How long does it take to walk the Seven Saints route?

The full walk takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. It covers several kilometers from the Bab Doukkala area in the north to the Bab Aghmat area in the south, making it a comprehensive half-day experience.

Can non-Muslims enter the shrines on this walk?

Generally, no. Most Zawiyas (shrines) in Marrakech are active religious sites and are restricted to Muslims for interior entry. However, this self-guided walk focuses on the history, external architecture, and cultural significance of these locations.

Is the Seven Saints walk difficult?

Yes, it is considered challenging. The route involves navigating deep into the Medina's labyrinthine alleys, avoiding motorbikes, and walking a substantial distance between the northern and southern gates.

Who are the Seven Saints of Marrakech?

The Seven Saints (Sabatu Rijal) are Sidi Youssef Ben Ali, Qadi Ayyad, Sidi Bel Abbes, Sidi Suleiman al-Jazuli, Sidi Abdelaziz al-Tebba, Sidi Abdellah al-Ghazwani, and Imam al-Suhayli. They were scholars and mystics chosen to protect the city.

When is the best time to start this spiritual walk?

The best time to start is early morning, around 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM. This allows you to finish before the afternoon heat and ensures you can see the architectural details of the shrines in clear daylight.

What should I wear for this spiritual walking route?

As you are visiting areas of high religious significance, it is recommended to dress modestly. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees to show respect for the local culture and the sanctity of the shrines.

Are there any entrance fees for this self-guided tour?

There are no entrance fees for the stops on this specific route, as the experience involves viewing historic monuments and shrine exteriors from public streets.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Beyond the vibrant chaos of the souks lies a deeper, more contemplative layer of Marrakech. For centuries, the city has been guarded by the 'Sabatu Rijal'—the Seven Saints of Marrakech. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the spiritual heart of the Medina, tracing the legacy of these holy men who shaped the city's religious identity. This route is not just a neighborhood stroll; it is a pilgrimage through time, moving from modern monuments to ancient shrines tucked away in the labyrinthine alleys of the old city. You will discover the stories of scholars, ascetics, and healers who became the patron saints of this imperial capital. Beginning at the modern monument of the Seven Towers, the route takes you deep into the northern and eastern reaches of the Medina. You will encounter the magnificent Zawiya of Sidi Bel Abbas, the most venerated of the saints, and the resting place of Sidi Ben Slimane El Jazouli, a giant of Sufi literature. This experience is categorized as challenging because it requires navigating the dense, often confusing streets of the Medina and covers a significant distance that eventually leads outside the central tourist hub to the shrine of Sidi Youssef Ben Ali. While this walking tour Marrakech provides a window into the local faith, please remember that most active shrines (Zawiyas) are restricted to Muslims for entry. However, the surrounding architecture, the atmosphere of the neighborhoods, and the historical context provided by this audio walk offer a profound understanding of Moroccan culture. Whether you are a history buff or a spiritual seeker, this walking route offers a unique perspective on the 'Red City' far removed from the typical tourist trail. Prepare for an immersive journey that reveals why Marrakech remains a destination of profound spiritual significance.

Highlights

The modern Seven Towers monument at Bab Doukkala

The Zawiya of Sidi Bel Abbas, the patron saint of the poor

Sidi Ben Slimane El Jazouli shrine, a masterpiece of Sufi heritage

The historic neighborhood surrounding Route Sidi Abdelaziz

The remote and peaceful shrine of Sidi Youssef Ben Ali

Intricate Moorish architecture and hidden Medina gateways

Tour Stops (6)

Seven towers square

Welcome to the start of your spiritual journey through Marrakech. You are standing at the Place des Sept Tours, near the historic gate of Bab Doukkala. This modern monument, featuring seven distinct towers, was erected to honor the 'Sabatu Rijal' or the Seven Saints of Marrakech. In the 17th century, the Moroccan Sultan Moulay Ismaïl established the pilgrimage of these seven saints to rival the 'Seven Saints of Regraga' in Essaouira. Each tower here represents a different holy man whose life and teachings helped define the city. As you look at these pillars, imagine them as the spiritual anchors of the city. From here, we will dive into the Medina to find the actual sites where these men lived, taught, and were eventually laid to rest.

Sidi Ben Slimane El Jazouli

You have arrived at the Zawiya of Sidi Ben Slimane El Jazouli. A 15th-century Sufi leader, El Jazouli is best known for his influential book of prayers, the Dala'il al-Khayrat, which is still recited across the Muslim world today. He was a central figure in the Moroccan resistance against Portuguese expansion and is credited with a massive revival of Sufism in North Africa. His body was moved to Marrakech from near Essaouira decades after his death, and it is said his remains were perfectly preserved. The neighborhood around this shrine is named after him, and you can feel a distinct change in pace here—the air is thick with history and local devotion. While the interior is reserved for prayer, the entrance is a beautiful example of traditional craftsmanship.

Zawiya of Sidi Bel Abbas

We are now approaching the most significant spiritual site in Marrakech: the Zawiya of Sidi Bel Abbas. Born in Ceuta in the 12th century, Sidi Bel Abbas is the most famous of the Seven Saints. He was a man who preached a simple but powerful philosophy: 'Give, and it shall be given to you.' He spent his life helping the poor, the blind, and the marginalized. This complex is more than just a tomb; it is a center of charity that has operated for centuries. Look for the unique architectural details of the outer courtyards. The Sultan Saadi Ahmed al-Mansur built much of what you see today in the late 16th century. It remains a place where the city's most vulnerable still come to find food and shelter, honoring the saint's ancient legacy.

Sidi Bel Abbes

Continuing around the Sidi Bel Abbes complex, notice the scale of this religious institution. This area serves as a small city within a city. The saint's influence was so great that he is considered the ultimate protector of Marrakech. Legend says that even the blind could find their way to his door because of the spiritual light he emitted. As you walk past the arched entrances, observe the intricate tilework and carved cedar wood that characterize the Almohad and Saadian styles. This stop allows you to appreciate the 'Haram' or sacred sanctuary status of the area. It is a place of profound silence and respect, standing in stark contrast to the noisy commerce of the central marketplaces you might have visited earlier.

Route Sidi Abdelaziz

You are now walking along the route named after Sidi Abdelaziz al-Tebba, another of the city's patrons. A silk merchant before he became a Sufi master, he was a primary disciple of El Jazouli. His shrine is located in the heart of the Medina's commercial district, symbolizing the bridge between worldly work and spiritual life. This street is a fantastic place to observe the daily rhythm of the Medina. You’ll see workshops where artisans continue age-old traditions, reflecting the saint's own history as a craftsman. The path here is narrow and winding, typical of the Almoravid urban design. Keep an eye out for the small fountains and ornate doorways that mark the proximity of his final resting place.

Sidi Youssef Ben Ali

Our final stop brings us to the shrine of Sidi Youssef Ben Ali, located near the southern gate of Bab Aghmat. Known as the 'Man of the Cave,' Ben Ali was the first of the Seven Saints. Struck by leprosy as a young man, he was expelled from the city and lived in a cave outside the walls. Despite his immense suffering, his faith never wavered, and people eventually began to seek him out for his wisdom and patience. He represents the virtue of endurance. This area is much quieter and less visited by tourists than the central Medina. Standing here, you can reflect on the full circle of the Seven Saints—men who came from all walks of life to provide a moral and spiritual compass for Marrakech.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Seven Saints Trail is the premier self-guided walking route for spiritual history. It covers the 'Sabatu Rijal,' the seven patron saints of the city, taking you through the most significant religious landmarks in the Medina.