Hello friends, I hope you're all well!
Yesterday, I wanted to enjoy a moment of peace and quiet in the middle of nature. So I headed for the Menara Gardens, a fascinating place in Marrakech whose history goes back several centuries, Its name, Menara, means ‘lighthouse’ or ‘landmark’, like a reference point guiding visitors through the landscape.....
The Menara garden is a true witness to history! It was first mentioned in 1579, at the time of the Saadians, and has always been a favourite spot for princes. The princes turned it into a kind of second home, a peaceful place to relax. Later, the Alawite sultan Sidi Muhammad ibn Abderrahmane added his own touch by building an attractive pavilion with a belvedere.
The architecture of the pavilion is impressive. Its thick stone walls are reinforced by false bricks at the corners, and its pyramidal roof covered in green tiles gives it a typically Moroccan charm. Inside, there are two levels: the ground floor was used for domestic chores, while the upper floor, accessed by a steep, narrow staircase, offers a superb view of the large pool thanks to a balustraded balcony.
In terms of decoration, the pavilion is a blend of elegance and tradition. It features ochre-painted geometric friezes, finely decorated wooden frameworks and colourful ceramic mosaics. The Menara is in the tradition of the great Moroccan imperial gardens, such as Agdal, Sahrij Souani in Meknes and Jnane Sbil in Fez. These gardens, laid out by the Alaouite sultans, are real treasures that tell the story of Morocco through their architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
The pond
At the heart of this vast orchard is a huge pool, the real centrepiece of the garden. Measuring 200 metres long and 150 metres wide, it was used not only to irrigate the lush gardens, but also as a training area for the soldiers of the Almohad army. They practised navigation to prepare for the crossings to Andalusia.
This basin is not the only one of its kind. It has twin brothers dating from the same period: the Dar el Hna basin, located in the Agdal gardens, and Charij el Bguar. Both served the same purpose, combining agricultural use and military strategy.
To supply a basin of this size, an efficient water supply system was needed. This is where the genius of the ancients came into play: thanks to the khettara, an ingenious network of underground canals introduced to Morocco in the 12ᵉ century by the Almoravids, water from the water tables was channelled here. A real hydraulic feat that has enabled this place to prosper over the centuries.
A great olive grove spanning no less than 88 hectares. The clouds in the sky on this specific day produced a gentle, enigmatic mood. A light breeze was fluttering the olive trees along the walkways, one hundred years old. As they matched the calm silence of the garden, you could practically hear the leaves rustling.
The Menara have their history starting in 1157, with the Almohads. Ordering its construction, the caliph Abdel Mumin Ibn Ali gave Hajj Ibn Yaïch, the same imaginative genius behind the well-known Koutoubia, direction. These gardens were known at the time as buharya, or boustane, which means just "orchard." They adopted the name Sahrij al Manara not till the Saadian age. Walking under these centuries-old olive trees still today, seduced by the wind and history, is a singular experience—a fusion of nature and legacy.
It was time to head home after a long stroll in this breathtaking location. Not sooner had I left the gardens then the ground was covered in first rainfall. The air had dropped in temperature and smelled like moist ground. Walking in the rain and leaving a site so steeped in history seemed to be almost miraculous. Imagining all that these olive trees had seen over the centuries, sovereigns with their ambitions of grandeur, troops getting ready for far-off battles, and generations of walkers maybe like me at this scene.
Thank you for reading; I hope the pictures I captured will appeal to you. Take care and see you soon for another article.
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!
Photos taken by my own phone (Redmi Note 11).