Key dates
| Date | What happens | What to see today |
|---|---|---|
| Around 1070 | Founded by the Almoravids; sources differ on the founder (Abu Bakr ibn Umar or Yusuf ibn Tashfin) | The medina ramparts |
| 1147 | The Almohads, rivals of the Almoravids, take the city | The Koutoubia mosque, 12th century |
| 16th century | Marrakech is the Saadian capital | The El Badi Palace and the Saadian Tombs |
| 19th century | Great dignitaries' residences | The Bahia Palace |
| 1912 | Start of the French protectorate | The new town of Guéliz |
| 1956 | Moroccan independence | |
| 1985 | The medina joins UNESCO World Heritage | The whole medina |
Who founded Marrakech? The Almoravids, around 1070; the founder's name varies by source.
The flag and symbols
Morocco's flag is red with a green pentagram, adopted as the national flag on 17 November 1915. Sources differ on who started the change (Marshal Lyautey or Sultan Moulay Youssef) and on the exact origin of the star, a five-pointed variant of the Seal of Solomon. In Marrakech you will see it on public buildings, at palace entrances and on Jemaa el-Fna square. The city is nicknamed "the red city" for the colour of its ramparts and rammed-earth houses.
Where to see the history in a day
- Morning: the Koutoubia (from outside: entry to the mosque is for Muslims only) and its garden.
- Midday: the Marrakech Museum, in an old palace.
- Afternoon: El Badi, the Saadian Tombs, then the Bahia Palace.
- Evening: Jemaa el-Fna, listed as intangible cultural heritage.
Practical tips
- A licensed guide helps link the eras: choose a guided medina tour with palaces and tombs rather than a guide who approaches you in the street.
- Several monuments close at lunchtime or on Fridays: check the hours on site or on each page.
- To find your way, read the Marrakech medina guide.
Which option to choose?
- Half a day: Bahia, Saadian Tombs and the medina with a guide.
- A day: add El Badi, the Koutoubia and the Marrakech Museum.
- On your own: follow our order above.
La rédaction Marrakech Authority, 26/10/2026.
