© rosier · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons The Cyberparc Arsat Moulay Abdeslam
One of the few free gardens in the centre, minutes from Jemaa el-Fna: shaded paths, pools and olive trees, on the grounds of an 18<sup>th</sup>-century princely estate. The 'cyber' concept (terminals, wifi) has aged, but the shade and the quiet are worth the pause when the medina heats up.
History & context
The Arsat Moulay Abdeslam is a former princely orchard - an arsat - whose origins go back to the 18th century, under Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah. It takes its name from Prince Moulay Abdeslam, diplomat, poet and writer.
Long left to decay, the garden was fully rehabilitated and reopened to the public in 2005, with a novelty for the time: interactive terminals and free wifi, hence its Cyberparc nickname. It is now managed by the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment.
On Avenue Mohammed V, between the medina and Guéliz, it is one of the few free gardens in central Marrakech: shaded paths, olive trees and pools, minutes from Jemaa el-Fna.
A central, shaded, free garden: in Marrakech, that is rare.
What to see - the highlights
A princely garden
Shaded paths, olive and orange trees on the grounds of the former princely arsat (orchard): a green lung minutes from the medina.
The pools and fountains
Pools and water features at the centre of the park, a cool point where families and walkers linger.
The connected terminals
The 2005 concept: interactive terminals and free wifi, the origin of the 'Cyberparc' nickname.
When to go
The shade of the great trees, rare and free in the city centre.
The park closes at 7.30pm and has little to offer once night falls.
Shade and coolness matter most when the city heats up.
Gallery
Visitor tips
During the hot hours, for the shade of the great trees.
In the evening: closes at 7.30pm.
- It is free and central: a real break between two visits in the medina, minutes from Jemaa el-Fna.
- The wifi and the terminals date from 2005: come for the shade and the quiet, not the tech.
- Several entrances along Avenue Mohammed V; a kiosk lets you have a tea on site.
Location & access
On Avenue Mohammed V, between the entrance to the walls (Koutoubia side) and the town hall, a few minutes on foot from Jemaa el-Fna. Several entrances line the avenue.
