Plizio Visual Lab
Bab El Khemis
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
Bab El Khemis, also known as the 'Thursday Gate', is one of the most magnificent gates within the monumental walls of Meknes. It was built in 1687 under Sultan Moulay Ismail and originally served as the main entrance to the Jewish quarter (Mellah) and the sultan's vast imperial city. The gate is richly decorated with green zellij tiles and calligraphic inscriptions praising the sultan and blessing the construction. Its name is derived from the traditional weekly market that was historically held in front of the gate every Thursday. The architecture of Bab El Khemis reflects the monumental ambition of Moulay Ismail, who aimed to make Meknes the 'Versailles of Morocco'. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Meknes, the gate serves as a significant link between the historic Medina and the imperial palace grounds, impressing visitors with its massive structure and delicate geometric patterns.
- Location: Morocco
- Top sights: Bab el-jadid · Tannery of Meknes
- Nearby: Sidi Kacem (38 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 12 | 14 | 17 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 29 | 25 | 21 | 15 | 12 |
| Rain mm | 79 | 70 | 81 | 59 | 32 | 7 | 3 | 5 | 23 | 65 | 105 | 81 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Bab El Khemis is a historic city gate in Meknes, viewable from the outside. The gate is open to traffic, with no interior access.
Typical hours
As it is a public gate, there are no visiting hours. Best visited in the morning when the light illuminates the arches nicely.
Photography
Photography of the gate from the street is possible at any time. Be mindful of traffic as the road is busy.
Time needed
A short stop for photos and viewing takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Allow more time if exploring the surrounding city walls.
Combine with
Bab El Khemis is a good starting point for a walk through the Meknes medina. Nearby are the Dar Jamai Museum and the Heri es-Souani stables.
Getting there
The gate is on the eastern edge of the Meknes medina, about a 15-minute walk from Place el-Hedim. A taxi from Meknes station costs around 10 dirhams.
Insider tip
Combine the visit with the nearby Dar Jamai Museum for a cultural morning. The gate is especially photogenic at sunset when the stones glow warmly.
Geography
Facts
- The gate was constructed in 1687 as part of the massive fortifications of Meknes.
- An Arabic inscription on the gate states: 'I am the open gate for all peoples.'
- The characteristic green color of the tiles symbolizes peace and paradise in Islam.
- Bab El Khemis formed the entrance to the city's first Mellah (Jewish quarter).
- The structure was built from local limestone and fired bricks in the classic Maghrebi style.
- It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Historic City of Meknes.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Bab El Khemis (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about Bab El Khemis?
It is one of the most magnificent historic gates of Meknès.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning or late afternoon for the best light.
Can you visit the inside of the gate?
It is a public passageway gate.
Is the gate easily accessible by taxi?
Yes, almost every taxi driver in Meknès knows this landmark.
Do I need a ticket to visit?
No, it is a historic monument in a public space.
Bab El Khemis: where is it located?
Bab El Khemis is located in Morocco.
Bab El Khemis: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bab el-jadid, Tannery of Meknes.
Bab El Khemis: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
Bab El Khemis: why is it worth visiting?
Bab El Khemis, also known as the 'Thursday Gate', is one of the most magnificent gates within the monumental walls of Meknes.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Morocco →
Nearby cities
Sidi Kacem
An agricultural center in the fertile Rharb plain.
Khemisset
Known as the heart of the Zemmour tribal territory near Rabat.
Fes
One of the oldest and most important imperial cities of Morocco.
Imouzzer Kandar
A mountain resort in the Middle Atlas, famous for its cool summer climate and apple orchards.
Ifrane
Known as the 'Switzerland of Morocco' due to its alpine architecture and snow in winter.
Azrou
A Berber town in the Middle Atlas known for its cedar forests.
Tiflet
A rapidly growing city on the plateau of the Zemmour land.
Sefrou
A charming city near Fes, famous for its annual cherry festival.
History & landmarks
Dar Jamai Museum
The Dar Jamai Palace in Meknes is an exquisite example of the architecture of 19th-century Moroccan noble residences.
Zawiya of Moulay Idris I
The Zawiya in the holy city of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is dedicated to the founder of the Idrisid dynasty.
Royal Palace of Fez
The Royal Palace of Fez (Dar el-Makhzen) is located in the Fez el-Jdid district and is famous for its seven massive brass doors.
Sahrij Madrasa
The Sahrij Madrasa is located in the Andalusian quarter of Fez and is known for its distinctive central water basin, from which it gets i…
Bhalil
A picturesque mountain village near Fes, famous for its ancient cave dwellings and traditional button-making craft.
Nature
More places
Heri es-Souani
Massive historic granaries and stables in Meknes built in the 18th century by Sultan Moulay Ismail to feed his 12,000 horses.
Agropolis Meknes
An industrial park specialized in agro-industry and food processing in the heart of Morocco.
Meknes Zoo
A small but nice zoo in Meknes.
Hills near Moulay Idriss
Hilly landscape around the holy town.
Roman City of Volubilis
One of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa, famous for its beautiful mosaics.
🗺️
Sebou Basin
The most important agricultural basin in Morocco.
Fes Region
A central agricultural area for fruits and vegetables.
🗺️
Dar Batha Museum
An Andalusian-style former royal palace in Fes built in the late 19th century.