The incredible life of the Menara in Marrakech

A pond, fish, an olive grove, a pavilion, a few palm trees, the Menara is one of the most visited places of Marrakech, located not far from the hotels and riads of the city. At the time, the vegetation consists of a few palm trees, a few olive trees and a cypress chouia. Let us go back in time. At the end of the 19th century, a small Saadian-style pavilion was erected. The place then acts as a place of residence. Called the Menzeh, its pyramidal roof decorated with green tiles makes all its charm. From the terrace, a sublime panorama of Marrakech is offered. Breathtaking ! Today, the Menara is a place full of charm, quiet, far from the hustle and bustle. The sportsmen jog themselves, the walkers admire the reflections of the landscapes in the water, while the lovers take advantage of the sunset.

A secular system

The Menara is also an ancestral architectural creation. Indeed, the basin fills with a 700 year old hydraulic system that transports water from the Atlas Mountains. The lake, with a surface of 150 meters by 200, allows irrigation of the olive grove and other elements of the flora that make up the garden. The water is collected and then released at the right time. Since the reservoir can not operate alone, a person must take care to orient his or her path. Moreover, the basin is filled with fish, a priori carp, of an impressive size. Throw them bread, and you will witness a real spectacle!

The Menara and legends

Several legends dating back several centuries make the history of the site. The first is that the pool served as a swimming pool, in the 12th century, so that the Almohad soldiers learn to swim. The latter were preparing to join Al-Andalous, crossing the Mediterranean by swimming! Courageous and rash at the same time! Another legend, another era. It is said that the Sultan Moulay Ismail (XVIIth century), executioner of the hearts, drowned his conquests after seducing them. Finally, the Menara also has, according to rumors, another story. He murmurs that the basin would be built where Sultan Abu Bakr Ibn Omar had buried his booty during the Islamic crusades.

The garden

The garden of the Menara is less important than others like that of the Agdal. The vegetation is very present and many people take care of it. The olive trees are the majority but there are also cypresses and palm trees. The beauty of the place is striking, the sunset is just as much. Finally in the 19th century, the garden was enlarged and a wall of adobe was built to surround the olive grove.