Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum
Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum
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About
Sijilmassa (pronounced see-jill-moss-uh), a national historic site recognized by Morocco's Ministry of Culture, was the fabled and ancient Berber capital of the Tafilalet Kingdom located at the northern edge of the Sahara desert that once rivaled Marrakech. Founded in A.D. 757 On the banks overlooking the Oued Ziz, a river in the oasis region of the Sahara desert, Sijilmassa grew wealthy and powerful during the Middle Ages as a gold-trade-route city strategically located at the exit-point of the western Trans-Saharan caravan trade route -- which extended from the Niger River in the Sudan to Tangier in northern Morocco.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.0
68 reviews
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23
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33
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10
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Ed C
Arlington, VA769 contributions
Jan 2020
Our tour stopped at the Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum. This is the final resting place of the founder of the (current) Moroccan Alawite dynasty and several of his sons. While the elaborate gate and court yard is open to all, the mausoleum itself and the attached mosque are off limits to non-Muslims. It is possible to look into the mosque through its doors.
The building is actually a relatively recent construct. The original was heavily damaged by flooding and restored / rebuilt in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
While we were there one of the local individuals demonstrated how a Tuareg Berber headdress is wound around the head.
The building is actually a relatively recent construct. The original was heavily damaged by flooding and restored / rebuilt in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
While we were there one of the local individuals demonstrated how a Tuareg Berber headdress is wound around the head.
Written May 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AlbertSalichs
Manresa, Spain10,524 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum is located inside the Mosque of Rissani, a town near Merzouga Desert, in Morocco. This Mausoleum is closed to no Muslims, so we only could see the courtyard of the Mosque, which is very beautiful and we see this mausoleum from outside. In fact, the Arabic architecture is very beautiful. It is a very nice place.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
cordelia2512
Durham, UK153 contributions
Oct 2011 • Couples
The mausoleum is signposted from the main road (N13) and is easy to find. It is open to non-muslims (although the small mosque - a room off the courtyard is not open for non-muslims, although you can see in). Do not be put off by the lack of activity at the closed entrance gates - there are relatively few visitors - you simply have to open the door and go to the official inside the door. This building is a shrine and not set up as a tourist destination
The buildings were rebuilt in 1955 after the Ziz flooded. The original buildings go back to the time of the the Alaouites. Moulay Ali Cherif died in 1659 in Rissani.
The area is of course dusty and dry, with traditional clay/straw buildings, so it is a surprise to come to the open square where the Mausoleum grand gates contrast with the other buildings. Once inside there is an immaculate perfectly proportioned Andalucian style garden making a complete contrast to the surrounding dry landscape and busy town
The buildings were rebuilt in 1955 after the Ziz flooded. The original buildings go back to the time of the the Alaouites. Moulay Ali Cherif died in 1659 in Rissani.
The area is of course dusty and dry, with traditional clay/straw buildings, so it is a surprise to come to the open square where the Mausoleum grand gates contrast with the other buildings. Once inside there is an immaculate perfectly proportioned Andalucian style garden making a complete contrast to the surrounding dry landscape and busy town
Written November 1, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Terry M
Hamilton, Canada4,420 contributions
Sep 2018
The exterior is nice but the interior is the real star. Palm trees abound. All roads lead to a fountain in the middle. There is some nice tile work. The mausoleum itself cannot be visited by tourists but the entire complex exudes reverence. Moulay Ali Cherif was the founder of the Alawite dynasty in Morocco. He was also known as a righteous leader.
Written September 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marie Claude G
San Diego, CA15 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
This mausoleum was damaged by a flooding in 1963 and repaired under the reign of Hassan 2nd, beautiful job. Enjoy the garden inside.
Written November 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
A L
Washington DC, DC120 contributions
May 2013 • Family
The mausoleum does not merit going out of your way, but if you are already in the vicinity, you will enjoy a few minutes visiting this serene little spot. The important parts are ahead to the left when you walk in, but as a non-Muslim, you can only go so far in to those rooms, so ask. There is a mosque in the back left you can't visit, but can get a glimpse from a small window. Nice, well-tended spot. You may choose to tip the guards if they are helpful, but no fee.
Written June 9, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Maria B
Mississauga, Canada304 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
Beautiful place. What a lot of wonderful plants and though we couldn't get to go inside the tomb area we stood out and took alot of pictures. The place is so aesthetically done and very peaceful too.
Written April 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Coellum
Manila, Philippines1,253 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
If you happen to be in Risani, this mausoleum is worthy of a quick visit. Visitors can enter the courtyard with the lovely mosaic floors and garden. But we were not allowed beyond that court. Only Muslims can enter.
Written December 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
J0anned568
Canberra, Australia691 contributions
Apr 2018 • Friends
Rissani is a small rural town in SE Morocco near Erfoud and the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. If you are in the area, it is worth spending a couple of hours to soak up some of the earlier history of Morocco. The mausoleum is a monument to honour one of the founders of the Alouite dynasty in 17th C. Non-Muslims can only go into the courtyard and peep into the mosque. It is a quiet and peaceful location. Nearby are the partial ruins of a small kasbah/medina that we walked around. It is worth quick walk around to get a feel for the old style of living. We also wandered around the souk in the centre of town. It was not operating on Wednesday so only a few stalls were open, but it was interesting to see a working souk with ironmongers making seats for camels riders. Nearby are the ruins of Sijilmassa, a staging post for camel treks to Timbuktu as part of the gold trade. The old town dated from 1000 years ago, but today is an uninspiring collection of mounds and impressions. Mud bricks do not wear well. Still, it is interesting to contemplate the history of this region even if monuments and buildings are not particularly evident.
Written May 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mayank Agarwal
Tinsukia, India1,119 contributions
Jan 2016 • Friends
Although small this was the most beautiful courtyard of nature i came across in Morocco, lush green with a variety of tree planted, i think 5 different ones. Being a Non Muslim we were not allowed into the Mausoleum or the Mosque. A visit can be wrapped up under 5 to 10 minutes but this place calls ones to sit down and relax, unfortunately with a schedule to keep, more sites to visit, that was not possible.
Written February 5, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum (Rissani) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum
- We recommend booking Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 15 Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum:
- Desert & Atlas Mountains tour from Marrakech (From $450.00)
- Rissani Tour Guide (From $14.66)
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- Marrakech Fes via Merzouga 3 days Desert tour (From $538.44)
- 3-Days Private Tour from Marrakech to Fez through Merzouga Desert (From $681.29)
- Hotels near Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum:
- (5.89 mi) Riad Marhaba Merzane
- (1.74 mi) Dar Haroun
- (6.70 mi) Maison Hassan
- (6.37 mi) Kasbah Luna del Sur
- (5.48 mi) Maison Boutchrafine
- Restaurants near Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum:
- (4.07 mi) Restaurant La Baraka Rissani
- (4.39 mi) Cafe Slimania
- (3.94 mi) Panorama Restaurant
- (4.06 mi) Restaurant Crcr
- (3.44 mi) Café Restaurant Amraoui