El-Hedim Public Sqaure, Meknes, Fes-Meknes Region, Morocco
The heart of the Meknès medina is Place El Hedim, the large square facing Bab El Mansour. Before Moulay Ismail swept through town a kasbah stood on this spot, but once the bab was erected the king ordered for it to be demolished in favour of a broad plaza from which the gate could be better admired. Originally used for royal announcements and public executions, it’s a good place to sit and watch the world go by.
There’s definitely parallels to be drawn between this square and its grand cousin, Marrakesh’s Djemaa El Fna. The Meknasi version, however, has a lot more of a local flavour. There’s always something going on – kids playing football, musicians drawing crowds, and promenading families treating their toddlers to spins in electric toy cars. Sadly you’ll also sometimes see shackled monkeys captured from the nearby Middle Atlas, providing local entertainment.
One edge is lined with cafes and restaurants; behind these is an excellent, covered produce market.
Epic Morocco Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
Own or work here?
