The old city of Marrakech was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Patrimoine Mondiale) in 2008 in recognition of Marrakesh’ impressive number of masterpieces of architecture and art – the ramparts and monumental gates, Koutoubia Mosque, Saâdians tombs, ruins of the Badiâ Palace, Bahia Palace, Ménara water feature and pavilion. Recognition as a World Heritage Site also implies the historical aspect and Marrakesh’ decisive role in medieval urban development.
The 700 hectares of the Medina, the ancient habitat, rendered vulnerable due to demographic change, represents an outstanding example of a living historic town with its tangle of lanes, its houses, souks, fondouks, artisanal activities and traditional trades.