RAMPARTS OF MARRAKECH
- citylockma
- May 15
- 3 min read
Updated: May 15
Historical Walk Around the Medina
A powerful symbol of Marrakech’s identity, the city’s ramparts are more than just a photogenic backdrop — they tell over 900 years of history. Built in the 12th century under the Almoravid dynasty, these impressive earthen walls made of pisé(a mixture of earth and lime) stretch over 19 kilometers around the medina. Once essential for the city’s defense, they now form a true belt of history encircling the old town.
RAMPARTS OF MARRAKECH : WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE ?
You can't miss them !
With their warm ochre hue and impressive height of 6 to 8 meters, the ramparts of Marrakech immediately catch the eye. They form a true belt of packed earth that encircles the medina and its thousand-year-old history.
If you’re up for it (and wearing good shoes), you can even try walking the full circuit. But be warned: it’s nearly 19 kilometers — definitely more of an urban hike than a casual afternoon stroll!
These ramparts are pierced with numerous monumental gates called “Bab”, which once served as checkpoints to protect the city. Today, they’ve become bustling, iconic passageways that people pass through without a second thought… yet they’re incredibly useful for finding your way.
These gates can become valuable landmarks, especially if you’re looking for your riad or need to give clear directions to your taxi driver.
📌 By the way… why do the ramparts of Marrakech have holes?
The small holes you see in the ramparts of Marrakech are called “échappées d’âge” (or “échappeaux d’âge” in old French). They were used to insert wooden scaffolding during the construction of the walls.
CAN YOU VISIT MARRAKECH RAMPARTS ?
You can’t walk on the ramparts like in Essaouira, but you can definitely go all the way around them — on foot, by carriage, or by bike. It’s a great route, perfect for:
Discovering the city off the beaten path,
Escaping the hustle and bustle of the medina,
Stumbling upon authentic, less touristy neighborhoods.
🔎 To help you find your way
We’ve created an interactive map featuring the historic gates, main souks, and nearby tourist attractions. Save it on your phone for a more intuitive walk through the city!
"BAB" GATES : LANDMARKS TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE
Once used as checkpoints and for defense, the ramparts and gates (or Bab) of Marrakech still play a strategic role today… for travelers! They serve as natural landmarks to help you navigate the medina and make getting around—especially by taxi—much easier.
By knowing the name of the gate closest to your destination (a riad, souk, museum, or rooftop terrace), you’ll simplify your route considerably. Taxi drivers know all the gates by heart — just say “Bab Doukkala” or “Bab Agnaou,” and they’ll get you as close as possible to your destination, without you having to wander through the alleyways.
📌 The best time to stroll along the ramparts is late in the day to enjoy the golden light of the sunset.
WHY SHOULDN'T MISS THE RAMPARTS OF MARRAKECH ?
Although they often go unnoticed in favor of louder attractions, the ramparts are the backbone of Marrakech.
They may not be a “classic” attraction, but they are part of the city’s DNA. Following them reveals another side of Marrakech: more authentic, quieter, and more poetic.
So take the time to look up, walk along them, photograph them… and imagine Marrakech at the time when these walls guarded the secrets of the palaces.
