Morocco Reportage – From Fez to Marrakesh
Morocco is a fascinating, multi-faceted country, providing breathtaking landscapes, historic cities, a rich culture, together with age-old traditions. I decided to visit Morocco embarking on an adventurous off-the beaten track SUV road trip to carry out a photo-reportage, travelling the lesser-known routes and discovering the hidden wonders of this area.
My journey began in Fez, the oldest imperial city in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fez is famous for its medina, the largest and best-preserved historic city centre in the Arab world, where it is possible to admire mosques, madrasas, palaces, and souks as well as multi-coloured, fragrant markets. I visited the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, the oldest university in the world, the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II, the city’s founder, alongside the Chouara tannery, where leather is worked using traditional methods I was enchanted by the sounds, smells, and flavours of this lively and authentic city.
From Fez, I headed towards Chefchaouen, the blue city of Morocco. Situated in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen has a unique, picturesque appearance. All houses, streets, and doors are painted blue, the colour of peace and spirituality. I strolled through the medina, admiring craft shops, fountains, and squares. I tasted couscous, the typical Moroccan dish made from wheat semolina and vegetables, while sipping mint tea, the national drink. I breathed in the fresh, clean air of this peaceful, relaxing city.
From Chefchaouen, I went in the direction of Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Merzouga is a small oasis at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes, the tallest and most spectacular in Morocco. I reached the desert on camelback, tackling both the sand and the heat. I witnessed the sunset over the dunes, admiring the colours changing from yellow to orange to red. I slept in a Berber tent under the starry sky, listening to the silence and the music of the wind. I experienced an unforgettable, magical adventure.
From Merzouga, I stopped in Rissani, a historic, commercial city. Rissani is known for its weekly market, where local products such as dates, spices, handicraft product, as well as animals are sold. I visited the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, the ancestor of the Alaouite dynasty that reigns over Morocco, together with the kasbah of Oulad Abdelhalim, a 17th-century fortress. I savoured the Berber pizza, a focaccia stuffed with meat and vegetables, as well as the madfouna, a dish made from minced meat and eggs. I discovered the culture and history of this ancient, vibrant city.
From Rissani, I reached Marrakech, the red city of Morocco. Marrakech is a modern, cosmopolitan city, yet which also has a wealth of monuments and traditions. I visited Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the pulsating heart of the city, where musicians, jugglers, snake charmers, and storytellers perform. I paid a visit to the Koutoubia Mosque, the main symbol of the city symbol with its 77m- minaret, the Bahia Palace, a princely residence with gardens and mosaics, alongside the Majorelle Garden, an oasis of greenery and art created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle in collaboration with the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. I shopped in the souks, the labyrinthine markets where it is possible to find everything from carpets to jewellery, spices, and perfumes. I enjoyed the pastilla, a savoury pie filled with chicken, almonds, and icing sugar, as well as the tajine, a dish with meat and vegetables cooked in a terracotta pot I breathed the unique, fascinating atmosphere of this vibrant city of contrasts.
My journey to Morocco was an incredible, unforgettable experience. I discovered a country steeped in beauty, diversity, and hospitality. I experienced some rather intense, profound emotions. I brought back with me some priceless, unforgettable memories. Morocco is a country you will never forget.
