Bab Dukkala, City gate at northwest Medina, Morocco
Bab Dukkala is a city gate at the northwest edge of Marrakesh's medina, featuring two substantial towers that frame a winding corridor with multiple turns. The passage creates a deliberate route into the ancient city, serving as a primary entrance to the historic quarter.
The gate was built around 1126 during the Almoravid period under emir Ali ibn Yusuf and formed part of the city's first defensive walls. It stands as evidence of the early fortification efforts that protected Marrakesh.
The name Dukkala refers to a Berber tribe and a fertile agricultural region between Marrakesh and Casablanca, connecting the city to its surrounding lands.
The gate sits close to the main bus terminal on its northern side, making it a key reference point when arriving in the city. Walking through early in the morning helps you avoid the crowds that build up throughout the day.
The gate follows a deliberately designed pattern with two right-angle turns that shift from west to south, then east again. This zigzag route served as a defensive strategy to slow and disorient anyone attempting to enter by force.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
