Saadian Tombs★★
The Saadian Tombs (Tombeaux Saadiens) are one of Morocco's most magnificent burial sites — and they were lost for over 200 years. The Alaouite dynasty, which succeeded the Saadians in the 17th century, walled up the necropolis to erase the memory of their predecessors. It wasn't until 1917 that the French rediscovered the tombs during an aerial survey.
The Three Mausoleums
In a walled garden with roses and orange trees lie three mausoleums with a total of 66 tombs of the Saadian dynasty (1549–1659). The highlight is the Hall of Twelve Columns in the main mausoleum: Twelve Carrara marble columns support a dome of gilded cedarwood. The walls are covered with the finest zellij mosaics and stucco work. Here rests Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur (1578–1603), under whose rule the Saadian dynasty reached its peak.
The smaller mausoleums house princes, concubines, and advisors. In the garden itself are more graves of soldiers and servants — even in death, the strict hierarchy was reflected.
💡 Tipp
The Saadian Tombs are tiny (only three small rooms and a garden) — come right at opening at 9:00 am before the tour groups arrive. After 10:30 am, you will wait at least 30 minutes to get into the Hall of Twelve Columns. The visit itself only takes 20–30 minutes.
