Doors 330 – Doors and Minarets of Marrakesh, Morocco, January 2025 (Part X)
One of the things that is most notable in Marrakesh is the absence of any high-rise buildings due to a law that prohibits any structures from being taller than the Koutoubia Mosque minaret, which stands at 77 meters in height. There are other additional cultural and aesthetic reasons for this approach, and the outcome is that the third floors of most restaurants, shops and houses are open-air, affording views across the whole city and beyond.
This week’s selection of door pictures includes the Koutoubia Mosque minaret and the famous Jemaa el-Fna the main square in the medina, where food and refreshment stalls occupy space adjacent to snake charmers and hawkers of one sort or another. The square only really comes to life in the evenings, when it is a thriving mix of locals and tourists taking advantage of the cooler temperatures.
I hope you enjoy this week’s selection:
In the last photograph, you can see the walls of the mosque propped up following the devastating earthquake in September 2023. That’s it for this week. More from Marrakesh next time.
If you have made it this far, you probably like doors, and you really ought to take a look at the No Facilities blog by Dan Anton who has taken over the hosting of Thursday Doors from Norm 2.0 blog. Links to more doorscursions can be found in the comments section of Dan Anton’s weekly Thursday Doors post.
Natural adventures 
Beautiful streets and buildings. I love that there are no high rises.
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It is a refreshing approach
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Great pics! Bit of a way from the M32, huh?!
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Both in distance and culture.
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Great photos, Steve. I like the idea that buildings can’t be taller than the Mosque. I love the photos showing people and all the colorful goods for sale on the street. Filled with life, which I don’t see often around here.
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It is weird, but when I take pictures I like to have things without people, but it often gives a false impression of a place. In Marrakesh, it is impossible to cut people out.
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I’ve taken photos of doors in similar situations, where people are unavoidable. In your case, I think the people add a nice bit of context.
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Going there in February to see the doors for myself!
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Oh wow, fantastic, and just before it gets too hot. If you need any tips…
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Thanks
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Another exciting gallery, Stephen. It looks like rain was pending that afternoon at the Jemaa el-Fna square. I love the photo of the square and the vastness of its space with the hubub of people in the distance.
Wonderful photos of the market, I love the cool cat you captured in the photo (Rue Riad Zitoun El Jedid). It is a great photo of the contrasts of ancient buildings, modern clothing, and all in one small street at once.
Is that greenish graffiti on the keyhole gateway Derb Oualdine?
The rooftop photo reminds me of an action movie or two that may have been filmed in Marrakesh… I love it!
Thank you for this continued virtual journey and your insights into this great city, Stephen. This is a place I have always wanted to see more of and or visit. Much appreciated.
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I love your observations of these pictures. The cat was one of a great many, and just gets on with being a citizen. I’m not sure about the graffiti, but I did find a few walls and pieces about the place (obviously).
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You are most welcome, Stephen. Cheers.
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