Visit the Menara Gardens in Marrakech

adil June 21, 2024

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The Menara Garden is immense, covering more than 100 hectares. This makes it one of the largest in Marrakech . It is a real haven of peace in the city, with its paths, its large pond, and its olive groves .

This garden is not just a park. It is an oasis of calm and beauty of Morocco . It is very popular and welcomes many visitors. You can get there on foot or by taxi.

The site is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and entry is free. It’s the perfect place to enjoy nature, far from the stress of the city.

History of the Menara Garden

The Menara Garden is located in the center of Marrakech . It is a jewel dating from the Almohad dynasty, around 1147. In its early days, it was a large orchard to water the olive trees all around.

This garden was watered by a very well thought-out hydraulic system . Today it is more than an ancient masterpiece. It’s a beautiful place to relax.

The olive groves

The Menara Gardens are famous for their ancient olive groves . They have about forty types of olive trees. These trees show us ancient agricultural methods, used for a long time.

These olive trees also served as a resting place for Almohad soldiers. They had a green space to relax, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The Menara Garden Basin

The Jardin de la Ménara basin is a technical marvel and a historical gem. It measures 195 meters by 160 meters. This basin was used to irrigate olive groves using an old hydraulic system .

It was built over 700 years ago, capturing water from the Atlas Mountains . These are 30 km from Marrakech . This system shows how the Almohads combined business with pleasure.

Origin of the basin

Under Almohade, bassin du Jardin de la Ménara was built as an irrigation and leisure area. The water was channeled through a long, long canal. It served to keep the gardens of Menara lush, even in a dry climate.

During your next visit to Marrakech , taking the time to discover this historic basin will enrich your understanding of the city and its unique heritage. The stands around the pool invite you to contemplate and enjoy the unique spectacle of the Menara Pavilion reflected in the calm water, creating a living picture of serenity and natural beauty .

Discovery of the Saadian Pavilion

The Saadian Pavilion is a treasure of the Menara Gardens, south of the large basin. It was built in 1866. This pavilion symbolizes the past greatness of the Saadian dynasty in Marrakech.

Cost and opening hours

You can visit the Saâdien Pavilion every day. Hours change depending on the season. In summer, you can go there from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entrance costs 20 dirhams.

A UNESCO World Heritage site

The Menara Garden and its Saadian Pavilion have been on the UNESCO list since 1985. Being a world heritage site attracts a lot of visitors. They come to discover the history of Marrakech .

Recommended activities

When you visit the Menara Gardens, there is plenty to do. Walk through the olive groves, watch the birds, or relax by the pond. It’s a perfect place to relax, whether you’re from the city or elsewhere.

Conclusion

The Jardin de la Menara in Marrakech is a haven of peace in a bustling city of Morocco. It extends over more than 100 hectares. It’s a perfect place to relax.

The garden is known for its large pond measuring 195 by 160 meters and its thousands of olive trees. An ancient irrigation system, 700 years old, keeps them alive. These elements have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage since 1980.

You can get to the garden by taxi for around 20 dirhams. Or, you can walk from Jemaa El-Fna in 30 minutes. The garden is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free entry. It only costs 20 dirhams to visit the 16th century Saadian Pavilion. You can take a horse-drawn carriage ride to admire the landscape.

This garden is famous for its rich vegetation. There are olive trees, palm trees and cypress trees. These plants are found in the main garden, pool area, orchard and tower. Each section shows the beauty and history of the place.

In short, the Menara Garden is a place to visit in Marrakech. It’s perfect for those who love tranquility, history and beautiful nature.

FAQs

What is the history of the Menara Gardens?

The Menara Gardens were created around 1147, during the time of the Almohads. They were a huge orchard. This orchard was used to irrigate the olive groves. It also provided a relaxation area for soldiers.Today, these olive groves are an important trace of the history of the site.

How are the Menara Gardens irrigated?

The irrigation of the Menara Gardens is based on their large central basin. This basin dates from the Almohad era. It receives water from the Atlas Mountains using an old hydraulic system.This water is then used to water the olive groves surrounding the site.

What are the opening hours and costs to visit the Saâdien Pavilion?

The Saâdien Pavilion welcomes visitors every day. Hours change depending on the season, but generally range from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. You have to pay a ticket to enter.

What activities can you do at the Menara Gardens?

At the Jardins de la Ménara, you can walk among the olive trees. You can also observe birds. The place is ideal for those who love nature and seek calm.

Why are the Menara Gardens a UNESCO World Heritage site?

The Menara Gardens are on the UNESCO list. They represent a great historical and cultural wealth. They clearly show the know-how of the Almohads and the importance of the Saadian dynasty in Marrakech.

How to access the Menara Gardens?

The Jardins de la Ménara are located in the Hivernage district. They are just minutes from the heart of Marrakech. You can get there on foot or by taxi. It’s very easy to access.

Visit the Menara Gardens in Marrakech