Palmeraie, Palm grove in Marrakesh, Morocco
The palm grove north of Marrakesh is a sprawling agricultural landscape with thousands of date palms mixed with olive and fruit trees. The trees form several small forests and farm plots crisscrossed by paths and irrigation channels.
The palm grove was established in the 11th century by the Almoravid dynasty, which built a canal system to irrigate the land and feed the city. This water network still shapes the landscape today and shows how early engineers directed water through the dry region.
The palm grove has long been a place where date palms, olive trees, and fruit trees grow closely together, shaping daily life in the region. Visitors see locals walking between the trees, using water for their fields, and working under the shade of the palms.
Visitors can walk or bike between the trees, especially during the cooler morning or evening hours. It is wise to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as many paths are unpaved and the sun can be intense.
In the 1920s, an urban rule stated that buildings could not be taller than the palms, making these trees a marker of city growth. Today palms line many streets in Marrakesh, reminding visitors of this unusual planning decision.
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