The Royal Mausoleum of King Mohammed V
One of the main attractions in Rabat that is worth the visit is The Royal Mausoleum of King Mohammed V. The grandeur of the fascinating white marble mausoleum not only lies in its impressive architectural style, but it is also the final resting place of three significant members of the royal family.
History:
Constructed and designed by Vo Toan, a well–known architect of Vietnamese origin, The Royal Mausoleum of King Mohammed V took 10 years to be completed from 1962 to 1971 by order of the late King Hassan II for his father, Mohammed V. The construction took 400 local artisans to be finished and the luxurious marble tomb became the resting place of not only its namesake but also his sons: King Hassan II and Prince Abdullah. Recognized for his struggle and efforts exerted for the country’s independence, King Mohamed V ruled Morocco for two separate reigns; the first was from 1927 to 1953 and the second from 1957 to the year 1961.
Structure:
Decorated with exquisite examples of Moroccan craftwork and colorful “zellige” (geometric mosaic tiles) and carved plaster, The Royal Mausoleum of King Mohammed V which was built in Andalusian classical style is considered an architectural masterwork. The structure of the mausoleum is characterized by its whitewashed silhouette and green tiled ceiling, Cedar wooden ceiling covered in gold leaf, sculpted plasterwork, marble, chiseled bronze panels, and the seat of Quran reciters which are presented as a major and vital architectural element.
The mausoleum was made out of Italian white onyx marble stone tiles covered with mosaics geometric patterns. These tiles represent ‘Alawite royalty’ which was a common feature in many official buildings over the past centuries, mainly in Meknes, capital of the Kingdom under the reign of Moulay Ismail.
One of the magnificent features inside the royal mausoleum is the breath-taking chandeliers hanging up the wooden ceiling as well as the luxurious red carpets on the stairs which add an imperial atmosphere to the place.
Location:
The Royal Mausoleum of King Mohammed V is situated across from Rabat’s sky-reaching and unfinished Hassan Tower, on the Yacoub al-Mansour esplanade in Rabat. With its green-tiled roof and the handsomely dressed royal guards protecting the entrance, it is easy to recognize this must-see attraction that is the King Mohammed V Mausoleum.
Opening Hours & Best Visiting time::
It is open daily from sunrise to sunset except for 2 hours a day from noon time till 2:00 pm.
You can visit the mosque every day but please avoid coming between noon and 2 pm, when the mausoleum closes for midday prayers in the adjoining mosque.
More about the Royal Mausoleum of King Mohammed V
Dress Code:
All visitors should be respectfully dressed. Both male and female visitors have to cover their shoulders and the knees. Covering the head with a scarf is a must for women before going inside the mausoleum.
Entrance Fees:
No admission fees are required to be paid to visit the site. Taking photos both inside the mausoleum and of the guards are permitted for no extra fees.
Nearby attractions:
The Hassan Tower
Opposite to the mausoleum lies one of the major attractions in Rabat: the Hassan Tower (also known as Le Tour Hassan). The site was the towering minaret of the Hassan Mosque, which was built in 1195 under the reign of Almohad Yacoub el Mansour.
Oudaias Kasbah
One of Rabat's top sightseeing draws is Oudaias Kasbah. Located over the Pacific ocean, Oudaias Kasbah with the Andalusian Gardens, Oudayas Museum, and Gate of the Kasbah are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Royal Palace of Rabat
Being the primary and official residence of the king of Morocco, the Royal Palace of Rabat (or in Arabic Dar al-Makhzen) is regarded as the seat of the government today. Officially named El Mechouar Essaid Palace, which means the happiness venue palace, the palace stands as one of the main highlights in Rabat.
