Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Heri es-Souani
(admission Dh10; 9am-noon & 3-6.30pm)
Nearly 2km southeast of the mausoleum, Moulay
Ismail's immense granaries and stables, Heri es-Souani, were ingeniously designed. Tiny
windows, massive walls and a system of underfloor water channels kept the temperatures
cool and air circulating. The building provided stabling and food for an incredible 12,000
horses, and Moulay Ismail regarded it as one of his finest architectural projects.
The roof fell in long ago, but the first few vaults have been restored. They're impress-
ive, but overly lit which robs them of much of their ambience - seek out the darker, more
atmospheric corners. Those beyond stand in partial ruin, row upon row across a huge area.
In summer it's a long hot walk here from Moulay Ismail's mausoleum, so you might
want to catch a taxi or calèche (horse-drawn carriage). If you do decide to walk, follow
the road from the mausoleum south between the high walls, past the main entrance of the
Royal Palace (no visitors) and a campsite, to find the entrance straight ahead.
RUIN
Agdal Basin
Immediately north of the granaries and stables lies an enormous stone-lined lake, the Ag-
dal Basin. Fed by a complex system of irrigation channels some 25km long, it served as
both a reservoir for the sultan's gardens and a pleasure lake. There are plenty of benches
to break your stroll around the waters, and a giant Giacometti-like statue of a traditional
water seller.
LAKE
