DJEMAA EL-FNA SQUARE

Located in the heart of the Medina, Djemaa El-Fna square is both the geographical centre of Marrakech and the city's unmissable socio-cultural meeting place. 
It is dominated by the minaret of the Kessabine mosque, between the souk and the minaret of Koutoubia. 
Djemaa El-Fna Square has not always been the lively and warm place it is today. Indeed, its name in Arabic means "assembly of the dead" and it was the place where criminals were executed and their heads nailed to the walls and exposed to the eyes of passers-by. 
This is where you can access the souks with their small alleys lined with various small stalls, public scribes, marabouts, sellers of potions and even tooth pullers. 
Around the square, there is access to various unusual services such as clairvoyant consultations or magic spells. 
During the day, snake charmers, female henna tattooists and monkey owners (who offer photos with their animals) rub shoulders with jugglers, musicians and acrobats. There are even amateur boxing matches. 
Don't hesitate to go up to one of the many rooftop cafes surrounding the square to isolate yourself for a few moments from the bustle of life, to taste "cornes de gazelle" accompanied by a mint tea. 
One of the best times to admire the square from these verandahs is when the sun starts to set and when the stalls activate their stoves to prepare the evening meal. 
The intoxicating smoke, the tam tams, and the glow of the lanterns that light up the stalls lend themselves very well to photography. 
At night, the square, now deserted by the acrobats, is invaded by itinerant restaurants that offer delicious and typical Moroccan dishes for very modest sums. 
In the evening, you can enjoy traditional and unpretentious meals at unbeatable prices. 
This square represents the atmosphere, diversity and culture of Marrakech.

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