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Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail Meknes

4.4
·2k reviews·Meknes, Morocco

A sacred 18th-century mausoleum in Meknes, showcasing exquisite Islamic architecture and the tomb of Sultan Moulay Ismail.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons (after 3 PM)

Avoids midday closures & Friday restrictions

CrowdLow
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Der Eingang

Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail Meknes

Best Time

Weekday afternoons (after 3 PM)

Avoids midday closures & Friday restrictions

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A sacred 18th-century mausoleum in Meknes, showcasing exquisite Islamic architecture and the tomb of Sultan Moulay Ismail.

4.4
(2k reviews)

"Beautiful Moroccan Islamic architecture, a must-see for its intricate beauty and spiritual ambiance."

Vertical photo
TIP

Modest Dress Required

Cover shoulders & knees. Remove shoes for burial chamber. :dress:

Check Opening Hours

Closed for lunch (12-3 PM). Friday access may be limited for non-Muslims. :clock:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tomb of Sultan Moulay Ismail

Tomb of Sultan Moulay Ismail

Burial Chamber

The sacred resting place of one of Morocco's most powerful sultans, adorned with intricate Islamic art.

Intricate Zellige Tilework

Intricate Zellige Tilework

Interior Courtyards and Chamber

Marvel at the stunning geometric patterns and vibrant colors of traditional Moroccan tilework.

Carved Cedar Wood Ceilings

Carved Cedar Wood Ceilings

Interior

Admire the detailed craftsmanship of the carved cedar wood that graces the mausoleum's ceilings.

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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Attire is Key

Visitors must dress modestly to enter the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. This means covering shoulders and knees. You'll also need to remove your shoes before entering the burial chamber, so wear socks or be prepared to go barefoot. Reddit

Timing Your Visit

The Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is closed during lunchtime, typically from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. It's also a religious site, so non-Muslims may have restricted access on Fridays until after 3 PM. Plan your visit accordingly to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons (after 3 PM)
Why
Avoids midday closures & Friday restrictions
Crowd
Low
When
Saturday mornings
Why
Before the main weekend rush
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The History of the Palace of Dar Lakbira 🏛️ 📍Dar Lakbira, Imperial Town - Meknes 🇲🇦 #photo #picture #photography #darlakbira #palace #royal #moulayismail #oldmedina #meknes #morocco 🇲🇦 #mido❤️♠️🎩🎨 🔗Al-ithaf P.1 - Abderrahmane Ben Zidane 🔗Meknes a Tour in History & Monuments of El-Mustapha Benfaida
@mohammed.kazdar
5.4K likes • 79.7K views

Modest Dress Required

Cover shoulders & knees. Remove shoes for burial chamber. :dress: Reddit

Check Opening Hours

Closed for lunch (12-3 PM). Friday access may be limited for non-Muslims. :clock:

Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail in Meknes, Morocco
chris2x
21 likes • 388 views
Walking through history 🏛️✨ 📍Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, Meknes © 2025 @meknescity #meknes #مكناس #meknescity #morocco #visitmeknes
meknescity
3.7K likes • 68.5K views

Free Entry, Consider Donation

No entrance fee, but donations appreciated for site upkeep. :moneybag:

Socks Recommended

You'll need to remove shoes; socks are a good idea. :athletic_shoe:

Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail in meknes city, the old capital of one of the strongest sultans of the Alaouit dynasty. #meknes #morocco #maroc #love #travel #photography #instagood #style #fashion #photooftheday #casablanca #picoftheday #beautiful #rabat #fes #like4like #agadir #tanger #marrakech #followme #nature #instagram #photographer #photo #art #meknès #travelphotography #follow #life #moulayis...
itoursmorocco
2.4K likes • 49.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Modest Dress Required

Cover shoulders & knees. Remove shoes for burial chamber. :dress: Reddit

Check Opening Hours

Closed for lunch (12-3 PM). Friday access may be limited for non-Muslims. :clock:

Free Entry, Consider Donation

No entrance fee, but donations appreciated for site upkeep. :moneybag:

Socks Recommended

You'll need to remove shoes; socks are a good idea. :athletic_shoe:

Photography Etiquette

Be respectful, especially in sacred areas. Ask permission if unsure. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail for its stunning Islamic architecture, particularly the intricate zellige tilework and carved cedar wood. It's considered a spiritual and historically significant site, offering a glimpse into Morocco's past. While entry is free, some note potential access restrictions on Fridays and the midday closure.

"Beautiful mausoleum with intricate carvings. It's free to enter, but it wasn't too busy. You need to take off your shoes to enter the burial chamber."

Suciani Arta

"As a non Muslim I visited on a Friday, and was told no entrance until after 3pm. I'm not sure whether this restricted viewing applies everyday. The gate, entrance and the whole area I beautiful"

Kevin Costello

"Great place! It is not only important for religion, but also for Alawite dynasty. There is no entrance fee, but it is nice to leave some money for the conservation of the site to immam (having custody over the mausoleum).Modest dress is required (for men and women). To enter the last part you habe to take your shoes off and leave themnoutside. It is closed from 12h00 to 15h00."

