Menara Gardens

The Menara gardens are laid out around a large basin dug in the 12th century to irrigate the olive grove that surrounds it, fed from the mountains by a network of underground channels.

The green-tiled pavilion overlooking the water dates from the 19th century. On clear winter and spring days the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas are reflected in the basin — the most reproduced image of Marrakech after the Koutoubia.

Entry to the gardens is free; only the pavilion charges admission. It is a late-afternoon walk, about ten minutes by car from the centre.