Saadian Tombs, Marrakesh

4 more images

A highly recommended place to visit in Marrakech are the Saadian tombs, located just near the Kasbah Mosque in the Kasbah district.

The tombs date back to the time of the Sultan Ahmad I al-Mansur, who died in 1603. Amazingly, the tombs were only re-discovered in 1917, and have since been restored.

The complex is home to tombs of about 60 members of the Saadi Dynasty. Most of the tombs have been arranged in two separate mausoleums which overlook a garden. The most famous room is the one with twelve marble columns, as this is where Ahmad I al-Mansur and his family have been laid to rest.

Outside the building is a pretty garden, and the graves of soldiers and servants can been seen here beneath the orange trees.

Opening Hours:
8am-12pm & 2.30pm-6pm

Admission Price:
10 dirham

The Tombeaux Saadiens are located next to the Mosque of the Kasbah. The tombs hold the remains of rulers from the 15 & 1600’s. It was a very interesting place with mosaic tiled tombs – just the top (umarked) was above the ground. Definitely recommend a visit here.

Open 9-12 and 2:30-6:00

Guides are available (negotiate price before), tours last about 30 minutes.

4 more images

A visit here will lead you to the mausoleum of the Saadians held as containing one of the finest examples of Moroccan-Andalusian decorative art.

The Saadian sultan Ahmed Al-Mansour, also responsible for the Palais el-Badi which at the time of its construction was regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world but plundered by Moulay Ismail in 1696 to build his capital in Meknes, started building this necropolis in the 1500s.

Thankfully instead of plundering the mausoleum Moulay Ismail sealed the tombs which in effect preserved the opulence and artistry that was found when rediscovered in 1917 by a French General on an aerial survey of the area. A passageway was made down into the tombs which have since been unsealed and restored.

The mausoleum is divided into 3 halls - the central hall named The Hall of the Twelve Columns. In amongst the columns made of Italian marble are the tombs of sultan Ahmed Al-Mansour, his successors ( his son and grandson) and their closest family members (66 Saadians). There are more than 100 buried outside the main buildings. A small but elegant mausoleum houses the tomb of Ahmed Al-Mansour's mother.

Opens daily but closed for lunch appx 12-2.30 each day.
only 10 dirham for entry ticket - about 1 euro.

The Saadian tombs are considered to be one of the most exquisite mausoleums in North Africa, and are one of Marrakechs' most visited sites.

Open 08.30 - 11.45 and 14.30 - 17.45 daily.

Entrance 10dh.(2006)
Local 'official' guides are to be found near the ticket office, (A tip will be expected) You'll probably encounter 'faux guides' outside, willing to show you around - again a tip will be expected, even if they don't explain much of use.

Through a narrow passageway, you enter a garden, with rose trees and shrubs, enclosed by red walls. Amongst the grass you can see small tombs.

The Arabic Saadian Dynasty ruled for a relatively short period during the 16th - 17th Century, their popularity rose after removing the Portuguese from their occupation of the Moroccan coastline, and later forming alliances with Spain.

The necropolis was commenced in 1591, (although the first Saadian prince was buried here in 1577) by Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour, to provide a resting place for his family, successors, and respected staff members.

After the collapse of the Saadian Dynasty, during Moulay Ismails 'reign of terror', buildings such as the Palais el Badi were ransacked but the Tombs escaped desecration, possibly due to his superstition that the dead would come back to haunt him!

Instead, the necropolis was sealed, with only a small area being left open. (Sultan Moulay Yazid 'The Crazy' was buried here in 1792.)

During French Protectorate of Marrakesh in the early 20th C. An ariel survey by General Hubert Lyautey, revealed the site of the tombs. An avid enthusiast of Moroccan history, he set about constructing a passageway into the tombs (The original entrance was through the Kasbah mosque, and therefore forbidden to non-muslims) and restoration of the tombs.

The Saadian tombs were opened to the public in 1917.

1 more image

The green roof topped building is the second mausoleum and contains two loggias and a prayer hall. Inside the burial chambers is the tomb of the mother of Ahmed el-Mansour – Lalla Messaouda who died in 1591 and Mohammed Ech Cheikh who was the founder of the Saadians.

1 more image

In the Central Hall of the complex are the ivory coloured tombs of Ahmed el Mansour (the Golden) along with his successors. The tombs are inscribed with arabesques and inscriptions from the Koran. There are 3 niches which hold the tombs of princes. The tombs are of the Royal family which date back to the 16th century.

1 more image

The Saadian Tombs is very popular and you will find quite a crowd of tourists visiting. The tombs were opened to the public only in 1917. The walled complex comprises more than 100 tombs, all decorated in colourful mosaic tiles.

Open: Wed-Mon 08.30-11.45 and 14.30-17.45
Admission charge.

The Saadian Tombs - next to the Kasbah Mosque - are one of the most remarkable sights of Marrakech. The Saadites were the ruling dynasty in Morocco the 16th and 17th century. Their grave monuments in andalusian style are adorned with stuccoe and kalligraphic art, woodcarvings and coloured tile mosaics.