Thousand and one doors

Route overview

The door or "bab" in Morocco, opening to the outside or limit of space and whose large wooden sections are inscribed sometimes under simple arches, sometimes under imposing compositions, punctuate in Marrakech a large wall, built in rammed earth of ocher clay. A color that has become an emblem today, it tints both the defensive wall and the buildings and houses of the city. Delimiting the old city by its enclosure, it was once intended to protect the city. These heavy doors, once closed at night, remain wide open today. Testimony of the defensive architecture, the surroundings of the ramparts are now devoted to the promenade. Along these gardens, you will see the famous La Mamounia hotel, you will have a nice view of the Koutoubia mosque or the Atlas mountains. From door to door, this route will also transport you from district to district, from one atmosphere to another and will allow you to discover through its various historical entry points (Bab Doukkala, Bab El Khemis, Bab Debagh, etc.) a set of place of exchange and passages.

Formerly closed in the evening, Bab Doukkala has remained through time a high place of meeting and passage. Historically, one of the entry points of the old city, it remains today one of the major accesses of the Medina. The bus station being very close, it welcomes visitors from all over Morocco every day. Giving access to the old town through a wide gate embellished with two large bastions, it opens onto the district of the same name. Discover the typical atmosphere that reigns there by strolling along the wall between the booksellers, on its vegetable market, or by going a little deeper into its narrow streets, its small shops and its elegant mosque.

In the shade of the large shopping halls of the souk El Khemis, mixing bric a brac, craftsmen's workshops and flea markets, this discreet door whose name this place has kept, will be accessible to you by walking along the rampart. Literally door of Thursday (El Khemis), an open-air souk was organized there on this day, today more regular, it is the place of all the finds. Also giving access to one of the spiritual highlights of the city: the Mausoleum of Sidi Bel Abbès, one of the 7 Saints of Marrakech. Surrounded by a sacred enclosure, Horm, formerly bustling with traders and craftsmen, presented itself as a real district which had the particularity of welcoming the blind of the city imploring the blessing of Sidi Bel Abbès.

Today forming an important residential district to the south of the medina, it has been the historic seat of power since the XNUMXth century. It is here that the Almohad dynasty will install its residences and palaces. Characterized by its airy urbanism, it hosts within its walls many attractions that will delight the visitor: the Saadian Tombs (royal necropolis), the Moulay Yazid mosque, not to mention its remarkable historic entrance, Bab Agnaou, a large door composed of elegantly decorated cut stones. made her one of the prettiest in the enclosure. There is also the Royal Palace on which depends a huge orchard, the Agdal Gardens, a place for walking open to the public at the end of the week.