Saadian Tombs

To enjoy the Saadian Tombs at their best, some planning helps. Situated close to the Kasbah Mosque in Marrakesh’s busy Kasbah district, the tombs are not far from the main square, and yet they remain an oasis of calm, especially in the early morning. Expect narrow entranceways and uneven ground, with curious visitors forming small crowds during peak hours. Tickets are affordable and sold on site, but lines form fast during late mornings and weekends.

• Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon; spring and fall for mild weather.
• How to get there: Short taxi ride or a 15-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa; city buses and caleches (horse-drawn carriages) also reach nearby.
• Accessibility: Paths are narrow with some steps, so strollers and wheelchairs may have trouble in certain areas.
• Average visit duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour is enough to explore comfortably.

The Saadian Tombs impress most with the lavish Hall of Twelve Columns, where Sultan Ahmed el-Mansour rests beneath a carved cedarwood dome and elaborate Italian marble. Don’t skip the quieter garden courtyards, where roses line the stone paths and songbirds sometimes flit by the sarcophagi. While the mausoleum is the highlight, the surrounding necropolis is full of hidden detail—Arabic inscriptions, zellij tile mosaics, and stories in every alcove.

• Hall of Twelve Columns: The most famous chamber, with soaring arches and gold accents.
• Royal and family tombs: Burial sites of sultans, princes, and their loved ones, each with unique geometric patterns.
• Garden courtyards: Quiet, photo-ready spots, good for reflection and rest.
• Prayer hall ruins: Less crowded, this area reveals centuries-old plasterwork and faded colors.
• Historic detail: Learn how the tombs were walled off for over 200 years and rediscovered in 1917, revealing relics of the Saadian golden age.