The city owes its original splendour to the Almoravide and Almohade dynasties (11th – 13th centuries), who made Marrakech into their capital.

The Medina has several architectural and artistic masterpieces from different periods in history:

• the ramparts and gates (in pinkish clay, like most of the original structures)
• the Koutoubia mosque (its 77m high minaret is a key monument of Islamic architecture)
• the Saadian tombs
• Djemaa El-Fna square
• Ben Youssef Madrassa

Beyond the walls, Marrakech has ample areas of greenery at the Palmeira palm groves, and the Menara and Agdal gardens.