Bab Agnaou
Bab Agnaou is a city gate in Marrakech located near the Kasbah, built from warm beige sandstone with a large horseshoe arch as its main feature. The facade displays detailed carvings including Kufic script inscriptions, floral motifs, and shell patterns that showcase the craftsmanship of the Almohad period.
The gate was built in the 12th century under Sultan Yaqub al-Mansur during the Almohad period, designed primarily to display the ruler's power and prestige rather than for military defense. Over centuries, parts of the original structure including the flanking towers were removed or altered, though the core gate remained intact.
The gate's name likely comes from a Berber word, though its exact meaning remains debated among scholars. It served as the main entrance to the royal kasbah, a protected area that housed the ruler's palace and important religious buildings.
The gate is easily accessible and located near other historic sites such as the Saadian Tombs and El Badi Palace, making it convenient to visit multiple attractions in one area. Visitors are best served by exploring on foot, and it is worth allowing extra time to wander the surrounding streets and nearby quarters.
The inscriptions on the gate include verses from Surah al-Hijr of the Quran emphasizing protection and faith, possibly holding symbolic meaning for those passing through. The stonework today bears visible marks of salt decay and air pollution, telling the story of centuries exposed to the elements.
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