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ARSAT MOULAY ABDESLAM
Princely Arsat
Maps of Marrakech showmany districts inside the
city walls called
arsa, arset
or
arsat
.
These names
refer to local market gardens that were once used
to ensure a supply of fresh food in time of siege.
In the 18th century, Sultan Mohammed Ben
Abdallah developed these simple plots into
exquisite gardens around comfortable pavilions.
Squares were outlined by olives and a variety of
citrus trees, making a delight for the senses,
particularly in spring when the scent of orange
blossom filled the air. Abdallah gave one to each
of his four sons, and these eponymous gardens
became known as Princely Arsats. The Hotel
Mamounia is set in one – Churchill loved it so
much he called it “the loveliest place on earth” –
while another has been transformed into the
Arsat Moulay Abdeslam Cyber Park, a public park
funded by Maroc Telecom, who have installed
free-to-use, touchscreen internet terminals
throughout the park.
Open daily and very central, on the Avenue
Mohammed V, just up from the Koutoubia
Mosque, this shady park is well worth a visit. Its
Paradise Fountain (
below
)
marks the transition
between the newly restored old arsat area and its
high-tech twin.
The Hotel Mamounia is set in one of the
Princely Arsats. Churchill loved it so much he called
it “the loveliest place on earth”
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S E C R E T G A R D E N S
M A R R A K E C H