Artur Duda

What People Like

Beautiful Islamic architecture
Intricate zellige tilework
Spiritual atmosphere

What People Dislike

Midday closure
Friday access restrictions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is located in the heart of Meknes, often considered a day trip from Fes. You can reach Meknes by train or grand taxi from major Moroccan cities. Once in Meknes, the mausoleum is accessible within the old medina, often walkable from other historical sites like the Qara underground jail. InstagramReddit

Meknes's historical sites, including the mausoleum, are generally clustered within the old medina, making them relatively easy to explore on foot. Taxis are also readily available for longer distances within the city. Instagram

Absolutely! Meknes is a popular day trip destination from Fes, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is a key highlight. Many tours from Fes include a visit to Meknes's historical sites. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is free. However, it is a religious site, and visitors are encouraged to leave a donation to help with the upkeep and conservation of the mausoleum. Reddit

The mausoleum is typically open from morning until early afternoon, but it closes for a lunch break between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM. It's advisable to check current hours upon arrival, as they can sometimes vary. Reddit

Yes, modest dress is required for all visitors, both men and women. This means covering your shoulders and knees. You will also need to remove your shoes before entering the burial chamber. Reddit

Yes, non-Muslims are welcome to visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail and appreciate its Islamic architecture and historical significance. However, be aware that on Fridays, access for non-Muslims might be restricted until after 3 PM. Reddit

No, advance booking is not required as entry is free. You can usually visit spontaneously, but it's wise to be aware of the opening hours and dress code. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Inside, you'll find the tomb of Sultan Moulay Ismail, surrounded by stunning Islamic architecture, including intricate zellige tilework, carved cedar wood ceilings, and peaceful courtyards. It's a spiritual and historically rich environment. InstagramReddit

Generally, the mausoleum is not overly crowded, especially if you visit outside of peak tourist times or during its midday closure. This allows for a more serene and contemplative experience. Reddit

It is the final resting place of Sultan Moulay Ismail, one of Morocco's most powerful rulers who reigned from 1672 to 1727. It's a significant religious and historical site, showcasing the grandeur of the Alaouite dynasty. InstagramReddit

Photography is generally allowed in the courtyards, but be respectful and mindful of the sacred nature of the site. It's always best to ask for permission before taking photos, especially in the burial chamber. Instagram

Nearby, you can explore other historical gems of Meknes, such as the Qara underground jail, the Souani reservoir, and parts of the Royal Palace, all related to the era of Moulay Ismail. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The intricate zellige tilework and carved cedar wood ceilings offer fantastic photo opportunities. The grand archways and peaceful courtyards also provide beautiful backdrops. Instagram+1

While photography is generally allowed in the public areas, it's best to be discreet and respectful in the burial chamber. Always check for any posted restrictions and consider the sacredness of the space. Instagram

The mausoleum has a mix of natural light filtering through courtyards and interior lighting. Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful effects on the architectural details. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is a historical and religious site, it can still be an engaging visit for families. The vibrant zellige tilework and impressive architecture can capture children's attention. Encourage them to look for patterns and colors. Remember to dress modestly and have them remove their shoes respectfully. Instagram

Keep in mind the midday closure (12 PM - 3 PM) and potential Friday restrictions, which might require careful planning around nap times or meal schedules. The relatively calm atmosphere and free entry make it a manageable stop for families looking to experience Moroccan culture and history. Reddit

🕌 Religious Visitors

As a sacred site, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail holds deep religious significance. Visitors are expected to maintain a respectful demeanor, dress modestly, and remove their shoes before entering the burial chamber. The spiritual atmosphere is palpable, offering a place for quiet contemplation and prayer. Reddit

Donations are welcomed to support the upkeep of this important religious monument. Be mindful of Friday prayer times, as access for non-Muslims may be limited until after 3 PM. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of Sultan Moulay Ismail

Sultan Moulay Ismail ruled Morocco from 1672 to 1727, transforming Meknes into a magnificent imperial capital. He was known for his strong rule, extensive building projects, and military prowess, earning him the moniker 'the Warrior King'. His reign is considered a golden era in Moroccan history, marked by significant expansion and consolidation of power. Instagram+1

The Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail stands as a testament to his enduring legacy. It's not just a tomb but a symbol of his power, piety, and the architectural grandeur of his era. Visiting the mausoleum offers a direct connection to this pivotal period in Moroccan history, allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of a formidable sultan. Instagram+1

Beyond the mausoleum, Meknes itself is rich with Moulay Ismail's influence. Sites like the Qara underground jail and the vast Souani reservoir showcase his ambitious vision for the city. Exploring these locations provides a comprehensive understanding of his impact on the region. Reddit

Architectural Splendor of Islamic Art

The Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is a prime example of exquisite Moroccan Islamic architecture. The interior is a feast for the eyes, featuring intricate zellige tilework with complex geometric patterns in vibrant hues. These tiles are a hallmark of Moroccan craftsmanship, meticulously laid to create stunning visual displays. InstagramReddit

Complementing the tilework are the beautifully carved cedar wood ceilings. The detailed artistry in these wooden elements adds a layer of warmth and sophistication to the sacred space. The combination of these elements creates an atmosphere of reverence and awe, showcasing the skill of artisans from the Alaouite period. Instagram+1

Visitors often remark on the spiritual ambiance of the mausoleum, enhanced by the serene courtyards and the quiet reverence within the burial chamber. The careful preservation of these architectural details allows modern visitors to appreciate the aesthetic and spiritual values of the time. Reddit

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