Saadian Tombs
Marrakech, Morocco
Saadian Tombs
The Saadian Tombs (Arabic: قبر السعديين, romanized: qubur as-sa'adiyyin, Berber languages: ⵔⵇⴱⴰⵔ ⵏ ⵉⵙⴰⵄⴰⴷⵉⵢⵏ, French: Tombeaux Saadiens) are a historic royal necropolis in Marrakesh, Morocco, located on the south side of the Kasbah Mosque, inside the royal kasbah (citadel) district of the city. They date to the time of the Saadian dynasty and in particular to the reign of Ahmad al-Mansur (1578–1603), though members of Morocco's monarchy continued to be buried here for a time afterwards. The complex is regarded by many art historians as the high point of Moroccan architecture in the Saadian period due to its luxurious decoration and careful interior design. Today the site is a major tourist attraction in Marrakesh.
The early history of the necropolis is not well known. The necropolis is located right behind the qibla wall (in this case the southeastern wall) of the Kasbah Mosque which was built, along with the surrounding royal kasbah (citadel), by the Almohad caliph Abu Yusuf Ya'qub (al-Mansur) in the late 12th century (1185-1190). Accordingly, it is believed that this was the site of a necropolis even in Almohad times, though there's no evidence of any significant figures being buried here at that time (the Almohad rulers were buried at Tinmal instead).: 393 It is known, however, that in the 14th century, during the Marinid dynasty period, Sultan Abu al-Hasan was buried here temporarily in 1351. He died while in exile in the High Atlas mountains and Marrakesh was thus the closest city for burial (which, under Islamic tradition, must be carried out quickly). A few months later his body was then moved and reburied in the Marinid royal necropolis at Chellah (near Rabat). A marble tombstone with a long inscription attests to his first burial in the Marrakesh kasbah necropolis, and this tombstone is still found in the Chamber of the Three Niches in the Saadian tombs today (presumably moved there during or after Saadian construction).: 184 The Marinid sultan's burial here suggests that it must have already been a cemetery at the time. Afterwards, the necropolis also became the burial site of the Hintati emirs who controlled the region of Marrakesh from the mid-15th century until the 1520s. Some of their epitaphs are still visible today.
Accommodations near Saadian Tombs
La Sultana Marrakech
see price.
Nearby Tours & Activities
Opening times
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Guests' reviews
This historical site is unexpectedly compact but beautiful and interesting. It would be useful to have a guide explain the history as well as the symbolism of the various tombs. When we were there, we were treated with an additional event where a cat carried what looked like half a bird to one spot and started munching on it. Nature rules.
Worth a visit. Pretty small area and not a huge amount to see. Very deep with history but make sure you have a translation device as most things aren't in English. It got pretty busy walking around as well. So an early visit may give you more opportunities for photos.
A lot of human work frozen in time. Details of architecture are impressive. Well preserved hidden graveyard in the middle of the city.
This was rather boring for me. Too many tourists today (friday) and there was a very long queue to see one of the main chambers. Can skip this if you're short of time. Entry is MAD 10 per person.
Not worth the trouble or money. Staff are rude and tombs are average considering you are not allowed to enter and had to stand in a long line to look from a distance and take a pic. We were then hurried along by the staff. Best part was the cats but they’re everywhere in Marrakech so find them somewhere else.
Smaller than expected. There are no signs to tell you about the tombs so bring a guidebook to get a better picture of the significance. Lots of beautiful rose bushes and a giant fig tree in the courtyard. The mosaic tiling is beautiful to look at in the sun.
The place is absolutely amazing, and for a fair price. They could add some more detailed explanation of what that place was, but if you have a tourist's guide, you're good to go.
The rooms are big with nice bathroom and very comfortable beds. The diner wasn't so good, the food was not so tasty ,cold and with very poor options to choose from. No coffee maker in the room.
The tombs have very artistic, colorful decorations. Great place to visit as part of your day touring, Tombeaux Saadiens place is not huge and will not consume a lot of time. I would give perhaps 30-50 minutes from the entry to the ext.
After I paid the entrance fee I had to pay to use the toilet. While I was waiting in the queue the lady who was responsible for the cleaning came and collected the money (3 people in front of me) when it was my turn to use the toilet she said I haven't give her the money! I was so angry! She started to say something in her language and I had to pay again. Anyway this is an overrated tourist attraction and the fact that you have to pay to use the toilet after you paid the entrance fee is unacceptable...
Smaller than expected and a twenty minute queue for the royal tombs, that being said the tombs were very pretty and it was really nice to roam freely without any sellers etc. We followed it up with lunch ar the cafe Kasbah just outside which was highly recommended on trip advisor
Interesting visit. Queues will no doubt be long during peak times. The architecture is rather beautiful and intricate. Very cheap entrance fee. Loved it.
Pretty walk about for a few minutes, better to have a guide or read up a bit beforehand. Actually the best way to visit this place is from a high rooftop with cocktails. That rooftop would be La Sultana. Birds eye view 👁 with zero crowds .
A very overrated place. Took us forever to find this place, if only it was worth it but it's not. Small packed with tourists, a very long waiting line to see the the main attraction, take photos quickly and let others (two each time) i don't recommend this place at all. A waste of time. There are far better places in the city.
We stayed in a nearby riad and came here. It was a nice sight-seeing point but probably wouldn't come a second time. The area nearby is where a lot of locals live and is a real eye opener to how poor they live. Far too much pressure put on you to buy in this area.
One of the finest examples of Moore architecture and their influence in north Africa. Twelve columns tomb and intricate draws awe to any visitors. Garden in the middle and flower landscape adds additional aesthetics to the historic place. Stork on roof is a bonus. Usually long lines to see tomb, so plan early hours.
You'll only need the morning to hit this stop. It's a small place. What takes a while is the line inside the tombs to see a special area, but other that it only costs 10 MAD to get in. They don't usually have change at the ticketing booth, so it miggt be wise to bring some before hand. There are also nice stores and cafes outside the mosque to kill some time or relax.
Cool Mosaics. Uncannily small place. No real information is provided on who’s actually buried there. Go there if you’re a mosaic connoisseur.
Beautiful tombs. The Saadian Tombs are small but exquisitely decorated. The are some of best examples of Islamic geometric architecture and furnishings in Marrakech and worth it. I can see why some people wouldn't like it if it was busy as some of the viewing areas are small. Go when we did early to avoid the crowds, and avoid Friday.
Great for the value! 10 dirhams and a beautiful building. Get there early to avoid the tour groups
