diff --git a/bindings/python/mapnik_markers_symbolizer.cpp b/bindings/python/mapnik_markers_symbolizer.cpp
index d6388c6f7..aad93b7f7 100644
--- a/bindings/python/mapnik_markers_symbolizer.cpp
+++ b/bindings/python/mapnik_markers_symbolizer.cpp
@@ -124,5 +124,15 @@ void export_markers_symbolizer()
                       &markers_symbolizer::get_height,
                       &markers_symbolizer::set_height,
                       "Set/get the marker height")
+        .add_property("fill",
+                      make_function(&markers_symbolizer::get_fill,
+                      return_value_policy<copy_const_reference>()),
+                      &markers_symbolizer::set_fill,
+                      "Set/get the marker fill color")
+        .add_property("stroke",
+                      make_function(&markers_symbolizer::get_stroke,
+                      return_value_policy<copy_const_reference>()),
+                      &markers_symbolizer::set_stroke,
+                      "Set/get the marker stroke (outline)")
         ;
 }
diff --git a/tests/python_tests/object_test.py b/tests/python_tests/object_test.py
index 109efc6dd..563559e99 100644
--- a/tests/python_tests/object_test.py
+++ b/tests/python_tests/object_test.py
@@ -113,6 +113,27 @@ def test_pointsymbolizer_init():
     eq_(p.ignore_placement,True)
     eq_(p.placement, mapnik.point_placement.INTERIOR)
 
+
+# PointSymbolizer initialization
+def test_markersymbolizer_init():
+    p = mapnik.MarkersSymbolizer() 
+    eq_(p.allow_overlap, False)
+    eq_(p.opacity,1)
+    eq_(p.filename,'')
+
+    stroke = mapnik.Stroke()
+    stroke.color = mapnik.Color('black')
+    stroke.width = 1.0
+    
+    p.stroke = stroke
+    p.fill = mapnik.Color('white')
+    p.allow_overlap = True
+    p.opacity = 0.5
+
+    eq_(p.allow_overlap, True)
+    eq_(p.opacity, 0.5)
+
+
 # PointSymbolizer missing image file
 # images paths are now PathExpressions are evaluated at runtime
 # so it does not make sense to throw...