Hassan Quarter - a row of cars parked in front of a building
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Hassan Quarter

4.6
·11k reviews·Rabat, Morocco

Majestic unfinished minaret and ornate mausoleum, a historical marvel in Rabat offering free exploration and stunning architecture.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
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Hassan Quarter - a row of cars parked in front of a building

Hassan Quarter

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Majestic unfinished minaret and ornate mausoleum, a historical marvel in Rabat offering free exploration and stunning architecture.

4.6
(11k reviews)

"A beautiful area full of history, free to enter and a must-visit for its magnificent scale and views."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Comfortable Shoes Essential

Be prepared for inclines and walking around the expansive plaza. Comfortable footwear is a must!

💰 Free Entry to Sites

Enjoy the historical grandeur of Hassan Tower and Mausoleum without an admission fee.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hassan Tower

Hassan Tower

Rabat

Majestic unfinished minaret and ancient Roman columns, a testament to grand historical ambition.

Mausoleum of Mohammed V

Mausoleum of Mohammed V

Rabat

An ornate and beautifully decorated resting place, offering a glimpse into Moroccan royal history.

Bouregreg Marina

Bouregreg Marina

Rabat

Modern waterfront with stunning views, connecting historical sites with contemporary city life.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Hassan Quarter

Hassan Quarter, particularly around the Hassan Tower, can get busy. Visiting during weekdays, especially in the late afternoon, often means fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience. Consider the weather; Morocco can be hot, so early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for exploring the open-air sites.

Navigating Hassan Quarter

While the Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V are free to enter, be prepared for some walking, especially if you're using public transport. The area is generally family-friendly, and the city tram has a convenient stop nearby. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the expansive plaza and surrounding historical remnants.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low
When
Early mornings
Why
Cooler temperatures, serene atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Beautiful sunset views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Hassan - Rabat - Morocco #hassantower #morocco #rabat #grandtheatrederabat #tourmohamed6 #mohamed6tower #bouregreg #darihmohamed5
@mehdibousselhami
78.3K likes • 712.5K views

🚶‍♀️ Comfortable Shoes Essential

Be prepared for inclines and walking around the expansive plaza. Comfortable footwear is a must! Reddit

💰 Free Entry to Sites

Enjoy the historical grandeur of Hassan Tower and Mausoleum without an admission fee. Reddit

11 Places to visit in Rabat✨ Did we miss anything? Share in the comments! Save for your next trip📌 Here’s the list: 1. Mausoleum of Mohammed V 2. Hassan Tower 3. Kasbah des Oudayas 4. Chellah 5. Rabat Old Market 6. The Royal Palace of Rabat 7. Mohammed VI Museum 8. National Zoo 9. Museum of History and Civilizations 10. Museum of Oudayas 11. Villa des Arts #rabat #morocco #visitmorocco #maroc #ma...
@majourneys
19.5K likes • 1.1M views
☆● - " Discover the vibrant city of Casablanca, Morocco's economic and cultural hub. Stroll along the picturesque Corniche, offering stunning ocean views and lively cafes. Visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque, an architectural marvel with intricate designs and the tallest minaret in the world. Dive into the bustling markets of Habous Quarter, where tradition meets modernity through artisanal goods an...
morocco_charming_tours
156 likes • 4.5K views

📸 Capture the Grandeur

The scale of the unfinished tower and columns is breathtaking. Don't forget your camera! TikTok

🚋 Tram Stop Nearby

The city tram offers an easy and convenient way to reach the Hassan Quarter. Reddit

Discover the vibrant city of Casablanca 🌟! From the stunning Hassan II Mosque to the bustling streets of the Medina, there’s so much to explore in this Moroccan gem 🌿. Don’t miss the iconic Place Mohammed V, the historic Habous Quarter, and the delicious local cuisine 🍴. Whether you’re looking for history, culture, or just a taste of Moroccan life, Casablanca has it all 🌟 #Casablanca #Morocco #Tra...
yahwegg
50 likes • 797 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Comfortable Shoes Essential

