Hello Hive community!
This past weekend I took a little time out to go for a walk in Meknes, and today I want to take you with me. Between nature, superb panoramas and old gates steeped in history, this walk really did me good. It was just what I needed to take a breather after a busy week!
I set off for a walk at around 10am, starting with a little trip to the Youth Forest, not far from the centre of Meknes. It's a really nice place to go for a walk in the morning: there are lots of trees, shady paths and beautiful vegetation all around. The air is fresh, and it's good to get away from the noise of the city. A real place to relax.
On leaving the forest, I continued my walk towards Boulevard Moulay Messaoud. It was recently renamed to pay tribute to Moulay Messaoud Agouzzal, a highly respected figure in the region. This boulevard offers an incredible panorama of the Oued-Boufekrane valley. Even though the river is often dry, the greenery is still there, giving the place a special charm. From up there, you can also see the roofs of the medina, the minarets of the mosques and the ramparts surrounding the town. Frankly, if you like taking photos or simply admiring beautiful urban landscapes, this viewpoint is well worth the diversions.
My walk then took me to the Djordjora bridge, an old bridge full of history that crosses the Oued-Boufekrane. With its stone arches, it is a reminder of the incredible skill of the ancient builders. Crossing it, you can't help but think of all that it has seen over the centuries... It has certainly played an important role in the development of the town. It's a place that exudes something strong, almost moving. I took the opportunity to take a few photos, and even found an old image of the bridge on the internet that I'd like to share with you too!
Continuing my walk, I reached Bab-Berdaine, one of the monumental gates of the Meknes medina. Built in the 17th century under the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismaïl, this gateway is impressive for its size and its zellige decoration. It marks the northern entrance to the medina and symbolises the power of the former imperial capital. Nearby is the Bab-Berdaine Mosque, built in 1709 by Khnata bent Bakkar, wife of the sultan, and recently classified as a national heritage site. (I'll be sharing a post about this beautiful historic mosque soon)!
Continuing my walk, I passed through Bab-Talt-Fhoul, a lesser-known but equally charming gateway. It was also built in the 17th century. Its simple architecture and three arches give it a sober elegance. It's a peaceful place, perfect for contemplation.
My last stop was Bab-Khemis, a monumental gateway to the west of the medina. Built in 1686, it provided access to the royal officials' quarters. Its imposing structure and geometric motifs are truly attractive. As you pass through it, you get a sense of the importance it once had in the administrative life of the city.
Every time I take a long walk like this through Meknes, I rediscover the richness of its historical heritage and the beauty of its landscapes. Every place I visit tells a story. What's special here is the harmony between nature and architecture, between the calm of the green spaces and the majesty of the monuments. Meknes is a city that deserves to be explored on foot, to appreciate all its nuances and hidden treasures.
Thanks to you, dear readers of the Hive community, for accompanying me on this walk. I hope you enjoyed the photos! See you soon for the next post!
I'm Redwan from Morocco ! I've always had a passion for travelling and discovery. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than exploring new places, whether historical, archaeological or in the heart of nature. Through my blogs, you can discover the hidden gems of Morocco, whether you want to admire the fascinating architecture of a historic site, delve into the legends surrounding an archaeological site, or simply marvel at the beauty of Moroccan nature!
I took all the photos with my own Redmi Note 11 smartphone, and edited them on canva !
