Mausoleum of Mohammed V
Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
The Mausoleum of Mohammed V is a significant monument located in Rabat, Morocco, directly opposite the historic Hassan Tower. It houses the tombs of King Mohammed V and his two sons, King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah. Commissioned by Hassan II after Mohammed V's death in 1961, the mausoleum was designed by Vietnamese architect Cong Vo Toan, who combined traditional Moroccan architectural forms with modern materials. The structure is rectangular, built from reinforced concrete and clad in white marble, featuring Moorish arches and a distinctive pyramidal green roof. The exterior walls are adorned with the traditional Moroccan sebka motif, while the interior boasts a mahogany dome with colored glass and walls decorated with intricate zellij tiling and chased brass. The white onyx cenotaph of Mohammed V was crafted by the artisan Ibn Abdelkrim. The complex also includes an adjacent mosque, designed to be lower than the mausoleum to preserve sightlines, and a rectangular open-air pavilion serving as a museum for the Alaouite dynasty. The mausoleum not only commemorates Morocco's royal heritage but also celebrates the country's rich tradition of craftsmanship and identity.
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Tip: Visitors should plan to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the intricate architectural details and the surrounding historic esplanade. It is advisable to check opening times in advance and consider purchasing tickets ahead if available, especially during peak tourist seasons. Respectful dress is recommended due to the site's religious significance. Guided tours can enhance the experience by providing historical context and insights into Moroccan craftsmanship.
Interesting facts
- •The mausoleum was designed by Vietnamese architect Cong Vo Toan, blending traditional Moroccan forms with modern materials.
- •The cenotaph of Mohammed V is carved from white onyx by the craftsman Ibn Abdelkrim.
- •A Quran reader is traditionally present inside the mausoleum, maintaining a spiritual atmosphere.
- •The complex includes a museum dedicated to the Alaouite dynasty housed in an open-air pavilion.
- •The mosque attached to the mausoleum is deliberately built at a lower level to preserve the monument's prominence.
History
The mausoleum's construction began in 1961 shortly after the death of King Mohammed V and was completed in 1971.
It was commissioned by his son, King Hassan II, as a tribute to his father’s legacy and to promote Moroccan traditional crafts.
The site was built on the esplanade of the ruined Almohad-era mosque that housed the Hassan Tower.
After completion, Mohammed V's remains were transferred there, followed by his son Abdallah in 1983 and King Hassan II in 1999.
The mausoleum thus serves as a royal necropolis and a symbol of Moroccan national identity.
Place Guide
Mausoleum Chamber1961-1971
The central chamber contains the tombs of Mohammed V and his sons, featuring a mahogany dome with colored glass and walls adorned with intricate zellij tiles and brass work. The white onyx cenotaph is a masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship.
Exterior Architecture and Porticos1961-1971
The mausoleum's exterior is marked by Moorish arches with polylobed designs and walls decorated with the sebka motif, all clad in white marble. The green pyramidal roof is a distinctive feature symbolizing the Alaouite dynasty.
Adjacent Mosque1961-1971
This mosque is part of the complex and features a hypostyle interior with separate men's and women's sections and a marble-paved courtyard (sahn). It is built at a lower level to avoid obstructing views of the mausoleum and pavilion.
Alaouite Dynasty Museum Pavilion1961-1971
An open-air rectangular pavilion with rows of arches, serving as a museum dedicated to the Alaouite dynasty. It stands opposite the mausoleum on an elevated platform, complementing the overall design of the complex.
