Did you know? · Marrakech
Marrakech fun facts
Things you might not know about Marrakech. Every fact comes from an official or primary source, named alongside it.
Updated November 2026
A city and a square on UNESCO’s lists
The Medina of Marrakesh was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1985; its influence was felt from North Africa to Andalusia, UNESCO notes. The cultural space of Jemaa el-Fna was proclaimed by UNESCO in 2001 and inscribed in 2008 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The minaret that inspired Seville
The Koutoubia’s minaret is 77 metres high; the Moroccan National Tourist Office notes that its design inspired both the Hassan Tower in Rabat and the Giralda in Seville.
A palace hotel since 1923
La Mamounia has received guests as a palace hotel since 1923, in its own words.
Photographs from 1870
The Maison de la Photographie shows albumen prints from 1870, glass plates and autochromes among its record of Morocco seen by its visitors.
Snow on the horizon
Jbel Toubkal, often snow-capped and visible from the gardens south of the city, stands 4,167 metres high (ANIMA); the climb takes two days with a guide (ONMT).
Questions and answers
When was Marrakech founded?
In 1070–72, by the Almoravids (UNESCO).
How tall is the Koutoubia minaret?
77 metres (Moroccan National Tourist Office).