The Saadian tombs (discovered in 1917) were built under the reign of the Sultan Ahmed el Mansour in the 16th century. It was a burial site for himself and his descendants. About two hundred members of the Saadian dynasty were buried there. The Saadian (or Zaydanides) are a cherifian Arab dynasty coming from the Draâ valley. From 1554 to 1659, they controlled Morocco whereas the central and oriental Maghreb were dominated by the Ottomans.
The decoration is fabulously rich, refined and colorful : carved marble and wood, multicolor geometric mosaics, domed ceilings…. The more spectacular chamber is the “Hall of Twelve Columns” with marble columns, decorated doors and ceilings. Besides, the tombals are in a pretty garden adorned by flowers and palm trees.
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