Saadian Tombs
Listed under Tombs & Memorials in Marrakech, Morocco.
These tombs are from the 16th century, and were sealed up within a mosque and hidden by Marrakech’s expansion until 1917 when the detail of their decorative beauty was rediscovered – the standard of decoration and the tiling are often compared to the Alhambra. 66 members of the Saadi Dynasty have their tombs here, in three rooms, the largest and most famous lined with twelve lovely columns. The tombs have been made from Italian Carrara marble. El Mansour, the son of the founder of the dynasty was the one who had the tombs built, which is why his marble elongated pyramid has pride of place under the dome of the central chamber.
More than 100 servants and soldiers have been buried outside in the garden, but their graves are still well decorated in colourful tiling.
Written by 
Esther Blume.
Other expert and press reviews
“Saadian Tombs”
The Saadian Tombs in Marrakesh were sealed up for centuries until their rediscovery in 1917. Occupying a quiet enclosure at the kasbah, the tombs are magnificently decorated with colorful tiles, Arabic script and elaborate carvings. The enclosure consi… Read more...
Written by 
Martin Gray.
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Comments, reviews and questions by other travellers
On first impressions El Badi Palace can appear more grave-like than the Saadian Tombs with its haunting yellow ruins, inhabiting storks and underground dungeons. In contrast, the elegant Saadian tombs fizz quietly with stone carvings as delicately intricate as lace adorning archway after archway.
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- The best Tombs & Memorials
The unthinkably giant dome ceilings & minuscule wooden designs in marble are once-in-a-lifetime vision to live rest of life with. The elegent mausoleums, humongous public speaking area (think, why did they plan it in tomb?) are gonna hold you in there, almost for ever.