Marrakech, a former imperial city in western Morocco, and a major economic center home to mosques, palaces and gardens. The medina is a densely populated, walled medieval city dating from the Berber Empire, with labyrinthine alleys, where bustling souks (markets) sell traditional fabrics, pottery and jewelry. Symbol of the city, the minaret of the 12th century Moorish mosque of Koutoubia is visible for kilometers.