The Red City, as Marrakesh is known for its beaten clay buildings, has long been an important economic and cultural center in North Africa. The city was founded in the 11th century by Berber leaders of the Almoravid dynasty. Today it’s a major hotspot on the tourist map.
The city became a kind
of hippie mecca
In the 1960s and early 1970s, the city became a kind of mecca for prominent figures from Western counter-culture. Yves Saint Laurent, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and many other non-conformists spent considerable time in Marrakesh. Since then, many expats have invested in renovating traditional riads and palaces, creating upmarket accommodation for tourists.
Marrakesh has capitalized on its reputation as a center of Moroccan architecture, craftsmanship and Berber culture, attracting visitors interested in experiencing authentic local traditions. In 1985, UNESCO declared Marrakesh’s medina, or old town, a World Heritage Site, raising international awareness of the city’s cultural heritage.
Tourism development has also been encouraged by the Moroccan government. In 2001, King Mohammed VI announced the “Vision 2010” strategy, which aimed to increase annual tourist arrivals to 10 million by 2010. A year later, in April 2011, tourism suffered a major setback, when a bomb attack in the central Jemaa el-Fnaa square destroyed the Cafe Argana and killed 17 people.
