Mausoleums in Morocco you wouldn't expect

Visit these Historical Mausoleums in Morocco.

The greatest mausoleum in Marrakech is the Saadian tombs.

If we consider the number of tombs it contains—more than a hundred—the Saadian tombs can be considered Morocco’s great mausoleum. They are in Marrakech, which is no accident given that this dynasty controlled primarily from this city during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Due to the wealth of some of its tombs, including those of Ahmad al-Mansur and his mother Lalla Messauda, which were lavishly embellished with Carrara marble, cedar wood, etc., they are now one of its main tourist attractions.

Key Meknes landmark: the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum

The historic Moulay Ismail mausoleum is situated to the southeast of the former palace of Dar Al-Kebira. The mausoleum houses the tomb of Moroccan Sultan Moulay Ismail.


Marruecos was governed by Moulay Ismail from 1672 to 1727. He was the second ruler of the Alau Dynasty, and his 55 years of rule made him the longest-reigning Marruecos sultan.


He was one of the most powerful rulers in the country because he raised a powerful army of devoted soldiers who successfully defeated the Ottomans at Argel and drove the Europeans out of the ports they had taken over.

Large courtyards, chambers, fountains, and patios make up the tomb. It is exquisitely embellished with arabesque and Moroccan-Andalusian carvings on the marble and zellige.

The city’s monumental burial complex is a place of pilgrimage for Moroccans seeking the saint Moulay Ismail’s graces (Baraka) all year long.

Mohammed V, Morocco's great mausoleum

Another of Morocco’s magnificent mausoleums is the one at Rabat, which bears the name of Mohammed V but is actually the pantheon of the most recent Alawites, together with other members like his son Hassan II. With white marble and green tiles on the outside and colored ceramics and a mahogany ribbed dome inside, it has modern architecture that is rooted in history.

The Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum was a stunning discovery in the desert.

Although the Alawite dynasty and the well-known Sultan Moulay Ismail have already been mentioned, it is equally important to discuss the people who started this royal adventure in the seventeenth century. Particularly Moulay Ali Cherif, since one of the magnificent mausoleums in Morocco was constructed in his memory. In this instance, in the native location (Tafilalet) of this dynasty, the small city of Rissani, in the middle of the Moroccan desert. With tiles and mosaics, a small mosque, an inner garden, and other beautiful features, the structure exude great elegance.

The complex, which is now a place of pilgrimage and homage for his role in the consolidation of this dynasty that succeeded the Saadian, also contains the bones of members of his family.

Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun

At the foot of Mount Zerhoun is a town called Moulay Idriss Zerhoun. This mausoleum in northern Morocco houses the tomb of Moulay Idris, the country’s first significant Islamic monarch.

Because he was a prophet’s descendent and lived not far from the old Roman city of Volubilis, Moulay Idris developed deep bonds with people. He rose fast to become the region’s most significant figure in both politics and religion.

The medieval Moroccan mausoleum has endured numerous dynasties, including the Sharifian, Saadian, and Alaouite dynasties.

In addition to having the mausoleum rebuilt, Moulay Ismail also had it widened. When Alouette Sultan Moulay Abderrahman acquired a piece of land, the complex was further enhanced.

Sultan Sidi Mohammed increased the mausoleum’s size, and King Mohammed V and King Hassan II redecorated it.

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