Sahrij Swani, Meknes

Today a weekend hangout favored by locals, Sahrij Swani once served as a water reservoir in times of drought and siege. Built by Louis XIV's contemporary, Moulay Ismail, this ornamental lake was once surrounded by tall ramparts much ruined by an 18th century earthquake. Even though a local historian, Ibn Zaydan, claims that the Alawid prince constructed the artificial lake for his pleasure boat rides, it is more likely that the water was used for practical purposes, such as irrigation of gardens. See the remains of the thick fortification walls, the royal stables, and a modern bronze statue of a water-bearer. Using our international travel planner, Meknes attractions like Sahrij Swani can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.