Shrob ou shouf fountain, Public fountain in the medina, Marrakesh, Morocco
Shrob ou Shouf fountain is a public water source in the Marrakesh medina with distinctive architectural features. The structure displays a wooden cedar crown with honeycomb patterns and green-tiled roof, positioned near the Ben Youssef Madrasa.
The fountain was built during the Saadian dynasty between 1578 and 1603 under Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur. This period marked a time of strengthening Moroccan power and modernizing the city's water infrastructure.
The name translates to 'drink and look' in Arabic, reflecting how this fountain served as a gathering spot for people passing through. Visitors can still see the religious inscriptions carved into the stone, which show the spiritual importance of the place.
The fountain is located near the Musée de l'Art de Vivre and is easily accessible through medina tours. Visitors should note this is in a busy area, so visiting early morning or late afternoon offers a better experience.
A wooden bar at the entrance once separated people from animals, keeping the water supply pure and protected. This detail reveals how thoughtfully water hygiene and public access were managed centuries ago.
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