30min
Bab Mansour
Most beautiful gate in North Africa. Masterpiece of Moorish art with its Carrara marble columns recovered from Volubilis.
Free
Ville Impériale
Meknes
The Moroccan Versailles
Imperial splendor of the 17th century
850,000 inhabitants
Founded in 9th
17°C annual, 33°C in summer
Titanic work of Sultan Moulay Ismail, Meknes impresses with its gigantic ramparts and monumental gates. This imperial city, less touristy, offers preserved authenticity.
Histoire de Meknes
Meknes owes its grandeur to Sultan Moulay Ismail (1672-1727), contemporary of Louis XIV, who made it his capital. An admirer of the Sun King, he wanted to create a Moroccan Versailles.
With an army of 150,000 slaves and prisoners, he erected an imperial city with 40 km of ramparts, 50 palaces, immense gardens, stables for 12,000 horses, and granaries that could feed the city for 10 years of siege.
Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1996, Meknes retains intact the atmosphere of a great imperial city, without the mass tourism of Marrakech or Fez. It is the most authentic of the imperial cities.
Foundation
9th century, capital in 1672
Dynasty
Alaouite (Moulay Ismail)
Climate
Continental Mediterranean
Monuments & Sites to Visit
Les incontournables de Meknes pour un voyage inoubliable
1h
Heri es-Souani
Huge granaries and royal stables. Ingenious natural ventilation system. Could accommodate 12,000 horses.
20 MAD
45min
Agdal Basin
4-hectare reservoir fed by a 25 km aqueduct. Romantic walk at sunset.
Free
45min
Moulay Ismail Mausoleum
Tomb of the great sultan, accessible to non-Muslims. Refined decor, fountains and exceptional zellige tiles.
Free
1h
El Hedim Square
Central square of the medina, once the place of beheadings. Today lively with cafes and merchants.
Free
2-3h
Medina and Souks
Authentic and not very touristy medina. Specialized souks: embroidery, carpets, spices. Quality crafts at reasonable prices.
Free
Quartiers de Meknes
Medina
Historic heart, authentic souks
Imperial City
Palaces, ramparts and gardens
Hamria
Modern and residential district
Practical Information
Where to Sleep?
Guest houses in the medina or comfortable hotels in Hamria. Riad D'Or and Ryad Bahia offer charm and authenticity at affordable prices.
Gastronomy
Local specialties: kefta meknassi, tagines with olives from the region, honey pastries. The cuisine is generous and cheaper than in Fez.
Transportation
Medina accessible on foot. Small green taxis for the modern city. The city is compact and easy to explore.
Best Time
March-May and September-November. Summer is hot but less touristy.
Our Tips
Combine Meknes with Volubilis and Moulay Idriss in one day
Buy olives and olive oil from the region (best quality/price)
Visit the underground Cara prison near Heri es-Souani
Meknes is ideal for discovering crafts without commercial pressure
The region's wine (Coteaux de l'Atlas) is excellent
Excursions depuis Meknes
Volubilis
30 km
Most beautiful Roman site in Morocco
Moulay Idriss
25 km
Holy city, cradle of Moroccan Islam
Fez
60 km
Spiritual capital
Azrou
70 km
Cedar forest, Barbary macaques
Discover the Other Imperial Cities
Prêt à découvrir Meknes ?
Consultez nos circuits incluant Meknes ou contactez-nous pour un voyage sur mesure