Let's discover the beauty of Morocco #5 : Morning walk in Meknes ! [From the old palace to the ‘Cornette’ garden]

Hello everyone,

In this post I'd like to share with you a walk I took this morning from my home to a beautiful garden in the centre of Meknes !

Just a few dozen metres from where I live lies a hidden treasure from the past: an old abandoned palace dating back to the 17th century.

This magnificent palace, although marked by time and erosion, tells a fascinating story. Its stone or adobe walls bear the traces of centuries of existence. The main entrance, in the shape of an arch, invites us to imagine the past grandeur of this place. The landscape around the palace is somewhat desolate, with scattered debris and wild vegetation, but this adds to the nostalgic charm of the place.

It is said that this palace was once inhabited by a wealthy family known throughout the region. Their stories and secrets still seem to haunt these silent walls, offering visitors a unique insight into the history of Meknes.

Continuing my walk, I passed by this old olive press used in the traditional extraction of olive oil. This type of machine gives an idea of the traditional trades on which people relied in their daily lives.

This place takes us back in time to discover what life was like in the past, and how people got by with simple machines.

I took an outside road out of town to enjoy this magnificent panoramic view. From here, you can see the lush green farmland and orchards that stretch over vast expanses. These natural landscapes provide a sense of calm and serenity and showcase the beauty of Meknes' rural views. These panoramas are part of the charm of the city, which combines history and nature.

I then passed through a magnificent historic gateway known as ‘Bab Tizimi’.

This gate features a large arch decorated with intricate geometric and floral patterns in shades of blue and green. The construction is made of light-coloured bricks and wooden panels at the base of the arch. At the top of the gate is a crenellated motif, a traditional feature of historic fortifications. The road through the gate is paved with stone, adding to the historic character of the scene.

‘Bab Tizimi’ is one of a number of historic gates that symbolise the rich history and traditional architecture of Meknes. Every detail tells a story about the town's glorious past.

After passing through the historic gateway of ‘Bab Tizimi’, I decided to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the nearby ‘Tizimi’ garden. The garden is an oasis of tranquillity and beauty, where you can enjoy the natural scenery and the different varieties of flowers.

Normally my final destination is the ‘Cornette’ garden in the centre of Meknes, but instead of going straight across the main boulevard I preferred to go through this beautiful forest.

This forest path splits in two directions, surrounded by tall green grass and large trees that create a peaceful, natural atmosphere. It seems like the perfect place to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the beauty of nature on this long walk. Walking between these majestic trees gives you a sense of calm and energy.

Inside the forest I made a discovery that intrigued me and, I have to admit, filled me with a little wonder. A cut tree, its trunk a little rough, and there, like frozen drops of honey, this golden substance that immediately catches the eye. At first glance, I thought it was honey! But no, it's actually... tree resin. Resin isn't just pretty. For trees, it's a real shield! When a tree is injured, it produces this resin to protect itself. It prevents parasites and infections from penetrating. It's a bit like the tree putting on a natural bandage to heal itself!

So the next time you see a golden drop on a tree trunk, you'll know that it's the tree's precious natural ‘dressing’.

This is the Place Agora in Meknes! It's one of the city's most emblematic landmarks. Situated in the heart of Meknes, this square offers a relaxing space for locals and visitors alike, surrounded by palm trees and trees that add a nice touch of greenery, even in the middle of the city. The long walk I took needed a break to enjoy the view and the fresh air.

The Place Agora is part of an urban project to improve public spaces in Meknes and provide residents with pleasant, modern meeting places.

At the entrance to the magnificent ‘Cornette’ garden in the centre of Meknes is this superb wall decorated with Morocco's national motto: God, Country, King.

The wall is adorned with palm trees and stands in front of a paved area, adding a touch of beauty and elegance. The motto is written in large white letters with a red outline, making it clearly visible.

This national motto reflects the pride and attachment of the Moroccan people, a symbol of unity and belonging.

‘Cornette’ garden :

This garden, built during the French protectorate in the 1920s, has retained all its charm of yesteryear. It was designed to provide a green space in the centre of the city of Meknes, rather like a French garden. The wide, well-marked paths around the square invite you to take a stroll. And it's here that, from time to time, I come for my little walking and meditation session, as it's also an ideal place for reading!

Over the last few days, with the rain that has fallen on Meknes, the Cornette garden has been transformed into a little corner of paradise. The greenery is even more intense, the flowers and shrubs breathe freshness, and the air is filled with the pure scent that only rain can offer.

This garden is not only a beautiful space, it is surrounded by old villas dating back to the time of the French protectorate, when settlers once lived here. These houses, with their unique architecture, add historical charm to the area surrounding the garden. You can still feel the colonial influence, like an open window on the history of Meknes, a blend of traditional Morocco and European architecture from the turn of the last century.

Whether you're from Meknes, just passing through, or a nature lover, the Cornette garden is a place not to be missed. The atmosphere is friendly, and it's the perfect place for a break in the middle of the city, a peaceful spot where you can enjoy the scenery and recharge your batteries.

Take a look at this old abandoned villa, which belonged to a French citizen, said to be the wife of a French officer who fought in the Second World War.

The villa is surrounded by luxuriant plants, testifying to the degree of neglect it has suffered over the years. The door is adorned with metal decorations and the walls are covered with climbing plants. The structure shows signs of time, with red brick and plaster clearly visible.

The villa tells a story of a bygone era, when these houses were witness to a life of luxury and refinement. Today, the villa remains a silent reminder of a bygone era.

Before leaving the garden to finish the walk and take a taxi home, I passed this old abandoned French lycée.

The façade of the building is a pale yellow, and the marks of time are evident, with peeling paint and cracks. The windows are arched and appear to be closed or covered.

This scene reflects the neglect to which the building has fallen victim over time, telling the story of a time when this place was lively and vibrant. Today, the lycée remains a silent reminder of French education in Morocco during the protectorate period.

So that's the end of my post. I hope you've enjoyed discovering these wonderful places and learning more about their history and beauty. See you in another article, but in the meantime, take care and see you soon!

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Photos taken by my own phone (Samsung Galaxy A04s).