Said ESSADOUQ
Less well known than the souks or Jemaa el-Fna square, the Kasbah of Marrakech is nonetheless one of the most historic quarters of the Medina. A former royal citadel, it is home to some of the city's most fascinating monuments. It's also our neighbourhood: Riad El Noujoum lies in the heart of the Kasbah. Join us for a walk, from gateway to palace.
A little history
The Kasbah was built at the end of the 12th century by the Almohad sultan Yacoub el-Mansour, who made it the seat of power. In the 16th century, the Saadian dynasty built its palaces and necropolis here. Even today, the quarter borders the Royal Palace of Marrakech, and its quiet lanes contrast with the hustle and bustle of the central Medina.
1. Bab Agnaou, the monumental gate
The walk begins at one of the most beautiful gates in Marrakech. Dating from the Almohad era, Bab Agnaou stands out for its carved stone arches and floral motifs, a rarity in a city built mostly of rammed earth. Look up: storks often nest on the nearby ramparts.
2. The Kasbah Mosque (Moulay El Yazid)
Just behind the gate stands the Kasbah Mosque, built under the Almohads. Its minaret, decorated with green ceramic tiles, is one of the landmarks of the neighbourhood. The interior is reserved for Muslims, but the façade and minaret can be admired from the square.
3. The Saadian Tombs
Adjoining the mosque, the Saadian Tombs are a jewel of 16th-century Moroccan art. Walled up in the 17th century, they lay forgotten until their rediscovery in 1917. The Hall of Twelve Columns, with its Carrara marble columns, finely carved stucco and cedarwood ceiling, holds the tomb of Sultan Ahmed el-Mansour.
Our tip: arrive at opening time to avoid the queue. The site is just a stone's throw from the riad, so you can be there within minutes of finishing breakfast.
4. El Badi Palace, “the Incomparable”
Built from 1578 by Ahmed el-Mansour after his victory at the Battle of the Three Kings, El Badi Palace was one of the most sumptuous of its time, adorned with gold, onyx and marble. The Alaouite sultan Moulay Ismail had it dismantled in the 17th century to reuse its materials in Meknes. Today, impressive ruins remain: a vast courtyard with pools, orange-tree gardens and ramparts where storks nest.
Don't miss: the view from the palace terraces over the rooftops of the Medina and, on a clear day, to the peaks of the Atlas Mountains.
5. The Mellah, the old Jewish quarter
On the edge of the Kasbah, the Mellah bears witness to the long history of Marrakech's Jewish community. Here you can visit the Lazama Synagogue and the Jewish cemetery, one of the largest in Morocco. The nearby spice market (Place des Ferblantiers and around) is ideal for picking up saffron, cumin and ras el-hanout.
6. Bahia Palace
To finish, head to Bahia Palace, built at the end of the 19th century by the sultan's grand viziers. Its marble courtyards, inner gardens and painted wooden ceilings are a masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship.
Practical information
- Length of the walk: half a day to a full day, depending on your pace
- When to go: early in the morning or late in the afternoon, especially in summer
- Getting there: the Kasbah is about a ten-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fna, and accessible by car
- Prices and opening hours: there is an entrance fee for the monuments and opening hours may vary, so check with the riad's reception before you set off
“Staying in the Kasbah means having the treasures of the sultans as your neighbours.”
Read also: When to visit Marrakech? · What to do in Marrakech in 3 days? · Discover Riad El Noujoum
🌙 Book your stay at Riad El Noujoum · Tel.: +212 670-505454 · riadelnoujoum50@gmail.com