"An Ancient Park on the Edge of the City Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985, the Jardin Menarawas created in the mid-12th century by the Almohad dynasty. Since then, its gardenshavebeen added to and embellished by varying degrees for other sultans but always centered around a huge, flat reflecting pool, which captures the Atlas Mountains in the most sensational way on a clear day and forms the focus of a space that covers nearly 250 acres. An elegant pavilion was installedduring the Saadian rule ofthe 18th century and proveda popular summer escape from the heat among city dignitaries. Unlike other, more formal gardens of the city, Menara’s vast olive groves, orange orchards, and cypresses feel more naturaland create a trueescape from the fray. Although extremely popular with picnicking Moroccan families in the afternoons, the place isblessedly free of tourists and a lovely, peaceful place for a stroll."
