These famous gardens, located inside the Oudayas Kasbah, next to a 17th century Almohad palace, were built during the French Protectorate in Morocco, but following the Andalusian style, essence and smells. That is why flowers and water have become two of the protagonists in an area that is considered a paradise for both tourists and locals since it allows them to relax in the shade and greenery, especially during the hottest days.
History
Although their name may take us back to earlier times, these gardens, located inside the Oudayas Kasbah in the heart of the Rabat Medina, were built at the beginning of the 20th century during the rule of the French Protectorate.
They are so called because they were designed to imitate the Andalusian-style gardens, both in their shape and in the floral plants and trees that have now become a unique respite for visitors and residents of the Moroccan capital.
Its 8,400 metres of gardens are located next to the 17th-century Almohad palace, although the oldest remains date it to the 12th century, which belonged to Moulay Ismail, the first Almohad sultan who unified the country.
Today’s green haven is located on the site of the former sultan’s gardens.
You enter this green lung through a wooden gate and immediately see the structure in rectangular sections where this is very important. In this case, like any good Andalusian garden, the ponds and water fountains have been decorated with tiles.
The curious thing is that it does not have a central fountain with the four spouts of paradise as, for example, in the famous Court of the Lions at the Alhambra in Granada.
Things to see (Rabat’s green area)
In the Andalusian Gardens, you will enjoy a very visual and aromatic nature. There are many fruit trees, typical of the Andalusian philosophy, and also flowers with incredible aromas.
In addition, a walk along the various flowerbeds offers views of the Almohad palace and the sea in some areas. You should stop in silence in some sections to listen to the birds singing and the water whispering along the ponds and fountains.
Palace Museum
Within the gardens you will find the Oudayas Palace Museum. It is one of the oldest public museum areas in the country and offers the possibility not only of touring part of the structure of this palace, whose oldest remains date back to the 12th century, but also special exhibitions on Moroccan art and culture throughout its history.
In its permanent collection, you will see music instruments related to the country’s various traditions, oriental carpets made in Rabat and costumes and jewellery that speak of the various rituals of Moroccan society over the centuries, making this very interesting for visitors. The Berber art pieces that are on display in the palace are also very interesting.
The museum has temporary exhibitions and explanatory posters in several languages. There are always some guides, but they are not official and do not always meet tourists’ expectations.
Information of interest
Entry to these gardens is free, just turn right as you enter the Kasbah. The gardens open from 10 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. and are closed on Tuesdays.
The gardens are very popular at midday because it is the hottest time of the day and the best time to be in the shade of orange trees and other fruit trees and aromatic plants.
The museum closes a little earlier, around 6 p.m., and there is a small entrance fee since it is one of the oldest public centres in the city.
In this case, you can visit some of the palace rooms, as we have already seen, and the tour is free.
