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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Hassan Quarter
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Majestic unfinished minaret and ornate mausoleum, a historical marvel in Rabat offering free exploration and stunning architecture.
"A beautiful area full of history, free to enter and a must-visit for its magnificent scale and views."
🚶♀️ 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Mausoleum of Mohammed V
Rabat
An ornate and beautifully decorated resting place, offering a glimpse into Moroccan royal history.

Bouregreg Marina
Rabat
Modern waterfront with stunning views, connecting historical sites with contemporary city life.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Hassan Quarter
Navigating Hassan Quarter
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ 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.
📸 Capture the Grandeur
The scale of the unfinished tower and columns is breathtaking. Don't forget your camera!
🚋 Tram Stop Nearby
The city tram offers an easy and convenient way to reach the Hassan Quarter.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ 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.
📸 Capture the Grandeur
The scale of the unfinished tower and columns is breathtaking. Don't forget your camera!
🚋 Tram Stop Nearby
The city tram offers an easy and convenient way to reach the Hassan Quarter.
👑 Royal Guards Sighting
If you're lucky, you might witness the impressive royal mounted guards at the gate.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Hassan Tower plaza and the surrounding area, including the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, is free of charge.
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.
Entry to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V is free for visitors. You can explore its stunning interior and admire the architecture.
The Hassan Tower itself is an unfinished minaret and is not accessible for entry. Visitors can admire its exterior and the surrounding historical remnants.
As a historical and religious site, respectful attire is recommended. Non-Muslims may have specific visiting hours for the Mausoleum.
🎫 🧭 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.
Yes, it's a family-friendly site. The open plaza provides space for children to move around, and the historical significance can be educational.
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.
You can spend anywhere from 1 to 2 hours exploring the Hassan Tower and Mausoleum complex, depending on your interest in history and photography.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚶 Budget Travelers
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.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Hassan Tower
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.
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.
Exploring the Mausoleum of Mohammed V
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.
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.
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