the Saadian Tombs Marrakech’s Hidden Treasure

What Makes the Saadian Tombs Special

Have you ever heard of a royal burial site hidden for centuries? The Saadian Tombs in Marrakech are a stunning example of such a place. These tombs showcase the artistic talent of 16th-century Morocco. Built during the Saadian Dynasty, they were hidden until 1917. It’s a story of a long-kept secret!

Today, thousands of visitors marvel at the tombs’ designs and learn about their history.

How to Find the Tombs

The Saadian Tombs are hidden in Marrakech’s southern medina. They’re near the Kasbah Mosque and El Badi Palace ruins.

Finding them is easy. There’s only one entrance, at the end of a small passageway by the mosque. The simple entrance makes the first sight of the tombs even more amazing!

The Story Behind the Tombs

Building a Royal Resting Place

The burial ground started in the 14th century. But Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur made it special in the late 1500s.

Al-Mansur wanted a grand final resting place for himself and his family. He brought in top craftsmen from North Africa to build two mausoleums between 1578 and 1603.

The Great Disappearing Act

When the Saadian Dynasty fell, the new ruler, Sultan Moulay Ismail, wanted to erase their legacy. Instead of destroying the tombs, he sealed them off behind a high wall.

For over 200 years, these beautiful chambers were hidden. People walked past them every day, unaware of the treasures behind the wall.

An Accidental Discovery

In 1917, aerial photography revealed something unusual next to the Kasbah Mosque. When investigators checked it out, they found the perfectly preserved tombs.

The French authorities quickly restored the site before opening it to visitors. Finding something this beautiful after centuries of being forgotten is incredible!

The Amazing Architecture

The Saadian Tombs are special because of their incredible craftsmanship. They mix Moorish architecture with influences from Spain and Europe, creating something unique.

Here’s what makes them so beautiful:

• Intricate stucco carvings covering the walls and ceilings
• Elegant marble columns imported from Italy
• Colorful geometric mosaic tiles (zellige)
• Carved cedar wood ceilings with star patterns
• Gold honeycomb-shaped decorations (muqarnas)

The Hall of Twelve Columns is the most impressive space. Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur himself is buried here. Twelve marble columns support arches decorated with detailed stucco work and gilded decorations.

There’s also a special chamber for Lalla Messaouda, the Sultan’s mother. Between the two main buildings, you’ll find garden areas with many more tombs.

Who’s Buried Here?

The tombs house about 200 people, including:

• Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur (the greatest Saadian ruler)
• Mohammed ash-Sheikh (founder of the dynasty)
• Lalla Messaouda (Ahmad al-Mansur’s mother)
• 66 princes and royal family members
• Over 100 court officials and royal wives
• Several Jewish advisors to the Sultan

The tombs show the social hierarchy of the Saadian court. The most elaborate tombs are in the center, with simpler ones radiating outward.

Why They Matter

The Saadian Tombs show us the advanced art and architecture of Morocco’s golden age. They are part of Marrakech’s medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

“The Saadian Tombs are among the finest examples of Islamic funerary architecture in North Africa.”

They help historians understand Moroccan royal politics, Islamic burial traditions, and artistic influences from around the Mediterranean region.

Planning Your Visit

Quick Facts

Opening Hours:

• Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• During Ramadan: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Entrance Fee: 70 dirhams (about $7)

Location: Rue de la Kasbah, next to the Kasbah Mosque

Tips for a Great Visit

• Come early (before 10 AM) or late (after 3 PM) to avoid crowds
• You’ll only need about an hour to see everything
• You can take photos, but lighting can be tricky
• Consider hiring a local guide for interesting stories and context
• You can only view the main chamber from the doorway, not enter it
• Read up a bit before you visit, as there’s not much information posted at the site

You’ll likely need to wait in line to enter, which can be long during busy seasons. Once inside, you’ll follow a path through the complex. The highlight is viewing the magnificent Hall of Twelve Columns through its doorway.

Though the site isn’t huge, the incredible details and history make it well worth your time.

After the 2023 Earthquake

The Al Haouz earthquake that hit Morocco in September 2023 affected many historic sites, including the Saadian Tombs.

Following the earthquake, the site was temporarily closed while safety measures were put in place. Thankfully, assessments showed the damage was relatively minor, and the tombs’ historical value remains intact.

The site is now being carefully monitored and preserved by Morocco’s Ministry of Culture and UNESCO.

Why You Can’t Miss This Place

The Saadian Tombs are one of Marrakech’s true treasures – where amazing art, royal history, and an incredible rediscovery story come together in one unforgettable place.

Whether you love history, architecture, or just enjoy beautiful places, these perfectly preserved chambers deserve a spot on your Marrakech must-see list.

They’re easy to visit, historically fascinating, and simply stunning to look at. What more could you ask for in a travel destination?

Have you visited the Saadian Tombs? Planning a trip to Marrakech? Share your experiences or questions in the comments!