Name: Saadian Tombs
Address: Rue de La Kasbah, Marrakech
Telephone: 037 67 40 13
Rating: 5.0000

José Miguel Sánchez Fernández

A Precious Hidden Mausoleum between Buildings

Excellent

One of the most interesting sites in Marrakech are the Saadian tombs, discovered in 1917. They are hidden behind a wall and at the same time, behind several buildings in the city, including the Kasbah Mosque, which was at one time its only access. Its entrance is from the street through a narrow alley, which after having entered, you discover a beautiful complex of gardens wherein lay the graves of soldiers and servants, as well as 3 rooms, which house the tombs of the royal family from the Saadian dynasty.

The most famous of the rooms is the Hall of Twelve Columns, which contains the tomb of the son of Ahmad al-Mansur.

A second room houses the mihrab, a room with four white marble columns that served as a mosque. The third room, known as the Hall of the Three Niches, houses the tombs of the Saadian princes who died young as well as the women and the concubines of the princes.

Colors and gardens

The Saadian Tombs are the final resting place of one of Marrakech's earlier dynasties. It's located in the south-central part of the city near the Bahia Palace, El Badi Palace, and Dar Si Said, as well as the Mellah and Kasbah neighborhoods, all of which should be on your list of things to see. I'd suggest doing a route first thing in the morning.

The tombs are divided into sections and connected via peaceful garden of orange trees, roses, and palm trees. I'm not much for history, so I came mainly for the visual splendor and architecture, both of which it has in spades. The tombs are marked via plaques of Moroccan tile and the interior rooms are decorated with intricately carved ceilings and doorway arches. I'd suggest going around lunchtime after visiting the other sites in the mornings. That'll let you escape the tourist hordes and enjoy this place as it was meant to be enjoyed: in peace and quiet.