Saadian Tombs

The Saadian Tombs in Marrakesh hold the remains of the Saadian dynasty, a royal family that ruled Morocco from fifteen fifty-four until sixteen fifty-nine. The site is a compact necropolis recognized by its two main mausoleum buildings and a central garden, where over one hundred graves of princes, court officials, and family members are decorated with vibrant mosaic tiles. The most prominent feature is the Chamber of the Twelve Columns, which contains the tomb of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur. Inside this hall, twelve columns carved from Italian Carrara marble support a dome of gilded cedar wood and intricate stucco.