Bab Mansour (Meknès)

Bab Mansour al-Alj is a monumental gate and triumphal arch located in the imperial city of Meknès, Morocco. It served as the grand principal entrance to the massive kasbah and palace complex from the outside city.

The gate was constructed during the reign of the Alaouite Sultan Moulay Ismail in the early 18th century. Historical records indicate it was finally completed in 1732, serving as a monumental statement of the Sultan's absolute power.

The gate was designed by a Christian convert to Islam named Mansour al-Alj, whose name translates to "Mansour the Apostate." It was heavily influenced by Moorish and Andalusian architectural styles, reflecting the diverse craftsmanship utilized by Moulay Ismail.

The structure features massive projecting bastions flanking a grand horseshoe arch, covered in intricate green and white zellige tilework. Today, it stands as one of the most beautiful and frequently photographed monumental gates in all of North Africa.