Medieval Morocco - Djemaa el-Fna

Morocco's ancient marketplaces, or Medinas, still look as medieval as they have for centuries; in Marrakesh, the wonderful public square known as the Djemaa el-Fna has been the heart and soul of cultural and social activity for the locals and visitors alike. Now a world heritage site, Djemaa el-Fna is surrounded by a plethora of restaurants and cafes, where, amongst other activities,until the 19th century criminals were brought to be beheaded. Such gruesome tasks are no longer carried out, but the rest of the madness continues.

Around 5 o’clock each afternoon, the smoke from the many cooking stalls starts drifting over the crowd, alerting taste buds to the pleasures of aromatic spices, grilled meats and tasty salads, or, for the more adventurous, perhaps a steaming bowl of snail soup. The feasts are many – for the eyes and the ears as well as the stomach - and one never tires of this crazy nightly carnival.