Bab Al Mansour

This lovely green ceramic door is the most famous landmark and one of the entrances to the imperial city of Méknes. The gate was constructed between the 17th and 18th century by order of Moulay Ismail, and is the biggest gate in Morocco and across North Africa. It has 3 arches made of glossy ceramic with some artistic frameworks, but with the passage of time and the gases emitted by cars it is now losing its color. The marble columns are of Volubilis and its height is almost 20 meters. The entry can not be made through the front door, which is closed for conservation, but by the side doors. The

Bab Mansour Laalej is the most beautiful gate in Meknes. It's a well known work of art throughout the Muslim world as one of Emperor Moulay Ismail's masterpieces. It was built by the architect, Mansour Laalej, who was Christian and converted to Islam. It was completed in 1732. It's a classic Muslim gate reaching 16 meters in height with an 8 meter arc. On each side there are columns with beautiful motifs and mosaics. The door has stars, flowers, and delicate scriptures. It's truly a work of art, and is well renovated. You can go into a room that serves as an art gallery. This city was once the gateway to the imperial city of Meknes, which used to be the capital of Morocco.