Saadian Tombs, Marrakesh

Saadian Tombs, Marrakesh, Morocco

Visited February 2011

The Saadian tombs in Marrakesh date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, and comprise the burials of over 50 members of the Saadian Dynasty. When the dynasty fell in 1696 the tombs fell into disuse and were forgotten about. They were rediscovered in 1917 and were restored by the Beaux-arts service. 

The mausoleums which house the tombs are wonderfully decorated with Islamic tiles, wood carvings, columns and pillars, and have a feel similar to the Moorish architecture of Southern Spain. As well as the monumental architecture, there’s also a quiet garden with smaller tombs for soldiers and servants.

To find the tombs, go to the ancient Kasbah and look for the Almohad Mosque, and follow the signs from there down a path. The site isn’t very big, and there isn’t any interpretation (so take a guidebook!), but it’s worth a visit. It doesn’t seem to be too busy (being just far enough away from the centre of town to discourage visitors who’d rather be in the suq!), so is a quiet, shady place to while away 30 min to an hour. 

European Cemetery, Marrakesh, Morocco

European Cemetery, Marrakesh, Morocco

Visited February 2011

To the north of Marrakesh, away from the busy old town centre, is the colonial new town area of Gueliz. In this area are such splendours as the Majorelle Gardens, and also the little visited European Cemetery. Built at the height of the colonial period, opening in 1925, most of the graves here are French. There is also a memorial dedicated to the North African soldiers who died fighting for French freedom during World War 2. A whole area is dedicated to French war graves, and another to children who died in infancy. 

The cemetery is very quiet - we were the only people there on a February afternoon, except the caretaker, and is free to visit. It's a bit overgrown, and absolutely lovely - do visit if you're in the city.