Great Mosque of Salé
Morocco's historic Great Mosque of Salé, famed for its unique single minaret and role in national protests.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Avoid prayer times
Great Mosque of Salé
Best Time
Avoid prayer times
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Morocco's historic Great Mosque of Salé, famed for its unique single minaret and role in national protests.
"The nucleus of the city SALE was formed around this place, the first mosque was founded by the Banu Ifren."
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting this active mosque. 🙏
Check Prayer Times
Avoid visiting during prayer times to ensure respectful access. :clock1:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 189 reviews
Type
Mosque
Address
Website
habous.gov.maHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Unique Minaret
Visible from across the city
Marvel at the 'Al A'azriya' minaret, a singular architectural feature unique to Morocco, visible from all over Salé.
Expansive Courtyards
Sahn (courtyards)
Explore the three spacious courtyards, once expanded with the help of 700 prisoners of war, offering a glimpse into its grand past.
Historical Significance
Throughout the mosque
Discover the mosque's role as a nucleus of Salé and a site of historical protests against French colonial authorities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting this active mosque. 🙏
Check Prayer Times
Avoid visiting during prayer times to ensure respectful access. :clock1:
The newly-reopened madrasa in Salé, Morocco. Built in the 12th century this madrasa is one of the finest examples of Moorish architecture in Morocco yet sees almost no tourists
I traveled through Salé a few times and visited a couple sites out there, but missed this one. I’ll have to visit when I go back! So beautiful!
Difficult question: where is this place located? Morocco 🇲🇦 But what city?
The city in the photo is Rabat, but the photographer is standing in Sale, on the Bouregreg river near the marina.
Admire Architecture
Appreciate the unique 'Al A'azriya' minaret and expansive courtyards. :building_construction:
Explore the Medina
The mosque is central to Salé's historic Medina. :cityscape:
Tips
from all over the internet
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting this active mosque. 🙏
Check Prayer Times
Avoid visiting during prayer times to ensure respectful access. :clock1:
Admire Architecture
Appreciate the unique 'Al A'azriya' minaret and expansive courtyards. :building_construction:
Explore the Medina
The mosque is central to Salé's historic Medina. :cityscape:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Great Mosque of Salé is lauded for its historical significance and unique architecture, particularly its singular 'Al A'azriya' minaret. Visitors appreciate its role as the nucleus of the city and a site of historical protests. Some advise against visiting at night.
"The nucleus of the city SALE was formed around this place, the first mosque was founded by the Banu Ifren between 1029 and 1035. In 1196, after the triumph of Ya'qub AI Mansour during the famous battle of Alarcos he enlarged the mosque which became the largest in Morocco (1196) until the construction of the Hassan II mosque in Casablanca. 700 prisoners from this battle participated in this expansion. The specificity of this mosque is that it has a single minaret "Al A'azriya", a unique feature in the whole country, which is visible from all over the city. Its surface area is more than 6,600 m2, of which more than 4,500 m2 is covered area: 3 courtyards (sahn), 7 doors, two reserved for women and 5 for men. It has an ablution room for men and, in rare cases, a room for ablutions for women, and also a library open to the public on the same scale as that of Al Qarawiyin. Demonstrations against the segregationist Dahir “Berbère” of the French authorities started from this mosque and spread across the country."
Asmaa Titi
"The great mosque of sale city show to us that there is something about ourselves as muslims,Hope ❤ I'm from there baytheway"
El Mouahidine Thami
"Dating from the beginning of the 11th century, this is the third-largest mosque in Morocco built on 5000m sq"
Bayahya Adnane
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Great Mosque of Salé is located in the heart of the city of Salé, across the Bou Regreg River from Rabat. You can reach it by taxi or local bus from Rabat. Many visitors find it convenient to explore the mosque as part of a broader tour of Salé's historic Medina.
Yes, Salé is situated directly across the Bou Regreg River from Rabat, Morocco's capital city. They are connected by bridges and ferry services, making it easy to visit both cities.
You can take a taxi, a local bus, or even a ferry across the Bou Regreg River. The ferry offers scenic views and is a popular option for tourists.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the mosque grounds and courtyards is generally free for visitors. However, non-Muslims are typically not permitted to enter the prayer hall itself.
The mosque is an active place of worship, so it's best to visit outside of prayer times. While there aren't strict 'opening hours' for tourists, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours.
Yes, non-Muslims can visit the exterior and courtyards of the Great Mosque of Salé. However, access to the prayer hall is reserved for Muslims.
There is typically no entrance fee to visit the courtyards and exterior of the Great Mosque of Salé.
🎫 🕌 Onsite Experience
The Great Mosque of Salé features a unique single minaret known as 'Al A'azriya,' which is a distinctive architectural feature not found elsewhere in Morocco. It's visible from many parts of the city.
The mosque was a focal point for demonstrations against the segregationist 'Berbère' Dahir imposed by French authorities, with protests spreading across the country from this site.
Photography is generally permitted in the courtyards and exterior areas, but it's always respectful to ask permission before taking photos of individuals or inside prayer areas.
The mosque covers a significant area, with over 6,600 m2, of which more than 4,500 m2 is covered. It features three courtyards and seven doors.
The mosque has an ablution room for men and a library open to the public, comparable in scale to the Al Qarawiyin library.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique 'Al A'azriya' minaret offers striking photographic opportunities from various vantage points in the city. The expansive courtyards and intricate architectural details also make for excellent shots.
While general photography is allowed, it's always best practice to be respectful and ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially worshippers.
Mornings and late afternoons often provide softer light, ideal for capturing the mosque's architecture. Golden hour can create dramatic shots of the minaret.
Social
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