Even though we arrived just a few days after the largest earthquake to hit the country in several decades, damage was very limited, with business as usual.
(Kutubiyya Mosque)
There are hundreds of labyrinthian passages and streets joining the various “souks” (markets) of the medina (old walled city). We left breadcrumb photos of how we were walking to find our way back to the riad (hotel), but enjoyed ourselves thoroughly in the lively markets, bustling with pedestrian and motorcycle and donkey/mule traffic.
(Medersa Ben Youssef)
Each zone had a unique architecture (such as the blacksmith market; food market; textile market; meat market; olive market, etc.) as well as aroma, with accompanying sounds of merchants hawking their wares. Of course, there are several famous mosques, religious schools, old hotels, the Jewish quarter (mellah medina).
(Medina Souk)
(Mellah Jewish region)
(Earthquake damage)
At night, the square was transformed into a makeshift community meeting center, with food stands, juice carts, lantern and carpet vendors, along with tables and chairs for lively discussion. The temperature was perfect.
(Medina Souk at Night)
We enjoyed a walk through an Instagram-ready Jardine Marjorelle, where manicured gardens, ponds and buildings provided a nice setting in the busy city.
(La Mamounia Hotel)
