Explore the Beautiful Mendoubia Gardens
If you are planning a trip to Tangier sometime soon, the name ‘Mendoubia Gardens’ will likely crop up on your travel itinerary. You may think it odd that a simple park has become such an integral part of Tangier’s heritage. Yet once you arrive and you find yourself harried by the hustle and bustle of the market place, you’ll suddenly understand the exact allure of this centuries-old tourist attraction.
You’ll likely start your visit to these fabulous gardens by making your way through the Grand Socco or market. This bustling part of the city has a strong Spanish heritage and it is now home to cafés and a massive taxi rank instead of an actual marketplace. Nevertheless, this interesting part of the old city provides the perfect introduction to the Mendoubia Gardens and you’ll find that you can easily imagine the lively trade that was once conducted here on a daily basis. It is a great place to watch passing parades featuring Rif women complete in colorful clothing with vegetables and mint. Once you’ve spent your time soaking up the Grand Socco, you will want to make your way to the north side of the Sidi Bou Abid Mosque where you’ll find the entrance to the delightful Mendoubia Gardens.
Upon reaching the entrance to this place of natural beauty, you may want to glance up at the archway that is carved with Arabic writing. The gardens are home to the residences and offices of the Mendoub – a man who in the past had an incredibly important role as the Sultan’s representative on the international commission. Today this quiet, heavily forested place serves the public as an enjoyable spot to cool down from the heat of the day and soak in some of the historic legacy of the area. One of the key features of the park is a banyan tree that is reputed to be more than 800 years old. It is not alone, however, as the park is filled with fig and dragon trees that have been around for centuries. Another great feature of the garden is the 30 bronze canons that originate from old Mediterranean fleets. These date back to the 17th century and give you some insight into the sort of maritime travel that once scoured the area. The quiet tranquility provides the perfect get-away-spot when you are tired of the bustle of the city and should not be overlooked. You’ll find them open daily from Monday to Saturday in Tangier.
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