Mohammed V of Morocco

The Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat is one of Morocco's most significant landmarks and a must-see stop on any visit to the capital. Perched on a hilltop above the Bouregreg River, right beside the unfinished Hassan Tower, it holds the tombs of King Mohammed V and his son, King Hassan II.

What is this place, and why does it matter?

Construction began in the 1960s and finished in 1971, after Mohammed V's death in 1961. The building was designed by architect Éric Vo Toan, who blended traditional Moroccan craftsmanship with a modern structural approach. The mausoleum itself is part of a small complex: alongside the tomb stand a mosque and a modest museum dedicated to the history of the Alaouite dynasty, which still rules Morocco today.

The interior impresses from the first step inside. White marble walls are covered in finely carved plasterwork and zellige mosaics arranged in geometric patterns. Above the sarcophagi rises a coffered cedar-wood ceiling finished in gold leaf. The roof is topped with green tiles, a hallmark of Moroccan religious architecture. Royal Guard soldiers in traditional, brightly colored uniforms stand watch at the entrance every day — a favorite subject for visitors' photos.

What else is there to see — the Hassan Tower?

The mausoleum sits next to the Hassan Tower, the unfinished minaret of the Hassan Mosque. Construction started in 1195 under the Almohad sultan Yacoub al-Mansour, who planned a tower 60 meters tall — one of the tallest in the world at the time. Work stopped when the sultan died in 1199, and the mosque itself was never completed. What remains today is a field of stone columns and the tower itself, standing at roughly 44 meters. The square in front of both structures forms one shared esplanade, and visitors typically explore the mausoleum and the tower together in a single walk.

How do you get there?

The complex sits in central Rabat, on a scenic hill overlooking the river. The easiest way to arrive is by tram line 1 to the Place Al Joulane stop, just a short walk from the entrance. By taxi from the city center, the ride takes about 8 minutes. The site pairs naturally with a visit to the nearby Kasbah of the Udayas or the old medina.

When should you visit, and how long does it take?

The mausoleum is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and admission is free. Plan on one to one-and-a-half hours to see the mausoleum, the tower, and the surrounding esplanade at a comfortable pace. Arriving shortly after opening helps you avoid both the crowds and the heat, especially in summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, entry to both the mausoleum grounds and the Hassan Tower is free year-round.

Can visitors go inside where the tombs are? Yes, visitors can access the upper-level balcony overlooking the sarcophagi and the richly decorated interior. The tomb level itself is closed to the public.

How long does a visit take? Most visitors need one to one-and-a-half hours to cover the mausoleum, the Hassan Tower, and the surrounding esplanade.

What's the best way to get there from central Rabat? Tram line 1 to the Place Al Joulane stop is the simplest option, or a taxi, which takes about 8 minutes.