Fun things to do in Wilaya de Meknes

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Regarded as one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco, the Bab el Mansour is certainly the most important gateway in Meknes, it opens into mechouar where you will find the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. The gate was named after El-Mansour, the architect and was completed in 1732. El Mansour was a Christian rebel who converted to Islam.

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The main gate was built for Moulay Ismail, is supported by two large bastions and a smaller gat to the side. The surrounds of the entrance are rich in green decoration and Kufic characters. The inscription says “I am the door open to all people, whether West or East”.

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Bab el-Khemis was build between 1061 and 1147 and is known as the Thursday Gate. The name came about because of its proximity to a nearby camel market which was held on Thursdays. It was also the entrance to the old Mellah or Jewish quarter and gardens.

To the side of the square is a covered food market – a must for locals and a highlight for tourists who are definitely targeted by the street sellers. There are also café’s selling kebabs and bbq chicken. You will also find entertainers and snake charmers as well as local physicians handing out medicines.

El Hedim square or Place el Hedim connects the Kasbah and the medina. Literally meaning ‘Square of Ruin’s or another version ‘Square of Demolition and Renewal’, it has been laid out on the ruins of the Merinid Kasbah which was razed to the ground by Moulay Ismail in order to build palaces and grounds.

Ville Nouvelle is the new town of Meknes – also known in Arabic as Hamrya. The bus and train stations are in this area. Also in the new town are modern hotels and café’s as well as one of the city’s main attractions, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.

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A common gathering spot for locals in the evening and at night is a lake by the city walls. It's worth the excursion if you like to experience local customs and culture first hand. Buy some food at the marche if you wish and head over around dusk. It will no doubt be crowded with people, but the ambiance is quite nice.

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The medina in Meknes is very pleasant, and has plenty to offer. It's rather small, so there isn't the fear of wandering around lost and confused (unlike the labyrinth in Tetouan).

My roommate's cousin took me to an 11th century madrasa and several small museums containing old artwork and artifacts from Meknes. Entry to these places does cost, but not more than 10 dh per person.

It won't take long to see the entire medina, so take your time, practice your bartering skills, enjoy the sights and smells (avoid the meat market areas in this respect.... you certainly won't be enjoying those smells...)