El Hedim Square, Central square in Meknes, Morocco
El Hedim Square sits in front of the Bab el-Mansour gate and features traditional Moroccan architecture with buildings and structures from past periods. Multiple narrow streets from the medina branch off from this location, connecting the square to surrounding neighborhoods.
Between 1672 and 1674, Sultan Moulay Ismail ordered the demolition of buildings in this area to make room for this square and his palace complex. This reshaping was part of a larger urban planning vision for the city.
The square serves as a gathering place where local families come together in the evening for socializing, food, and entertainment. These regular gatherings shape how the community uses and experiences this central location.
The square is easy to reach when coming from the medina, and cafes along with shops are positioned around its edges. This makes it a convenient spot for exploring, eating, and shopping.
The name El Hedim literally means 'square of demolition,' a direct reference to the clearing of buildings that made its creation possible. This name still tells the story of the dramatic urban transformation today.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
