The gardens of Marrakech: the Menara gardens

Spread over several hectares

The Menara gardens consist of a large basin, a pavilion, and countless centuries-old olive trees.

The soldiers' swimming pool

In 1147, Abdul-Mu'min self-proclaimed caliph and imam of the Almohads, seized Marrakech from the Almoravides and extended his power over the entire Maghreb. As Marrakech was the capital of the empire at that time, it was necessary to store water for this constantly expanding city. He ordered the creation of a basin 200 meters long and 150 meters wide.

Around this basin, nearly a hundred hectares of gardens benefit from water coming directly from the mountains. Thanks to the khettaras system, which involves channeling water through underground galleries that go back to the mountains located 30 km away, all the garden's irrigation could be managed despite the unfavourable climatic conditions. Another use during this period of transcontinental warfare was as a training pool for soldiers, most of whom could not swim. Legend has it that the sovereign Abu Bakr Ibn Omar, founder of the city, buried the booty from his Islamic crusades where Abdul-Mu'min built the basin

Breathtaking view of the snowy Atlas

In the 17th century, the Saadians, who had also made Marrakech their capital, built the small pavilion and a 4km mud wall encircling the olive grove and the basin. Another legend says that Sultan Moulay Ismail, known for his opulence, wooed his lovers and, once successful, drowned them in the water.

Great visionary, the sovereign Mohammed III dedicated his fortune to renovating the palaces and monuments of the country. Under his command in 1869, the gardens were replanted and the Menara pavilion was restored. The great originality of this small house is its pyramidal roof, uncommon in Marrakech. Its balcony offers an extraordinary view of the basin, as well as the city and the Atlas mountains when the peaks are snow-covered. The interior of the pavilion bears the hallmarks of the craftsmen of the time. There are numerous vaults and paintings covering wood and zelliges.

Today, the Menara is a must-visit spot in Marrakech. Couples stroll around, admiring the landscapes reflected in the water. Far from the sultan and his murderous whims, romance and serenity are now the order of the day in this century-old park.