Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hall of Twelve
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Main Chamber
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Columns
This chamber holds the
tombs of the Sultan
Ahmed El Mansour,
along with his entire
family
(right)
. The stele is
in finely-worked cedar
wood and stuccowork.
The graves are beautifully
designed and made from
the striking Carrara
marble that is particular
to Italy.
A grand pavilion
at the garden's centre is
the only real bit of
architecture in the
complex. A tall, green-
tiled, roofed structure in
the Andalusian style, it
has three soaring portals
with beautiful carved
wood and a stucco frieze
of eight-pointed stars.
Housed within are more
mosaic-covered tombs.
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The Garden
The serene garden has countless headstones
dotted among the bushes and scrubby plants. These
mark the tombs of several children, plus guards and
servants. The garden is hugely popular with the local
community of stray cats.
Kasbah Mosque
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Predating the tombs
by around 400 years, this
mosque was originally
built in the year 1190.
Since then it has
undergone a number of
renovations. The cut-brick
on green-tile back-
ground that decorates
the minaret, however,
dates back to its
original construction.
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Morning Market
A small square formed by the convergence of
several small side streets south of the tombs is host
to a modest fruit and vegetable market every
morning except Fridays. Take the second left as you
walk south from the tombs to this covered street.
Rue de
(
Islamic burials
In Islam, it is customary
to begin the burial
process within 24 hours
of death. After a ritual
washing of the body, it
is then wrapped in a
funeral shroud. The
wrapped body is put
directly into the ground,
laid on its right side
with the head towards
Mecca. Graves are
raised to prevent
anyone from sitting or
walking on them. Islam
forbids cremation.
la Kasbah
When you exit the tombs,
take a left to reach this
main street running
through the old kasbah
quarter. It runs arrow
straight down towards the
Grand Méchouar, or what
is known as the
parade ground of the
royal palace.
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Centre Artisanal
One of two vast, government-run stores selling
Moroccan handicrafts, it's a one-stop opportunity to
stock up on kaftans, jewellery, carpets and ceramics,
all at fixed prices. Ideal for anyone who dislikes the
hassle of haggling in the souk.
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