Hassan Tower | Rabat City

The Hassan Tower (Tour Hassan) is one of the most iconic and historically significant monuments in Morocco. Located in Rabat, the capital city, this red sandstone minaret is part of an ambitious mosque project begun in the 12th century that was never completed. Today, the tower stands as a symbol of Rabat’s historical grandeur and architectural legacy.

Here’s a detailed overview of the site:

1. Historical Background:

Construction of the Hassan Tower began in 1195 under the orders of Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur, the third Caliph of the Almohad dynasty.

The mosque was intended to be the largest in the Islamic world, with the tower as its minaret, reaching 86 meters in height (even taller than the Koutoubia in Marrakech or La Giralda in Seville).

However, the construction was halted in 1199 when al-Mansur died. As a result, the tower was only built up to 44 meters, and the mosque remained unfinished.

2. Architectural Features:

The tower is made of red sandstone and features Almohad architectural style, which emphasizes geometric symmetry, restrained ornamentation, and massive scale.

Its facades are richly decorated with interlacing arches, motifs, and Kufic calligraphy.

There are no stairs inside. Instead, like the Koutoubia and Giralda, it has a ramp system wide enough to allow the muezzin to ascend on horseback.

The tower was designed to be a minaret but also a statement of imperial power and religious devotion.

3. The Unfinished Mosque:

The mosque’s foundation still exists. You can walk among the ruins of hundreds of stone columns and carved capitals, which give a haunting sense of the scale the building was meant to have.

Earthquakes in later centuries further damaged the structure, but the surviving elements—columns, bases, and the tower—are preserved in an open-air plaza.

4. Mausoleum of Mohammed V:

Directly across from the Hassan Tower is the Mausoleum of King Mohammed V, Morocco’s beloved king who led the country to independence from French colonial rule.

The white marble structure is guarded by traditional royal guards on horseback and dressed in ceremonial uniforms.

Inside the beautifully decorated mausoleum are the tombs of Mohammed V and his sons, King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah. The interior features traditional Moroccan craftsmanship: green-tiled roof, carved cedar wood, stucco, and zellige tilework.

Entry to the mausoleum is free, and respectful photography is allowed.

5. Cultural and Political Significance:

The Hassan Tower is a symbol of Rabat and of Morocco’s imperial past.

It reflects the ambitions of the Almohads, who sought to rival the great Islamic capitals of the time.

The tower and mausoleum area are often used for state visits and official ceremonies due to their symbolic importance.

6. Visiting Experience:

The site is open-air, accessible daily, and entry is free.

There’s a large esplanade surrounding the tower, offering space to walk, relax, and take photos.

The atmosphere is calm and solemn, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

7. Practical Tips:

Dress modestly, especially if entering the mausoleum.

Visit during sunrise or sunset for the best light on the red stone of the tower.

Combine your visit with the nearby Kasbah of the Udayas and Medina of Rabat, both within walking distance.

There are no entrance fees, but guided tours are available for more in-depth explanations.

In summary, the Hassan Tower is not just an unfinished minaret—it is a powerful symbol of Morocco's Islamic and imperial heritage. Together with the mausoleum and mosque ruins, it offers a moving, historical, and architectural experience at the heart of Rabat.