Menara Gardens

The Menara Gardens are a historic public garden and orchard in Marrakech, Morocco. They were established in the 12th century by the Almohad Caliphate ruler Abd al-Mu'min. The gardens are laid out around a central water basin and reservoir, next to which is a pleasure pavilion dating from the 19th century. The reservoir and its pavilion are considered one of the iconic views and symbols of Marrakesh. The gardens are approximately 720 meters wide and 1.25 kilometers long, with a longitudinal axis rotated twenty-seven degrees counter-clockwise from the north-south meridian. The majority of the gardens are occupied by orchards of olive, cypress, and fruit trees, planted on a ten-meter grid. Pathways through the garden fit into the logic of the grid, with ten-meter wide dirt paths dividing the field into rectangular parcels of varying sizes and orientations. The main feature of the Menara Gardens is the large reservoir located in its center, which is 160 meters wide and 195 meters long. The reservoir is surrounded by a five-meter wide terrace along its perimeter, with several narrow stairways providing access to the terrace from the ground level of the garden. The gardens offer a peaceful escape from the city, with plenty of space for walking and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful views of the Atlas Mountains and the surrounding landscape. The gardens are a great place to visit with family and friends, and offer a unique glimpse into Marrakech's rich history and culture