When you are in Meknes it is definitely worth a visit to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. This mausoleum is one of Morocco’s most important monuments and is free for tourists to visit. The mausoleum is dedicated to Moulay Ismail, he was the sultan of Morocco in the period from 1672 to 1727. During the reign of Moulay Ismail, Meknes was the capital of Morocco. That’s why his tomb is in this city. For tourists who love culture, history, and architecture, a visit to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail cannot be missed.
From inside the mausoleum, visitors have a view of the tomb of Moulay Ismail. For many Moroccans, this place is considered a sacred place. So be aware of that and behave properly when you visit the mausoleum.
The architecture of the Mausoleum
The building was finished in the year 1703, well before the sultan passed away. When you visit the mausoleum you will first be amazed by the imposing entrance of the building. The entrance is in fact a large gate decorated with beautiful mosaics.
When you walk in, you walk through different rooms and courtyards that are beautifully decorated with beautiful tiles. The passages to the following rooms are also beautifully decorated.
When you walk through the different rooms you automatically end up in the back room from where you can see the tomb of Moulay Ismail. This is a beautiful room with again beautiful mosaics on the wall, marble pillars, and a beautiful fountain in the center. You must take off your shoes to enter this room. From here you can see the sultan’s tomb, but you cannot enter it as a visitor.
Location of the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail
The mausoleum is located in the center of the old city of Meknes. Therefore it is not difficult to find it. The mausoleum is easily accessible by walking. You can also easily visit the mausoleum by taxi because it is located on a main road. It’s easy to navigate yourself with Google Maps.