The Saadien tombs

The Saadian tombs in Marrakech are the only remains of the Saadian dynasty, founders of Marrakech, as the other constructions were destroyed by Sultan Moulay in the 18th century. The tombs were built at the time of the sultan Ahmad al-Mansur (1578-1603) and forgotten for centuries before being discovered around 1917. Restored by the department of "Les Beaux Arts", they now impress visitors by the beauty their decoration.

The mausoleum contains the body of sixty Saadians, including Sultan Al-Mansour, his successors and his family. The building has three rooms including the most prestigious mausoleum which is the room of twelve columns, the tomb of Sultan Ahmed El Mansour. Its carved cedar wood dome and stucco are finely crafted and the graves are made of Carrara marble from Italy. This mausoleum is a fine example of Moorish decorative art.

Outside, we can find raves of soldiers and servants and a garden of the necropolis.