Saadian Tombs Marrakech: What to See, Tickets and How to Avoid the Queue
The Saadian Tombs are a 16th-century royal necropolis next to the Kasbah Mosque in the southern Marrakech medina. They hold the graves of the Saadian sultan Ahmad al-Mansur and his family, in rooms decorated with Italian marble, carved cedar and stucco. Open daily, usually 9:00–17:00, the visit takes 30–45 minutes; arrive at opening time because only a few people can look into the main chamber at once.
History of the Saadian Tombs
The Saadian dynasty ruled Morocco in the 16th and early 17th centuries, reaching its peak under Ahmad al-Mansur (reigned 1578–1603), who built the El Badi Palace and expanded the tomb complex. When the Alaouite sultan Moulay Ismail took power, he destroyed El Badi but did not dare demolish the tombs; instead he had them walled off. They remained hidden until they were identified in 1917, during the French protectorate, and restored for visitors.
What to see
The Hall of Twelve Columns
The most famous room contains the tomb of Ahmad al-Mansur, surrounded by twelve marble columns, a carved cedar dome and walls of delicate stucco. Visitors look in from the doorway, which explains the queue.
The Prayer Hall
The first chamber, with a mihrab and horseshoe arches, contains the tombs of several Saadian princes.
The Hall of Three Niches
Reserved for the children of the sultan's family, with fine stucco work.
The garden
Around the mausoleums, a small garden holds the graves of courtiers, soldiers and servants, marked with tiled tombstones.
Practical information
| Location | Next to the Kasbah Mosque, near Bab Agnaou, southern medina |
|---|---|
| Hours | Usually daily 9:00–17:00 (shorter during Ramadan) |
| Ticket | Around 100 MAD for foreign adults (check on site) |
| Time needed | 30–45 minutes |
Tips
- Go at 9:00 or after 16:00 to avoid the long queue for the Hall of Twelve Columns.
- Bring small change in dirhams for the ticket.
- Combine with El Badi Palace, the Mellah and the Bahia Palace, all within 15 minutes' walk.
- Visit with a guide on our medina walking tour to understand the Saadian story.
Continue with the Koutoubia Mosque or plan your stay with the 3-day Marrakech itinerary. More history is available on Wikipedia's Saadian Tombs article.
Book it with a local operator
- Marrakech: Medina Guided Walking Tour with Bahia Palace & Souks — from €25 per person, pay on the day.
- Marrakech: Moroccan Cooking Class with Local Market Visit & Lunch — from €45 per person, pay on the day.
Related guides
- Bahia Palace Marrakech: History, Tickets, Opening Hours and Tips
- Koutoubia Mosque Marrakech: History, Visiting Rules and Best Views
- Best Museums in Marrakech: Art, Crafts, Photography and Fashion
Frequently asked questions
Are the Saadian Tombs worth visiting?
Yes, they contain some of the finest Saadian decoration in Morocco. The visit is short, so it fits easily into a morning in the southern medina.
How long does it take to visit the Saadian Tombs?
Usually 30–45 minutes, plus queuing time for the Hall of Twelve Columns at busy hours.
Who is buried in the Saadian Tombs?
Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur, members of his family and other Saadian princes, plus courtiers and servants in the garden.
When were the Saadian Tombs discovered?
They were walled off in the 17th century and identified again in 1917, then restored and opened to visitors.
Main photo: C messier, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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