The City Walls of Marrakech (or Ramparts of Marrakech) are a massive system of defensive fortifications that encircle the entire historic medina of Marrakesh, Morocco. Originally constructed in the early 12th century (around 1126–1127) by the Almoravid Sultan Ali ibn Yusuf, these iconic walls stretch for nearly 19 kilometers (12 miles) in length. The ramparts stand up to 9 meters (30 feet) high, feature more than 200 defensive watchtowers, and are punctuated by approximately 20 historic stone gates (babs). Built using a traditional architectural method called tabia—a compressed mixture of local red clay, mud, lime, and gravel—the walls give Marrakesh its world-famous nickname, "The Red City."

Why You Should Visit

Exploring the ancient City Walls gives you a profound appreciation for the massive scale of medieval military engineering and offers a foundational look at how Marrakesh evolved over nearly a thousand years.