Gardens of Marrakech / Menara Gardens
Menara Gardens Marrakech: entrance fee, hours and history
Is there an entrance fee?
No. The garden and the walk around the basin are free. The pavilion has a small ticket, a few tens of dirhams depending on the source; the price is posted at the entrance. You can enjoy the place fully without going inside.
Eight centuries of history
The gardens were created in the 12th century by the Almohad caliph Abd al-Mumin, around a large basin about 195 by 158 metres. The basin is built above ground to water the olive groves by gravity, with water brought from the Atlas.
The green-roofed pavilion dates from 1869, under Sultan Mohammed IV, on the site of an older Saadian pavilion. Together with the Agdal and the medina, the Menara has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985.
Best time to visit
Late afternoon, when the sun sets behind the olive trees and the pavilion is reflected in the water. From December to March, a clear morning gives the full postcard: pavilion, basin and the snowy peaks of the Atlas.
What to combine it with
The Menara is a garden for walking, not a botanical garden: you come for space, calm and the view. Pair it with Majorelle in the morning, or with a trip into the Atlas: the roads to the Ourika valley and Imlil both leave from the south of the city.
Frequently asked questions
Are Menara Gardens free?
Yes, the garden is free. Only the pavilion charges an entrance fee.
What are the Menara Gardens opening hours?
Every day, roughly from 8 am to 6 pm. Hours are indicative and can change with the season.
What is the history of the Menara Gardens?
The gardens date from the 12th century and the Almohad dynasty. The current pavilion was built in 1869.
Can you see the Atlas from the Menara?
Yes, on clear days, especially in winter, the snowy peaks appear behind the pavilion.
Sources: Archnet, Menara Garden · UNESCO, Medina of Marrakesh (1985).
