| For centuries the heart and soul of Marrakech, | | | | before you know it, you've bought yourself a |
| where people come to meet, eat, shop and be | | | | carpet or some spices. |
| entertained, Djemma el-Fna today remains the | | | | Surrounding the square are numerous cafes |
| city's lifeblood. A place where you can be | | | | where you can sit at a table and watch over the |
| enthralled by snake charmers and acrobats, have | | | | activity, or head to the rooftop tables and take in |
| your hands tattooed in henna, bargain over the | | | | the view from above of the square and the |
| price of dates and spices and when it all becomes | | | | labyrinth medina that surrounds it. |
| too much, retire to one of the rooftop cafes to | | | | Food and Drink |
| take in the spectacle with a glass of mint tea. | | | | By day in Djemma el-Fna, orange juice and date |
| History | | | | sellers abound. As the sun sets, food carts roll in |
| The name in Arabic means "Assembly of the | | | | and set up in the middle of the square and it isn't |
| Dead" and its origin is unknown, adding to the | | | | long before smoke fills the air and hawkers |
| squares enigmatic nature. To locals it is known | | | | appear from nowhere earnestly trying to |
| simply as "la place" (the square). Centuries ago it | | | | convince you that their stall is the best, offering |
| was a destination for caravans from across the | | | | the most delicious delicacies. All manner of |
| Sahara Desert looking to trade gold, medicines | | | | Moroccan delicacies are on offer. From snails and |
| and slaves amongst other things. It was a | | | | couscous to kebabs and sheep's heads. |
| practice that had been undertaken since 1000BC. | | | | Characters |
| It wasn't until the 11th century that a permanent | | | | Djemma el-Fna would be nothing without its |
| city, and with it the Djemma el-Fna, was created. | | | | characters. The ever present water sellers dress |
| It is said that the entertainment that remains | | | | in bright costumes and happily pose for |
| today is similar to that which was arranged for | | | | photographs (for a fee of course). Meanwhile |
| travelers all those years ago. | | | | musicians, story tellers, snake charmers, acrobats, |
| Location | | | | monkey trainers, tooth pullers and henna artists all |
| Set in the middle of the Medina, or "old town", it | | | | compete for your attention (and money). Those |
| seems that Marrakech is built around Djemma | | | | who earn a living from the tourist dollar have |
| el-Fna. The huge irregular square leads on one side | | | | learnt the art of gentle persuasion, and when that |
| to the souks. Narrow, crowded alleys filled with | | | | fails, not so gentle persistence. |
| stalls selling carpets, spices, metal and wood | | | | More than a sight to behold, Djemma el-Fna is an |
| works and tourist trinkets, the souks sprawl | | | | experience not to be missed. It is truly like no |
| through the Medina like a giant maze. It is simply | | | | other place on earth. A symphony of sounds, |
| not possible to browse the stalls peacefully. | | | | sights and smells. It is symbolic of Morocco itself: |
| Anything more than a second's glance at the | | | | exotic, intense, sometimes difficult, but always |
| wears on offer could easily result in a lengthy | | | | rewarding. |
| conversation with an eager market trader and | | | | |