Jemaa el-Fna is the beating heart of Marrakech. The bustling square and market place is in the old city or Medina quarter. Occupied by handicraft and food stalls, entertainers and snake charmers, it exemplifies the essence of the city. It’s a magical kaleidoscope of colours, aromas and lively atmosphere attracts visitors from all over the world. The cultural space of Jemaa el-Fna is recognised by Unesco as a “Masterpiece of World Heritage”.
The story of Jemaa el-Fna is told in the square through dancers, water sellers and snake charmers. The bustling square continues its assault on the senses from early morning until late into the night. By day, the open expanse is filled with snake charmers, Berber musicians and herbalists promising to cure all ailments. However, it is in the evenings that Jemaa el-Fna comes to life. The square becomes crowded as tourists and locals ascend on the market and food stalls. Storytellers, acrobats and musicians fill the area with colour and sound, and the atmosphere is electric. Sideshow attractions featuring henna tattooists, fortune tellers and games keep everyone amused. The square becomes an outdoor dining zone. Visitors can head to one of the traditional Moroccan food carts or sip a glass of mint tea while watching the performances. To observe the vibrancy of Jemaa el-Fna from a distance, tourists can venture to one of the gardens or charming café terraces flanking the outer edges of the square. Alternatively, walk into the labyrinth of the Medina quarter. Bargains can be haggled, and souvenirs purchased away from the hawkers and street performers.
As Jemaa el-Fna is in the centre of Marrakech, it is easy to locate and reach on foot or via public transportation. Many of the city’s buses stop on the outer edges, as do horse and carriage rides and taxis. Walking to and from Bahia Palace and the Medina of Marrakech takes 10 minutes.
Following the founding of the city, it was given a major overhaul. City walls were extended and mosques, palaces and gardens around the perimeter of the marketplace were re-invented. The name Jemaa means “congregation” in the Arabic language. Jemaa el-Fna has always been a great trading and meeting place in the city. Today, the square is much the same as it was centuries ago, with magicians, fortune tellers, snake charmers and street hawkers attempting to capture attention. Jemaa el-Fna is the main attraction in Marrakech attracting more than a million visitors each year.