Bab Agnaou, Marrakech

When the old city of Marrakech was founded under the Almohad dynasty, it was surrounded by protective walls with a total of 19 huge gates in it guarding entry into the city. Bab Agnaou, located in the southwest corner of the city, is certainly the most noteworthy of all those remaining; a remarkable piece with rich decoration echoing the 12th-century fortification design and embellishments. At some point, this gate served as an entrance to the medina's El Badi Palace 鈥� home to the royal family 鈥� and as such was more of a decorative than defensive feature.

Its entryway appears as a large horseshoe arch with concentric circles of symmetrical carvings 鈥� four semi-circular carved arcs, one over the other, with geometric floral patterns and a frieze along the top inscribed with verses from the Koran (in Kufic lettering). The gate takes its blue/ochre color from the Gueliz sandstone of which it is built. The two broken areas at each end of the top suggest that two slender towers once stood in this place, which in turn may account for the name Agnaou, which means "sheep without horns" in ancient Berber.

Today, the Bab Agnaou gate makes one the best photo opportunities in the old city of Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Marrakech. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Bab Agnaou
Sight Location: Marrakech, Morocco (See walking tours in Marrakech)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Marrakech, Morocco

Create Your Own Walk in Marrakech

Creating your own self-guided walk in Marrakech is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

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No tall skyscrapers, no sophisticated giant malls, no anything else of Western architecture await you on this tour. Our self-guided walk is entirely about the genuine Moroccan style. We are going to reveal Marrakech which will amaze you with its majestic structures, traditional motifs, and mystic atmosphere.

Our first stop is a prominent example of Islamic architecture, the Koutoubia Mosque.... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles

Marrakech Top Religious Sites

Islam is the official religion in Morocco, which is why it is only natural that mosques are the dominant religious sites in the country, and Marrakech is no exception. Outside these places of worship, the city's religious scene is represented by unique historical monuments (koubbas), cemeteries, and mausoleums 鈥� all quite interesting to explore.

Our journey starts with the Ben Youssef... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

Medina Walking Tour

Marrakech Medina is a historic district dating back to the Middle Ages. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, this ancient walled city is a labyrinthine maze of narrow streets and bustling markets, known as souks, where you can immerse yourself in the local way of life.

One of the most iconic spots here is Jemaa el-Fnaa, a bustling square that comes alive with street performers,... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles

Marrakech Introduction Walking Tour

The fourth largest city in Morocco, Marrakech is a true out-of-the-ordinary getaway combining old historic atmosphere with a lively sights of today. The medina quarter of Marrakech 鈥� a UNESCO World Heritage Site 鈥� comprises a medieval walled city, dating back hundreds of years to the days of Berber Empire, whose mazelike alleys are still densely packed with vendors and stalls luring buyers... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles

Gueliz Walking Tour

Gueliz, also known as the New City (Nouvelle Ville), is more like the downtown of Marrakech. Here you will definitely feel the Western influence: McDonald's, KFC, brand stores, and even a supermarket. Still, Gueliz is also famous for its art galleries and parks.

We'll start our acquaintance with Gueliz in the El-Harti Gardens (Jnane El Harti), a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles

Moroccan Palaces Walking Tour

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Among the most renowned... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

View all walking tours in Marrakech, Morocco