Saadian Tombs

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    Rue de la Kasbah, Kasbah
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Long hidden from intrusive eyes, the area of the Saadian Tombs, alongside the Kasbah Mosque, were originally the privileged burial place of the sherif , the descendants of the Prophet Mohammed. However, the ornate tombs that can be seen today are the resting places of the Saadian princes, most notably Ahmed al-Mansour.

Unlike the Palais el-Badi, another of Al-Mansour's projects, the tombs escaped Moulay Ismail's depredations - possibly he was superstitious about plundering the dead. Instead he sealed up the entrance to the tombs, which were not rediscovered until the early 20th century. As a result, they still convey some of the opulence and superb artistry that must also have been lavished on the palace.

The tombs were not 'rediscovered' until 1917 when General Lyautey, his curiosity awakened by an aerial survey of the area, ordered a passageway to be made to the tombs. They have since been restored.