Visit the Saadian tombs of Marrakech: tickets, prices, schedules

Are you going to Morocco to visit Marrakech? Don't miss visiting the Saadian tombs! Here is the tour guide: tickets, rates and times!

Located in the heart of the Kasbah of Marrakech in Morocco, south of the famous Place Jemaa el Fna, the Saadian Tombs are a royal necropolis dating from the time of Sultan Ahmed Al-Mansur Saadi (1549-1603), sixth sultan of the Saadian dynasty. Built from 1578 , they were hidden in the 18th century and were rediscovered only in 1917.

Why visit the Saadian Tombs in Marrakech? Because royal burials are a unique example of hispano-mauresque decorative art. Visiting the Saadian Tombs allows to extend back to the golden age of the Saadian dynasty, which reigned over Morocco between 1524 and 1659 . Since their rediscovery and restoration, this site has always fascinated international tourists who have come to visit Marrakech, subjugated by the beauty and refinement of decorations.

But we don't tell you too much. Here’s the key to visiting the Saadian Tombs if you don’t know what to do in Marrakech!

History of Saadian tombs

The history of the Saadian tombs dates back to early 14th century , when a first building began to be used as a necropolis. In 1557, the prince Mohamed Cheikh It was buried there. His son, Sultan Ahmed El Mansour, enlarged the building and embellished the building by building the "Lalla Mseouada" koubba, named after his mother. She will be buried there in 1591 with the three successors of the Sultan. It is the golden age of Marrakech, which lasted from 1524 to 1659.

The monument of the Saadian tombs is currently one of the only remaining vestiges of the Saadian dynasty. Small power from the Dra region, not far from Ouarzazate , the Saadians took advantage of the bursting of the Moroccan tribes at that time, before the rise of the Spanish and Portuguese. The Saadians impose themselves in Morocco as a great reigning force, winning several battles, and taking Marrakech in 1524, then Fez .

The Saadians extend their influence during the 16th century following the Battle of the 3 kings (opposing the King of Portugal to two Moroccan dynasties). Ahmed El Mansour, said "Ahmed the Dore" reigned for 25 years, undertook military expeditions to Mauritania, and made Morocco a rich power. With gold and wealth looted during the battles, he embellished the city of Marrakech, including the Saadian Tombs.

After the decline of the Saadians and the taking of power by the Alaouites, less expensive, the Saadien power falls and the tombs fall into disuse. The Sultan Moulay Ismaïl order the destruction of the Saadian tombs to 18th century to remove traces of homonymous dynasty, but did not destroy sepultures. Built, the necropolis was rediscovered only in 1917 . The mausoleum houses the bodies of some 60 Saadians, their successors and their families. It also houses the graves of soldiers and servants of the dynasty.

What to see and do at the Saadian tombs

In all, the mausoleum consists of 3 rooms . What must never be seen by visiting the Saadian tombs of Marrakech, is the room of the twelve columns . This is where the burial of Sultan Ahmed El Mansour is located, wearing a wood cut of the Atlas cedar, whose stucco is richly worked.

When you come to visit the Saadian tombs of Marrakech, you will see in particular the burials of the mausoleum , decorated in marble of Carrare of Italy. Take a look at the meticulous decorations that decorate the walls and columns in Hispano-Mauresque style, the dominant art of the 16th century in Morocco. Also, some royal burials are adorned with a poetic epitaph, notably that of Princess Zorha. It reads: " Here is the tomb of the noble lady, new moon, wonder of virtues ".

After the 12 column room, go through the chapel , then don't miss them Outdoor gardens . From there, observe the storks, who like to come to install their nest at the entrance of the site. The Saadian tombs and their gardens were restored in the 1920s, and what we see today truly allows to dive into an over-year era, in the modern period (16th-17th centuries).

If you like history, visiting the Saadian tombs is a must. As such, you are advised to visit with a guide, who will inform you about the time and the life of the personalities buried in the mausoleum. The monument is 100 metres west of El Badi Palace , and near the Kasbah Mosque, a must-see for a visit to Marrakech.

How to go to the Saadian tombs?

From France

From France, regular flights carry out daily connections to Morocco. Count about 3 hours to reach the Marrakech-Ménara airport , located southwest of the city. To find your ticket at the best price, you are advised to take it in advance and not hesitate to use a flight comparison such as Ulysses .

Then take the taxi to rally the city centre and the Medina, making sure to negotiate the price with the driver before going into the vehicle. The race should not exceed 120 dirhams per journey, about 12€.

On site

Private shuttles to be booked in advance can take you to the Saadian Tombs from your hotel or from the airport. From the center, visiting the Saadian tombs is simple: you just have to go street of the Kasbah in the heart of the Medina.

Schedules and rates of Saadian tombs

HORARI

• Monday to Sundayfrom 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

RATES

The ticket rate is 70 dirhams , about 7€.