Menara Gardens: the basin, the pavilion and the olive groves

Updated on October 1, 2026

West of Marrakech, on the road to the airport, the Menara Gardens form a vast olive orchard created in the 12th century by the Almohad ruler Abd al-Mumin. At its center, a large rectangular basin served as a reservoir to irrigate the crops; a pavilion with a green-tiled roof is reflected in its water. On clear days, the peaks of the High Atlas stand out in the background, a view that has become one of the city's symbols. Together with the Agdal and the medina, the Menara is part of the site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. It is a quiet place for a walk, away from the bustle of the medina.

Highlights

The pavilion

The current pavilion dates from 1870, during the reign of Sultan Mohammed IV, and replaces an older Saadian building. Its facade opens onto the basin through an arcaded loggia, topped by a pyramid-shaped roof of green tiles. Visiting the interior requires a ticket, unlike the gardens.

The great basin

The basin measures about 195 by 160 meters. It is fed by khettaras, underground channels that tap groundwater at the foot of the Atlas. Walk around it on the path along its edge: from the bank opposite the pavilion, the reflection and the mountains make up the site's best-known view.

The olive groves

Around the basin, the olive trees are planted in regular rows, on a grid of about ten meters. The garden is still a working orchard, crossed by dirt paths where you walk in the shade. You will also see a few fruit trees and cypresses.

Infos pratiques

Tips

Entry to the gardens is free; only the pavilion charges admission, with a ticket bought on site. The site is large and has little shade around the basin: bring water, a hat and good shoes. On weekends, the garden draws more walkers: come on a weekday for more peace. The pavilion is open from 09:00 to 17:00, shorter hours than the gardens.

How to get there

Avenue de la Ménara, Marrakech, about 3.5 km west of Jemaa el-Fna square: by metered petit taxi from the medina or Guéliz (around ten minutes), or by horse-drawn carriage A petit taxi from the medina or Gueliz takes about ten minutes; ask the driver to switch on the meter.