El Hedim Square, Central square in Meknes, Morocco
El Hedim Square is a large open plaza in the heart of the medina of Meknes, Morocco, facing the monumental gate of Bab el-Mansour. Its edges are lined with low buildings housing cafes, shops, and food stalls, while several medina lanes branch off from it in different directions.
The square was created in the late 17th century when Sultan Moulay Ismail ordered the demolition of existing structures to make way for his palace complex nearby. The clearing of this land was part of his broader plan to turn Meknes into an imperial capital.
On evenings and weekends, families and street performers fill the square, making it one of the most active outdoor spaces in Meknes. Food stalls and vendors set up around the edges, giving the space a market-like feel that reflects daily life in the medina.
The square is easy to find on foot from the medina and works well as a starting point for exploring the surrounding streets. The cafes along its edges are a good place to stop and get your bearings before heading deeper into the old city.
The name El Hedim translates from Arabic as 'square of demolition', a direct reference to the clearing that preceded its creation. This name has survived for centuries and still carries the memory of how the space came to exist.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
