Considered one of Rabat’s main tourist attractions, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V houses the mortal remains of Hassan II and Mohammed V, the father and grandfather, respectively, of the current King of Morocco, Mohammed VI. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the large white marble mausoleum is decorated with patterned tiles and carved plaster. Its large cedar wood coffered ceiling is adorned with gold leaf. Visitors can view the tombs of the two kings of Morocco from a gallery above the room containing the royal sarcophagi.
The Mausoleum of Mohammed V is in fact an ensemble of buildings including the Mohammed V Mosque and a museum dedicated to the history of the Alawites, the current ruling dynasty in Morocco. Built in white marble, the mausoleum rests on a 3.5-metre platform. You enter through an iron gate that leads to a staircase which ascends to the dome, under which the sarcophagus of Mohammed V is located.
History of the Mausoleum of Mohammed V
The Mausoleum of Mohammed V was erected in memory of the father of Moroccan independence, Mohammed V, at the behest of his son, Hassan II, whose remains also rest there. The project was designed by the Vietnamese architect Vo Toan and carried out with the help of 400 Moroccan craftsmen. Completed in 1971, it is one of the great examples of modern Moroccan architecture, inspired by traditional buildings.
Such is its architectural splendour and the refined materials used in its construction that the Mausoleum of Mohammed V dazzles all visitors. It was there that King Mohammed VI received Pope Francis in 2019 on an official visit aimed at bringing the Muslim and Catholic religions closer together.
What you will see on your visit
The esplanade on which the Mausoleum of Mohammed V is located covers an area of 1,500 square metres. The monument was built between 1961 and 1971 in memory of Mohammed V, and its exterior and interior should be admired.
Inside
The interior of the Mausoleum is a worthy example of its stateliness. The sarcophagus of Mohammed V, carved in white Pakistani onyx, occupies the central part and is surrounded by numerous Moroccan flags. His coffin is accompanied by those of his successor, Hassan II, and his other son, Moulay Abdallah. The walls inside the mausoleum are decorated with geometric figures based on coloured tiles and mosaics and Qur’anic calligraphy. A spectacular vault made with Atlas cedar, sculpted mahogany and stained glass covers the entire space. You will also see the members of the Royal Guard continuously guarding the site plus an imam reciting verses from the Qur’an 24 hours a day.
Abroad
The exterior of the Mausoleum of Mohammed V dazzles with its polished white stone, which in some areas is Carrara marble. Its green roof, reminiscent of Andalusia, evokes major monuments in other cities in the country such as Fez.
Information for visitors
Located next to the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Admission is free of charge.
The Mausoleum of Mohammed V is situated on a hilltop and can be reached from the centre of Rabat by taking the tram on line 1 to Place Al Joulane or by hiring a taxi for a journey time of about 8 minutes.
