Question 1

When were the Saadian Tombs rediscovered?

Accepted Answer

In 1917, by Morocco's Service of Fine Arts, Antiquities and Historic Monuments. After the fall of the Saadian dynasty in the early 17th century the necropolis was walled off and largely forgotten until aerial photography led to its re-identification.

Question 2

What is the Hall of Twelve Columns?

Accepted Answer

The Chamber of the Twelve Columns is the central mausoleum of the necropolis and houses the tomb of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur, Morocco's most powerful Saadian ruler. Twelve Carrara marble columns support a cedar muqarnas dome above richly sculpted stucco walls.

Question 3

Who is buried at the Saadian Tombs?

Accepted Answer

Members of the Saadian royal family from the late 16th and early 17th centuries, including Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur and his successors. The site contains around 56 marble mqabriya tombstones and roughly 100 additional graves marked with multicoloured tilework.

Question 4

How long should I plan?

Accepted Answer

Around 30 to 45 minutes. The complex is small and the queue to look into the Hall of Twelve Columns can be slower than the visit itself, so come at opening time or in the last hour before closing.

Saadian Tombs — Marrakech

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