Lahdim Square — Attraction in Meknes

Welcome to Morocco - Discover Meknes and Volubilis

Riad in Meknes. The riad is near main Meknes sites in the medina : Bab Mansour, the mausoleum, Meknes museum. Hotel in Meknes. Our riad offers large comfortable suites. Read all about our riad in Meknes but also about Volubilis, Azrou and life in Meknes. You will also find many photos of the medina of Meknes and other cities around Morocco. Read about the craftsmen of Meknes. Restaurants in Meknes and what to do in Meknes. In Riad Felloussia you will discover all the charms of life in Meknes.

Lehdim Square

Lehdim or El hedim square is the center of activity for the medina of Meknes. It is at the junction between the old medina and the Royal Palace and the imperial city. At one end of the square is the famous gate Bab Mansour which is in many ways the symbol of Meknes and also one of the main tourist attractions. At the opposite end, to the north, is Dar Jamai museum which houses extraordinary pieces in an even more amazing palace. The western side of the square is a covered market which is absolutely fascinating. You will find fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, bread and cakes, druit fruits and spices of all types but also live turtles and cameleons ! Our riad is on the eastern side of the square and our terrace offers an ideal view of all the activity below. The square gained its name when it was used as a deposit for building materials and rubble of all sorts when the imperial city of Meknes was being built by Moulay Ismail. I have been told 'place lehdim' means 'the square of rubble' or 'the square of demolition'. A lot of the building materials taken from Volubilis to build up the imperial city were stored here. Throughout the years, the square has adopted many aspects and functions. I have seen photos where it was a gateway into the medina with merchants on all sides. In other photos it was used as a car park. All types of trees, fountains and lamp posts have been placed there. Three years ago, I witnessed its latest metamorphosis. It is now a large paved open space. Its aspect changes throughout the different periods of the year and also of each day. In summer it is a bustling market with restaurants, orange juice vendors and story tellers. During the day, it is an ideal place to have a light snack or some mint tea and observe the rhythm of life in the...

Totally did not know what to expect. When we got there it was still early so very little traffic, but not as the day progressed, bodies all over the place! I don't know what to call it, carnival, market whatever, it had something for everyone. I wish I had discovered this place earlier in my trip so that I could visit it again before returning home. They had vendors to sell just about any and everything. We did stop at one restaurant to eat and I ended up giving my burger to a mother and daughter and ordering another for myself. DO NOT DO THAT! People kept stopping at our table for me to feed them! It's what I do back home, I'm not going to give you any money but ill feed you! Any way the restaurant was not to mad at me and I must say they have the coldest drinks I have had since arriving here without using ice! But anyway, I had a burger but wished I had ordered a pizza because the people next to us ordered pizza and it looked yummy. Tahani was also ordered and it looked yummy as well. I did not get to try that because the boys devoured it! Saw some other plates that went by me that looked yummy. Will visit this place again and again! And stopping inside to look at the art, wonderful!! I was there all day and feel like I...

Mekenes is nice and has a bunch of history. Google to learn the story to bring the town into focus. Often skipped with more time for Fez. It's a out 1. 5 hours from Fez. Easy day trip. I went for part of afternoon & early evening. A local (licensed) guide took me to the stables and surrounds, up to the hill top where you have a fine view. The Square is in front of the Souk and where the many many fun snake charmers, every kind of animal and various stunts entertain you. There a dining spot up some stairs that looks over the Square. I forgot the name ..it's a good place to rest, eat, drink and watch.

Mekenes might be a good place to call home for a few days if you'd like a bit of real Morocco. Near the Mountains and Fez. Not too far from Tangier. I was in a side trip here and needed to rejoin my tour in Fez after.

PS Every Fri is prayer day (think Sunday in the Christian world ) and most places will be closed or maybe a few open in the morning only. Try to work your plans around daily life in Morocco. Even in the bigger tourist cities you will find this day quiet and limited on shopping etc options.

Loved Morocco! Take time and enjoy it. I've been many many places and it's...