The tomb of Sultan Moulay Ismail, who built Meknes into an imperial capital rivalling Versailles. The mausoleum is one of the very few religious buildings in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors, and is among the finest examples of Moroccan decorative art: zellige tilework, carved stucco, painted cedarwood ceilings, and a series of courtyards lead to the tomb chamber. Modest dress is required; visitors may be asked to step back during prayer times.
Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail
Rare mosque open to non-Muslims with stunning tilework
A story
Moulay Ismail, who ruled Morocco from 1672 to 1727, used 25,000 Christian captives and enslaved labourers to build his imperial capital. The mausoleum he built for himself is one of only a handful of religious buildings in Morocco that non-Muslims are permitted to enter.