Bab Agnaou Monument

Address: Bab Agnaou, Medina of Marrakesh (near Jemaa el-Fna), Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco

Hours: Open access (public)

Admission: Free (public historic gate)

Bab Agnaou is a monumental stone gate in the southern wall of Marrakech’s old medina, built in the 12th century during the Almohad dynasty. It served as a ceremonial entrance to the royal kasbah and is one of the most famous surviving gates of Marrakech.

The gate is notable for its horseshoe arch framed by carved stone decoration and a rectangular outer façade with ornamental medallions and Kufic-style inscriptions. It remains a prominent photographic and architectural landmark in the medina and an example of Almohad monumental masonry.

The gate was constructed under the Almohad rulers in the late 12th century and functioned as an access point to the royal district; it has been preserved as part of Marrakech’s historic urban fabric. Repairs and conservation work have been carried out at various times to stabilise the stone and decorative carving.

Bab Agnaou stands on the southern edge of Marrakech’s medina, providing access between the city centre and the Kasbah neighbourhood near the historic royal precinct.

• Viewing tip: The gate is an example of Almohad-period stone carving and ornamentation and is best viewed from the exterior façade where its decorative arch and carved panels are clearest.

Bab Agnaou is one of the historic gates of Marrakech’s old medina, close to the Royal Palace and the main souks. The medina is walkable-arrive by taxi to the medina gates or by foot from Jemaa el-Fna and the main market area (a short walk, about 10 minutes), then follow the streets of the medina to the gate.

• Visit at first light or late afternoon to see the carved sandstone details in better light and to avoid the midday heat and Medina crowds.
• Approach Bab Agnaou from inside the Kasbah/Palace quarter rather than from Jemaa el-Fna if you want a less crowded viewpoint and better opportunities to study the gate's decoration up close.
• Remember Bab Agnaou is a monumental gate in the city wall rather than an interior attraction-you view and photograph it from the street and the inner-medina side, since it is not an entry that leads into a public interior space.