Bab Ksiba, 12th century city gate in Medina, Morocco
Bab Ksiba is a 12th-century city gate in Marrakesh's medina, featuring large wooden doors set within thick stone walls. It serves as an entrance to the southern section of the fortified district and marks the boundary between inner and outer parts of the city.
The gate was built to protect the western side of the Grand Mechouar, a large plaza at the entrance to the royal palace. It formed part of a fortification system designed to secure the palace area during the medieval period.
The gate displays Quranic verses carved above its arch, showing how religious texts were woven into the city's buildings. This approach to design was typical of how people integrated faith into their everyday surroundings.
You can find this gate by looking for a large eucalyptus tree on its left side, located near the Saadian Tombs. The site is easily reached on foot and sits at a key point within the old medina layout.
The gate led to a smaller fortified system connected to the kasbah, creating a second line of defense that visitors often overlook. This layered protection reveals how the city's security was thoughtfully designed across multiple points.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
