Located roughly midway between the Mellah of Fez, where the Jewish community once thrived, and the bustling Medina, Jnan Sbil Gardens are practically the only decent green space across the city’s old part. Also known as Bou Jeloud Gardens, this verdant enclave in an otherwise hectic labyrinth was built in the 18^th century by the then sultan, Moulay Abdallah. Upon its inauguration, the walled park was exclusively designated for members of the royal family, who accessed it via a tunnel directly from the nearby Dar al-Makhzen Palace.

It wasn’t until 1917 when the gardens were finally opened to all echelons of society, who made it their favorite spot across town. In spite of its growing popularity, the park fell into a state of disrepair in the following decades. In 2010, after undergoing a four-year renovation, the gardens returned once again to their former glory as the city’s green getaway.

Stretching along Ave Moulay Hassan and Ave de I’Unesco, the 7-hectare gardens are home to a whopping 3,000 species of plants, including giant bamboos, Washingtonia palms and pine trees. The park is divided to a couple of sections, each of which represents a different geographical region around the world, with the most conspicuous one being the Andalusian Garden, somewhat reminiscent of Alcázar of Córdoba’s green esplanades.

With multiple Rub-el-Hizb-shaped fountains and shaded walkways across the gardens’ fruit orchards, Jnan Sbil offers not only a refreshing break from the overwhelmingly chaotic medina, but also from Morocco’s scorching summer sun. The southernmost section of the park is covered by a small lake, which in turn is home to an islet, whose pint-size surface is almost entirely occupied by a tidy row of palm trees.

As the area is traversed by a pair of historic channels that formerly supplied Fez with drinking water, one can also find here a well-preserved water wheel. This vestige of hydro-power technology is known as Noria, which also happens to be the name of the garden’s sole café, renowned for its assortment of scrumptious Moroccan bites.

A pathway between a bamboo grove and manicured hedges

photography by: Omri Westmark

The park's main gate as seen from the promenade of fountains

photography by: Omri Westmark

The Andalusian Garden

photography by: Omri Westmark

A well-maintained lawn with flower beds is surrounded by a manicured hedge

photography by: Omri Westmark

An empty, yet eye-catching, fountain

photography by: Omri Westmark

The lake at the southern half of the gardens

photography by: Omri Westmark

A carpet of red flowers with the palm isle in the background

photography by: Omri Westmark

The peaceful lake is contrasted by the densely packed neighborhood of Fez behind

photography by: Omri Westmark

A shaded walkway with bamboos on both sides

photography by: Omri Westmark

The gardens' avenue of Washingtonians

photography by: Omri Westmark