Be prepared for inclines and walking around the expansive plaza. Comfortable footwear is a must! Reddit

💰 Free Entry to Sites

Enjoy the historical grandeur of Hassan Tower and Mausoleum without an admission fee. Reddit

📸 Capture the Grandeur

The scale of the unfinished tower and columns is breathtaking. Don't forget your camera! TikTok

🚋 Tram Stop Nearby

The city tram offers an easy and convenient way to reach the Hassan Quarter. Reddit

👑 Royal Guards Sighting

If you're lucky, you might witness the impressive royal mounted guards at the gate. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(11k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Hassan Quarter for its historical significance and impressive scale, particularly the unfinished Hassan Tower and the ornate Mausoleum of Mohammed V. The free entry and family-friendly atmosphere are major draws, though some note that the tower itself is not accessible from the inside. The site offers fantastic photo opportunities and a glimpse into Morocco's past.

"This is definitely worth a visit if you are in Rabat the tower itself is great with the Roman columns stretching before it. There is also the Mausoleum, which is beautifully ornate and decorated. It is free to enter and you can spend some
Time chilling and sitting in the shade."

Andrew Mattocks-Lewis

"Excellent tourist site in Morocco. This landmark destroyed during an earthquake in Portugal that demolished this structure as well in Morocco. Some of the boundary wall remains. A separate mosque is now constructed to offer prayer."

Rajat Choudhury

"One of my favorite tourist places to go in Morocco. Its free and open to walk around. Its kid and family friendly. It is on a hill so be prepared to walk at an incline but easy to get to and the city tram has a stop next to it."

Zach

What People Like

Impressive historical scale
Free entry
Ornate Mausoleum

What People Dislike

Tower not accessible
Limited dining nearby

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Hassan Quarter is easily accessible by public transport. The Rabat tramway has a dedicated stop near the Hassan Tower, making it a convenient option. Taxis are also readily available throughout Rabat. Reddit

Parking can be challenging in busy areas. While there might be some street parking, it's often easier and more reliable to use public transportation like the tram or a taxi to reach the Hassan Quarter. Reddit

Depending on your starting point, walking might be feasible. However, Rabat is a spread-out city, and using the tram or a taxi is generally recommended for efficiency, especially if you plan to visit multiple sites. TikTok

You can take a taxi for a direct route, or combine a short tram ride with a walk. The scenic walk along the coast is also an option if you enjoy exploring on foot. TikTok

Yes, many guided tours of Rabat include a visit to the Hassan Quarter, offering historical context and insights. Check with local tour operators for options. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Hassan Tower plaza and the surrounding area, including the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, is free of charge. Reddit

The outdoor areas are generally accessible throughout the day. The Mausoleum has specific visiting hours for non-Muslims, typically during daylight hours. It's best to check locally for the most current times. Reddit

Entry to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V is free for visitors. You can explore its stunning interior and admire the architecture. Reddit

The Hassan Tower itself is an unfinished minaret and is not accessible for entry. Visitors can admire its exterior and the surrounding historical remnants. Reddit

As a historical and religious site, respectful attire is recommended. Non-Muslims may have specific visiting hours for the Mausoleum. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main attractions are the impressive Hassan Tower, the ornate Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the vast plaza with ancient Roman columns. You can also enjoy views of the Bouregreg River and the modern city skyline. TikTokReddit

Yes, it's a family-friendly site. The open plaza provides space for children to move around, and the historical significance can be educational. Reddit

Capture the scale of the unfinished tower against the sky, the intricate details of the Mausoleum, and the long rows of Roman columns. The views from the elevated plaza are also fantastic. TikTok

You can spend anywhere from 1 to 2 hours exploring the Hassan Tower and Mausoleum complex, depending on your interest in history and photography. Reddit

While there aren't many dining options directly within the Hassan Quarter itself, you can find cafes and restaurants a short walk away or in the nearby city center and along the Bouregreg Marina. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel. Sunset can be particularly beautiful. TikTok

Focus on the immense scale of the unfinished tower, the intricate Islamic architecture of the Mausoleum, and the repeating patterns of the Roman columns. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the vastness. TikTok

