Local Area Information

in the picturesque Mouassine district, the riad offers ideal access to the heart of Marrakech. Its close proximity to the souks allows you to immerse yourself in the bustle of the traditional markets, while remaining within walking distance of the new town, offering the chance to discover the diversity of Marrakech. This area, steeped in history and rich in culture and heritage, is ideal for exploring the architectural wonders and emblematic sites of the ochre city, while enjoying a peaceful setting where the sound of birdsong accompanies your stay.

Marrakech’s grand historic area, Mouassine was laid out in its current form during the Saadian period, and  is crammed with stately Saadian architecture such as Dar Cherifa and grand riads where the wealthy aristocratic families build their homes .  It’s also bang in the centre and full of hip artisanal boutiques cafes and restaurants, as well as a couple of choice sites such as Le Jardin Secret, Moussine foundation.

The district of Mouassine remains charged with trade, commerce and activity to this very day, its a buzzing area that is centrally located to all the main tourist areas only 7 min walk to Jemaa el-Fna square and the spice market, 

The Saadian dynasty (16th and 17th centuries) made Marrakech its capital. Sultan Abdallah El Ghalib built numerous public buildings around which the Mouassine district was built, a new urban model formerly inhabited by Muslims and Jews. The Chorfas Mosque, now called the Mouassine Mosque, was built from 1562, with a library, a madrasa, a fountain, an ablutions room or "maïda," a hammam. This urban complex is similar to that of the Bab Doukala district.

Historical chronology of the 16th and 17th centuries:
1510: Beginning of the Saadian movement in southern Morocco
1525: Occupation of Marrakech by the Saadians
1557-1558: Rabbi Mordecai directs the construction of the Mellah
1562: Beginning of the construction of the Chorfas mosque, "Mouassine" by Sultan Moulay Abd-Allah El Ghalib
1574: Death of Sultan Moulay Abdallah: builder of the Ben Youssef madrasa
1578-1603: Reign of El Mansour who died of the plague
1578: Battle of the Three Kings, Moroccan victory. Start of construction of the El Badi Palace
1593-1608: Ahmed Baba, the famous jurist of Timbuktu, lived in the derb el Hammam
1659-1668: End of the Saadian dynasty, occupation of Marrakech by the Alaouite prince Moulay Rachid.