Exploring the Historical Charms of Moulay Idriss with Friends

A Day of Ancient Wonders

Today was all about diving deep into the history of Meknes. From the moment I woke up, I could feel the excitement building. Lena always says I get too enthusiastic about old stones and historical facts, but hey, that's what makes me tick! Today, the agenda included exploring Heri es-Souani and the Bassin Souani, two spots that promised a glimpse into the opulent life of Sultan Moulay Ismail. I was particularly excited, and I even managed to drag my friends along for the adventure.


Explore the historical Heri es-Souani in Meknes, a grand architectural marvel reflecting Morocco's rich cultural heritage and history.

The morning started with a hearty breakfast at Roman City. Nothing fancy, just good old Moroccan fare to fuel our explorations. I had some traditional msemen with honey, which always reminds me of my abuela's cooking back in Jujuy – simple, comforting, and sets you up for the day. After breakfast, we hopped in our rental car and headed towards Heri es-Souani.

Heri es-Souani: A Glimpse into Imperial Grandeur

As we approached Heri es-Souani, the sheer scale of the structure was breathtaking. It's hard to believe this was once a granary and stable, capable of housing thousands of horses and storing vast quantities of grain. Moulay Ismail, who reigned from 1672 to 1727, built this massive complex as part of his imperial kasbah in Meknes. The architecture is a testament to the ingenuity of the time, with thick walls and underground water channels designed to keep the grains cool.

Wandering through the ruins, I tried to imagine what it must have been like in its heyday. The place was enormous ! According to some accounts, it sheltered around 12,000 horses. I could almost hear the echoes of hooves and the hustle and bustle of daily life. The doors made of cedar wood were also impressive.

History is not the past but a map of the past, drawn from a particular point of view.

We explored the granaries, marveling at the vaulted ceilings and the sheer size of the storage spaces. It's incredible to think about how this place sustained a whole kingdom. My friends were impressed, even the ones who usually prefer modern art museums. There's something about standing in a place with so much history that captivates everyone.

It's funny, I always find myself drawing parallels between the past and present. Back in Berlin, managing the kitchen at the steakhouse feels like running a small kingdom sometimes. Okay, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but the need to efficiently store and manage ingredients definitely resonates with the spirit of Heri es-Souani.

Bassin Souani: Reflecting on Royal Ambition

Next on our list was the Bassin Souani, a huge artificial lake also built by Moulay Ismail. It's located near Heri es-Souani and was designed to provide water for the city's palaces, mosques, and gardens. The scale of the basin is impressive; it measures approximately 148 by 319 meters and is about 3 meters deep.


Experience the timeless beauty of Bassin Souani, a historical landmark in Meknes, showcasing exquisite architecture and serene gardens.

As we stood by the water's edge, the sun shimmering on the surface, I couldn't help but reflect on Moulay Ismail's vision. He transformed Meknes into an imperial city with impressive infrastructure. The basin was not only a source of water but also a symbol of his power and ambition.

My friend pointed out a lone piece of rampart, a remnant of the high crenelated walls that once surrounded the basin. It was a stark reminder of the grandeur that once was, and the passage of time. We took some photos, trying to capture the vastness of the landscape and the historical weight of the place.

Lunch and Local Flavors

By lunchtime, we were all ravenous. We headed to Grillade Albanna for a casual lunch. I decided to try the local Kefta tagine, a dish I had heard so much about. It was delicious! The meatballs were perfectly spiced, and the tomato sauce had just the right amount of tang. My friends opted for some grilled meats, and everyone was happy with their meal. It was a simple, satisfying lunch that gave us a taste of authentic Moroccan cuisine.

Exploring قيسارية مولاي ادريس

In the afternoon, we decided to venture into قيسارية مولاي ادريس, a local market. It was a vibrant hub of activity, filled with shops and stalls selling everything from textiles to pottery. The colors, sounds, and smells were intoxicating. I love getting lost in local markets; it’s the best way to experience the culture firsthand.


Explore Qaysariyat Moulay Idriss, a vibrant market in Moulay Idriss Zerhoun showcasing Moroccan crafts, culture, and local hospitality.

I haggled for a beautiful handwoven rug, a skill I picked up from my travels in South America. My friends bought some spices and argan oil. We even sampled some traditional Moroccan snacks from one of the food stalls. It was a sensory overload in the best possible way.

One of the vendors told us about the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss, a significant religious site nearby. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to visit it today, but I made a mental note to include it in our itinerary for tomorrow.

Dinner at La Baraka and Evening Reflections

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to La Baraka for dinner. The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. I ordered a traditional tagine with chicken and preserved lemons. The flavors were incredible – the tangy lemons perfectly complementing the tender chicken. My friends tried various other Moroccan dishes, and we shared everything, family-style.


Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine at La Baraka in Moulay Idriss Zerhoun - where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

Over dinner, we reminisced about the day's adventures. Heri es-Souani and Bassin Souani had transported us back in time, giving us a glimpse into the life and vision of Sultan Moulay Ismail. The market had immersed us in the vibrant culture of present-day Morocco. It was a day of contrasts, history, and delicious food.

As I sit here writing this, sipping on some mint tea, I can't help but feel grateful for these experiences. Travel is not just about seeing new places; it's about connecting with the past, immersing yourself in the present, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. And sharing it all with good friends makes it even more special.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Le portail de Moulay Ismaïl and Dar El-Makhzen. I’m eager to see more of Meknes and delve deeper into its rich history. Who knows what other treasures we'll discover?

And maybe, just maybe, I'll find a new tagine recipe to try back in Berlin. Until then, I'll keep exploring, keep learning, and keep sharing my adventures with you all. Goodnight from Meknes!

I almost forgot to mention, I'm still kicking myself for forgetting my portable phone charger and sunglasses. Note to self: always double-check the essentials! Also, I wish Lena and Mateo were here to experience all of this with me. I know Mateo would have loved running around the ruins of Heri es-Souani, pretending to be a royal guard.