Drone usage is generally restricted in historical and urban areas in Morocco. It's advisable to check with local authorities or your tour guide before attempting to fly a drone. Instagram

Photography rules can vary. While some areas might allow it, it's best to be discreet and respectful, especially in religious or memorial spaces. Look for signage or ask permission if unsure. Reddit

Try shooting from ground level looking up to emphasize the tower's height, or from a distance to capture it within the context of the surrounding landscape and columns. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Hassan Quarter is a great spot for families. The expansive, free-to-enter plaza around the Hassan Tower offers plenty of space for children to run around and explore. The historical context of the unfinished tower and Roman columns can be an engaging way to introduce kids to history. Reddit

While the Mausoleum of Mohammed V is a place of reverence, its impressive architecture can still capture a child's imagination. Remember to keep visits respectful. The nearby Bouregreg Marina offers a more modern and potentially entertaining area for families with cafes and open spaces. TikTok

🚶 Budget Travelers

Hassan Quarter is a dream for budget travelers as both the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V offer free admission. You can spend hours soaking in the history and architecture without spending a dirham. Reddit

Getting there is also budget-friendly, with the Rabat tramway providing an inexpensive way to reach the site. Pack your own water and snacks to save on costs, as dining options directly at the site are limited. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Hassan Quarter is a goldmine. The unfinished Hassan Tower provides dramatic lines and scale, especially when framed by the ancient Roman columns. Experiment with wide-angle shots to capture the vastness of the plaza. TikTok

The Mausoleum of Mohammed V offers opportunities for capturing intricate details of Islamic architecture, from zellij tilework to carved stucco. The best light for photography is typically during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon, offering softer shadows and a more atmospheric glow. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Significance of Hassan Tower

The Hassan Tower is a monumental unfinished minaret in Rabat, Morocco, that was intended to be the largest minaret in the world. Construction began in the late 12th century under the Almohad ruler Yaqub al-Mansur, but the project was abandoned shortly after his death. The tower stands at approximately 44 meters (144 ft) tall, but was originally planned to reach over 60 meters (197 ft). Its distinctive red sandstone construction and the sheer scale of the project offer a powerful glimpse into the architectural ambitions of the Almohad dynasty. TikTok

Adjacent to the tower are hundreds of ancient Roman columns, also part of the original grand mosque complex that was never completed. These columns, some still standing and others lying where they fell, add a unique historical layer to the site. The entire complex was significantly damaged by an earthquake in 1755, which also devastated Lisbon. Today, the site is a protected historical monument and a popular tourist destination, symbolizing Rabat's rich past. Reddit

Visitors often marvel at the unfinished nature of the tower, imagining what it would have looked like had it been completed. The vast plaza surrounding the tower and columns provides a sense of the immense scale of the intended mosque. It's a place where history feels palpable, offering a quiet space for reflection amidst the grandeur of past civilizations. Reddit

Exploring the Mausoleum of Mohammed V

The Mausoleum of Mohammed V is a stunning architectural masterpiece located in Rabat, adjacent to the Hassan Tower. It serves as the final resting place for the late Moroccan King Mohammed V and his sons, Prince Moulay Abdallah and King Hassan II. The mausoleum is a testament to modern Moroccan artistry, blending traditional Islamic design with contemporary influences. TikTok

Constructed from white marble and adorned with intricate zellij tilework, carved stucco, and cedarwood, the interior is breathtaking. The central tomb chamber is particularly impressive, featuring a magnificent gilded sarcophagus. Non-Muslim visitors are permitted to enter the mausoleum during specific hours, allowing them to appreciate the opulent decoration and the serene atmosphere. Reddit

Visitors often describe the mausoleum as beautifully ornate and decorated, a stark contrast to the unfinished nature of the Hassan Tower. It's a place of reverence and a significant cultural landmark, offering a peaceful respite and a chance to learn more about Morocco's recent royal history. The views from the elevated site also provide a panoramic perspective of the city and the Bouregreg River. Reddit