Thing to do
Jemaa el-Fnaa
The medina's main square, recognised by UNESCO for its oral heritage, where juice stalls, performers and storytellers give way to open-air food stalls at night.
Agdal Gardens
A vast walled royal estate of orchards and reservoirs south of the medina, founded by the Almohads in the 12th century and listed by UNESCO.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic royal gardens
- Area
- Agdal, Marrakech, Morocco
Good to know
- Olive and fruit orchards
- Historic reservoirs
Why we recommend it
The Agdal Gardens are the larger and less visited sibling of the Menara. Founded by the Almohads in the 12th century, they stretch for about three kilometres south of the royal palace and cover some 340 hectares inside a nine-kilometre wall. The Saadians restored them in the 16th century, when they were known as the Garden of Happiness, and Alaouite sultans extended and rebuilt them in the 19th century. They have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing for Marrakech since 1985.
The estate is a working landscape rather than a manicured park. Olive trees dominate, interspersed with orange, lemon, pomegranate and other fruit trees laid out in large walled sections. Water arrives through khettara, underground channels from the High Atlas, and is stored in great basins. The largest, the Dar al-Hana reservoir, is about 208 by 181 metres, with a pavilion on its edge, and a second basin has a square island at its centre.
A walk here is about space and quiet. Paths run along the walls and between the orchards, and on clear days the High Atlas rises beyond the trees. Historic structures, including pavilions, a former boathouse and storehouses, are scattered through the estate, though many are not open to visitors. It suits walkers, photographers and anyone who wants a break from the medina's crowds.
Access is more limited than at the Menara. The gardens are part of the royal domain, and opening days are restricted and can change, so check locally or ask your hotel before you go. When they are open, allow at least an hour, wear sun protection and bring water, as facilities are minimal.
The gardens lie immediately south of the royal palace and the Kasbah, a short taxi ride from Jemaa el-Fnaa. You can combine a visit with the Saadian Tombs and El Badi Palace in the Kasbah, or continue south along the Ourika road towards Anima Garden and the Atlas foothills. Because the estate is so large and the entrances are few, agree with your taxi driver where you will be collected, or keep the number of a taxi company to hand. A hat, sturdy shoes and a fully charged phone are sensible, since there are few facilities and little shade once you are inside. Visitors who cannot get in on the day will find the Menara Gardens, on the other side of the city, a good alternative with similar olive groves and reservoir views.
Agdal Gardens FAQs
How big are the Agdal Gardens?
About 340 hectares, extending roughly three kilometres inside a nine-kilometre wall.
How old are they?
They were founded by the Almohads in the 12th century and restored by later dynasties.
Are they a UNESCO site?
Yes. They have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing for Marrakech since 1985.
Are the gardens open every day?
No. Opening days are limited and can change, so check locally before you visit.
What grows in the gardens?
Mostly olive trees, with orange, lemon, pomegranate and other fruit trees.
How is the water supplied?
Through khettara, underground channels bringing water from the High Atlas, into large reservoirs.
How do you get there?
By taxi, a short ride south of the medina beyond the royal palace.