Marrakech: Living on the Edge of the Desert

Marrakech is a place of contrasts: half African and half Andalusian.

Amid its luxuriant palm groves, through the ochre-coloures streets of the canopied souks, Marrakech is veiled in an ambiguous mystique. High walls protect havens waiting to be discovered as heavy cedar-wood doors yield to offer a glimpse of the delights of the town centres and marketplaces.

Deep within its gardens, vestiges of ancient splendour reminiscent of ancient Babylon can be discovered. In the quiet angles, nooks and corners where one can hear just the murmuring of a fountain, it is easy to believe it is one of the last outposts of a forgotten Eden.

Daniel Rey, architect and journalist, collaborates with 'FMR' and 'AD' magazines and compiles travel reports for 'Conde Nast Traveller' and 'Louis Vuitton City Guides'. Dividing his time between Rome and Marrakech, he teamed up with photographer Massimo Listri to create a book that will have readers reaching for it time and time again.