About
A sumptuous 16th-century royal necropolis, these tombs were walled up by Sultan Moulay Ismaïl in the 17th century and remained hidden until their aerial rediscovery in 1917. The complex holds the remains of 66 members of the Saadian dynasty surrounded by masterpieces of Hispano-Moorish art. Highlights include Italian Carrara marble, finely chiseled stucco, colorful zellige tiles, and carved cedarwood domes. The centerpiece, the Hall of Twelve Columns, houses the tomb of Sultan Ahmed el-Mansour under a vaulted gilded ceiling.
Did You Know?
Sultan Moulay Ismaïl didn't dare destroy the sacred tombs—instead, he built a high wall around them to erase the memory of his predecessors!
Why Visit
- Discover the finest surviving legacy of the Saadian golden age
- Marvel at the Hall of Twelve Columns, a masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship
- Experience the serene atmosphere of the garden mausoleum in the Kasbah
Must See
- The breathtaking Hall of Twelve Columns and its gold-leaf ceiling
- The delicate mihrab in the original prayer room
- The mausoleum of Lalla Messaouda in the courtyard garden
Practical Tips
- Arrive right at 9:00 AM opening to avoid long queues at the central chamber
- Look for the narrow side passage entrance next to the Kasbah Mosque
Details
Contact
Website
Hours
Daily 9am-5pm (3pm during Ramadan, closed morning Eid el-Kebir)
Price
70 DH (30 DH under 12)
Duration
30 minutes
Note
Partial closures or restoration works may occasionally affect access.