Saadian Tombs
Marrakech's Hidden Royal Necropolis, Rediscovered
Hours of Operation
Open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM.
Entrance Fee
Entrance fee is 70 MAD.
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About
The Saadian Tombs are a 16th-century royal necropolis in Marrakech, founded by the Saadian dynasty and greatly embellished by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur as a mausoleum for himself and his family. Sealed from view for over two centuries and rediscovered in 1917, the site is famed today for the marble-columned Chamber of the Twelve Columns, its intricate zellige tilework, and the storks that nest among its gardens.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Saadian Tombs free to visit?
No โ entrance costs 70 MAD for adults, and it's free for children under 12. Moroccan residents pay a discounted 30 MAD.
What is the best time of day to go?
Arrive right at opening, 9:00 AM, to see the Chamber of the Twelve Columns before the crowds โ the narrow, single-file entrance passage backs up quickly once tour groups arrive. It closes at 4:45 PM (last entry 4:15 PM), so morning is best.
Is the Saadian Tombs safe for visitors?
Yes โ it's a well-supervised historic site. The main thing to watch for is unofficial "guides" outside the entrance pushing paid tours; buy your ticket at the official counter or online and feel free to decline unsolicited offers.
Why is the Saadian Tombs famous?
Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur built its Chamber of the Twelve Columns around the turn of the 17th century as a mausoleum of Italian marble and carved muqarnas. Sultan Moulay Ismail later sealed the site rather than destroy it, hiding it from view for over two centuries until an aerial survey rediscovered it in 1917 โ making it one of the best-preserved interiors of Saadian art in Morocco.