Menara Gardens Marrakech: The Pavilion, the Olive Groves and the Atlas View
The Menara Gardens are a large olive grove west of the Marrakech medina, created by the Almohads in the 12th century around a big irrigation basin. The famous green-roofed pavilion beside the water, with the snowy Atlas behind it in winter and spring, is one of the city's classic views. Entry to the gardens is free; a small fee applies to the pavilion.
History
The Almohads built the Menara and Agdal gardens as productive orchards irrigated by khettaras, underground channels bringing water from the Atlas. The basin stored water for the olive trees and is said to have been used for swimming training. The pavilion was rebuilt in the 19th century by the Alaouite sultans as a summer retreat. Together with the Agdal Gardens, the Menara is part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing of the Medina of Marrakech.
What to see
- The basin and pavilion: walk around the water for the reflection of the pavilion and the mountains.
- The pavilion terrace: views over the olive groves.
- The olive groves: shaded paths popular with local families on weekends.
Practical tips
- Go on a clear morning from December to April for snowy peaks behind the pavilion.
- Late afternoon brings soft light and local life.
- It is about 15 minutes by taxi from Jemaa el-Fnaa, and close to the airport, which makes it a good first or last stop.
- Bring water; there are few facilities.
Menara vs Majorelle
Majorelle is a small, lush designer garden with exotic plants and a famous blue villa; the Menara is a wide, simple, historic olive grove with mountain views. Many visitors enjoy both; see our Majorelle Garden guide and Le Jardin Secret for a garden inside the medina.
Add the Menara to your one day in Marrakech or family visit: children enjoy the open space and the fish in the basin. For a view of the gardens from above, take a sunrise balloon flight. More about the site on Wikipedia's Menara gardens article.
Book it with a local operator
- Marrakech: Medina Guided Walking Tour with Bahia Palace & Souks — from €25 per person, pay on the day.
- Marrakech: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride with Berber Breakfast — from €120 per person, pay on the day.
Related guides
- Le Jardin Secret Marrakech: A Hidden Islamic Garden in the Medina
- Best Museums in Marrakech: Art, Crafts, Photography and Fashion
- Marrakech in Winter: Weather, What to Wear and the Best Things to Do
Frequently asked questions
Are the Menara Gardens free?
Entry to the gardens is free; there is a small fee to enter the pavilion.
Are the Menara Gardens worth visiting?
Yes, especially on a clear morning for the iconic view of the pavilion with the snowy Atlas behind; it is simpler than Majorelle.
How far are the Menara Gardens from the medina?
About 15 minutes by taxi from Jemaa el-Fnaa, near the airport.
When were the Menara Gardens built?
In the 12th century, under the Almohad dynasty; the pavilion was rebuilt in the 19th century.
Main photo: JopkeB, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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