Exploring the Magnificent Hassan Tower in Rabat

If you’re planning a trip to Morocco, make sure to include a visit to its capital city, Rabat. Rabat is home to several important monuments that are worth exploring. One of the most iconic landmarks in Rabat is the Hassan Tower.

The Hassan Tower is a historic site that has stood tall for centuries. It was built in the 12th century by the ruling Almohad dynasty as part of a mosque that was never completed.

The tower stands at an impressive 44 meters and is adorned with intricate carvings and decorations. The tower is a true masterpiece of Islamic architecture and is considered one of the finest examples of the Almohad style.

Visiting the Hassan Tower is a must for anyone interested in history or architecture. You can take a guided tour of the tower to learn more about its fascinating history and construction.

The tower is located in a picturesque park that offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

Getting to the Hassan Tower is easy, and renting a car is a great option for those who want to explore Rabat at their own pace.

There are several car rental companies in the city, and most of them offer affordable rates. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or use public transportation to get to the tower.

History of Hassan Tower 

The Hassan Tower, a nearly thousand-year-old monument, was erected in 1196 and commissioned by Sultan Yacoub El Mansour, a ruler of the Almohad dynasty who had a vision to build the world’s grandest mosque.

Originally intended to serve as a minaret, the project was never completed due to the Sultan’s death, leaving the tower at a height of 44.3 meters, short of its intended 60-meter height.

For centuries, the iconic tower remained without a particular function until the 1755 Lisbon earthquake damaged the remains of the mosque.

In the 1960s, the historic site was transformed into the Mausoleum Mohammed V, which houses the tombs of King Mohammed V, his son Prince Moulay Abdallah, King Hassan II, and the tomb of the unknown soldier.

With its exquisite Arab-Andalusian style and a large esplanade that surrounds it, the Hassan Tower is a place of beauty that visitors to Rabat must explore.

To get there, renting a car is a great option, and it is advisable to rent a comfortable one to make the journey enjoyable.

If you plan to visit Rabat, don’t miss out on the opportunity to see the iconic Hassan Tower, a true masterpiece of Islamic architecture that has withstood the test of time.

The Construction of Hassan Tower

The Hassan Tower, located to the northeastern side of Rabat, was originally planned to be built in an area with a lack of population to fill a mosque.

Historians believe that the structure was intended to serve both as a mosque and a fortress, or perhaps as part of a grand-capital city.

Inspired by the minaret of the Ikhshidi mosque of Ahmed Ibn Taulune in Egypt, the Hassan Tower features a unique structure of ramps instead of stairs.

This allowed the mue’zzin to access the tower on horseback to make the prayer calls.

The central shaft of the tower consists of six levels, each with vaulted chambers and horseshoe-arched windows that provide stunning views of the surrounding area.

Islamic architecture places great emphasis on decorative elements, and the outer surface of the tower is adorned with sebka panels and joint columns carved in stone and engaged with marble.

Following the Almohad architectural style, the mosque structure was constructed using cylindrical stone columns and brick piers, with around 200 columns in total.

The main element of the mosque, the open courtyards, was planned to be three parallel structures flanking the qibla mihrab. Unfortunately, the mosque was never completed, and the parts that were finished suffered damage during the Lisbon earthquake in 1755.

The Hassan Tower is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, and its unique features and history make it a must-visit attraction for visitors to Rabat.

A Modern Masterpiece

Located right next to the unfinished remains of the Hassan Tower is the impressive Mausoleum of Mohammed V.

Constructed in the 1950s and unveiled six years after the demise of Mohammed V in 1961, the edifice is now hailed as a remarkable example of contemporary Alouite dynasty architecture.

Although the exterior facade looks quite unadorned, with its white walls and typical green-tiled rooftop, the interior is intricately adorned with the finest traditional Moroccan craftsmanship.

The marvelous zellij mosaics, which rise from the marble floors to the ceiling of hand-carved cedar wood and gold leaf, are a testament to the exquisite artistry of the Moroccan people.

One of the main features of the mausoleum is undoubtedly the grandiose tombs of King Mohammed V (the grandfather of Morocco’s present king) and his two sons, located on the ground floor.

The white onyx-carved tombs are watched over by royal guards and security agents in their iconic fez hats, and can be viewed from an interior balcony that surrounds them.

This stunning site is open daily for all visitors, and non-Muslims are welcome to enter the holy mausoleum as well as the small mosque adjacent to it.

The royal guards, mounted on horses and dressed in their elaborate uniforms, stand at the main entrance and are usually happy to pose for photographs.

Visitors are advised to dress modestly and to avoid visiting between noon and 2pm when the mausoleum is closed for midday prayers in the mosque.

Conclusion

The Hassan Tower in Rabat is a truly magnificent architectural wonder that attracts tourists and history enthusiasts from all over the world.

This towering minaret is not just a symbol of Rabat but also a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage. Its intricate design and historic significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Morocco.

If you’re planning a trip to Morocco, be sure to add the Hassan Tower in Rabat to your itinerary. It’s an incredible experience that you don’t want to miss.

You’ll be amazed by the stunning views, fascinating history, and impressive architecture.