Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat: complete guide

The Hassan Tower is Rabat's most iconic landmark and one of Morocco's most singular monuments. Begun in 1195 by the Almohad sultan Yacoub al-Mansour, the tower was designed to be the minaret of the largest mosque in the Islamic world. Construction stopped with the sultan's death in 1199, leaving the tower at 44 of the planned 80 meters, and an esplanade covered with columns that never supported a roof.

The accidental result is one of the most photogenic settings in North Africa: dozens of stone columns arranged in perfect rows, with the tower in the background and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V beside it. The ensemble takes on an almost unreal quality at dusk, when orange light falls on the ochre stone of the columns.

The Mausoleum of Mohammed V, built between 1961 and 1971, houses the remains of the king who led Morocco's independence in 1956 and his sons. It is one of the few mausoleums in the country that allows entry to non-Muslims.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, it is Rabat's most memorable visit. The combination of Hassan Tower with the columns and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V creates a monumental ensemble that surprises with its grandeur and history. Entry is free, making the visit even easier to include in any itinerary.

What is Hassan Tower?

Hassan Tower was designed as the minaret of a mosque that would hold 40,000 worshippers, the largest in the Islamic world. With the sultan's sudden death, work stopped in 1199 and the mosque was never completed. The 1755 Lisbon earthquake brought down what remained of the walls, leaving only the columns and the tower.

Today the archaeological site is one of the best-preserved in Morocco, with 356 columns that were planned to be internal pillars of the mosque. Hassan Tower, 44 meters tall with carved decoration different on each face, is one of the finest examples of 12th-century Almohad architecture.

How to get there

• By taxi: short ride from any point in Rabat's center
• On foot from the medina: about 15 to 20 minutes
• On foot from the Kasbah des Oudaias: about 15 to 20 minutes

How the visit works

The visit is self-guided with no mandatory tour. You enter the esplanade, walk among the columns, approach the tower, and enter the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.

• Column esplanade: the most photographed spot, arrive early to avoid crowds
• Hassan Tower: climbing is not permitted, but the exterior is impressive
• Mausoleum of Mohammed V: free entry for non-Muslims, highly decorated interior
• Ceremonial guards: soldiers in traditional uniform guard the mausoleum entrance

Tickets

Entry to the site is completely free, both to the column esplanade and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. There is no charge of any kind to visit the monumental ensemble.

How long to spend

45 minutes are enough to see the esplanade, the tower, and the mausoleum. For those who want to photograph at leisure and explore every angle, set aside 1 to 1h30.

Best time to visit

• Early morning: soft light, few people, best for photographing the columns
• Late afternoon: golden light falls on the stone columns, very photogenic
• Midday: strong sun, harsh light for photos, but no major problems

Practical tips

• Wear conservative clothing to enter the mausoleum, shoulders and knees covered
• The archaeological site has no shade, bring sunscreen and water in summer
• Combine with the Kasbah des Oudaias on the same day, the two are 15 minutes on foot
• The uniformed guards at the mausoleum entrance make a great photo, ask permission first
• The esplanade is large and open, set aside time to explore at a relaxed pace

Final tip

Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V are the stop that transforms Rabat from a "transit city" into a destination with its own memories. The column esplanade has an almost archaeological feel, and the mausoleum showcases the best of Morocco's modern Islamic architecture. They are 45 minutes that justify the visit to the capital.