Marrakech Flair

It has been said that Marrakech awakens all of the senses. Whether it is seeing the intricate zellige tilework; smelling the various spices sold at the souks; hearing the call to prayer emanate from the nearby mosques; touching the supple leather used to make a pair of babouches (leather sandals); tasting a flavorful tagine, Marrakech never fails to excite. Located just west of the Atlas Mountains, the city has been inhabited by Berber farmers for centuries. It has been dubbed the "Ochre City" because of the proliferation of red sandstone buildings and the red city walls, which now enclose the Medina, home to Jemaa el-Fnaa, one of the busiest squares in Africa. Marrakech overflows with culture and has been inspiring visitors for decades. From Yves Saint Laurent to Talitha Getty, Winston Churchill to Mick Jagger, Marrakech has attracted great icons inspired by its eternal spirit as well as its sweet, beautiful life. Yves Saint Laurent's intimate relationship to this city lead to the opening of a museum dedicated to his legendary work. The annual Marrakech International Film Festival draws a prominent crowd. Museums abound, exhibiting Moroccan arts, photography, carpets, and the Andalusian design aesthetic that permeates the city's architecture. La Mamounia hotel, opened in 1923, offers a storied history, which includes hosting guests such as Winston Churchill. Vanessa Branson's El Fenn is a collection of traditional riads that form a stunning boutique hotel. There are countless ways to be immersed in the culture of Marrakech, but perhaps the best place to start is with a simple glass of mint tea.

Author: Marisa Berenson
Publisher: Assouline
Published: 09/15/2020
Pages: 303
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 6.35lbs
Size: 13.00h x 9.80w x 1.50d
ISBN: 9781614289616

About the Author
Berenson, Marisa: - Marisa Berenson is a world-renowned actress and model who starred in the Bob Fosse film Cabaret in 1972 and Stanely Kubrick's Barry Lyndon in 1975. Berenson fell in love with Marrakech eight years ago and once she found the perfect riad, she decided to call it home. Her cultivated appreciation of and enthusiastic immersion into Marrakech and Moroccan culture supplies her with a unique perspective on the city.