammed V Masouleum
This place is paraphernalia of the different elements of architecture put together and you will be awe-struck looking at the clean and sharp features it exhibits. The fountain, the details on the tile, the artistically built high doors, the details on the green roof and the humongous white entrance to the Masouleum, everything is going to catch your attention and you will be able to get some of the best pictures here.
- Madrasa
There are several Medersas in Morocco, and these schools for spiritual learning and general education are also fine examples of architecture and craftsmanship in the country. The Al Ben Youssuf Medina and Zawiya Niciriya and Medersa el Attarine are places that will give you a fair idea of what the lives of the students in the yesteryear as well today is like.