Menara gardens, Public garden and orchard in Marrakesh, Morocco.
Menara gardens is a public garden set at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains outside Marrakesh, covering a large area with olive trees and rows of cypress. A large rectangular water reservoir forms the center of this landscape, beside which stands a stone pavilion with its distinctive green-tiled roof.
These gardens were laid out in the middle of the 12th century by the Almohad dynasty as agricultural land with advanced irrigation systems. In the 19th century, they were reshaped as a place of leisure and pleasure, taking on the form visitors see today.
The name "Menara" comes from the Arabic word for "lighthouse," referring to the distinctive pavilion that stands like a landmark in the landscape. Visitors can see today how this structure with its green roof tiles reflects the refined building style preferred under the Alaouite dynasty.
The gardens are open to visitors year-round without entrance fees and feature wide paths for walking between the rows of trees. The best time to visit is early morning or toward evening, when it is cooler and the paths are less crowded.
The central water reservoir functions not just as an irrigation source but also mirrors the Atlas Mountains, creating a visual connection between the garden and the peaks. This double function makes it one of the most interesting features of the place and gives the setting a special quality.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
