Day 10: Marrakech Towers and Tombs

Our last stops on Sunday before heading back to Marrakech was the Koutoubia Mosque and the Saadian Tombs.   The Koutoubia Mosque is the highest landmark in the city.  It was built in 1147 to mark the victory over the Almoravids and it stands as a landmark for many miles around.  Only Muslims may enjoy the unforgettable view from the top of the building.   It is built with pink granite, stands 230 feet tall, and is one of the largest mosques in the Western Muslim world.

After visiting the Koutoubia Mosque, we headed to the Saadian Tombs.   The Saadian Tombs were neglected for more than two centuries, they were re-opened to the public in 1917.    We were told that these tombs contain some of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in Morocco.  The Saadian Tombs date from the late 16th to the 18th centuries.   They consist of two mausoleums which are set in a garden planted with flowers.

I loved this view with the sunlight captured behind the Koutoubia Mosque,

Another view of the Koutoubia Mosque which shows some intricate netting below.

Couldn't resist a little shopping in the Koutoubia Mosque area.    Andrew was helping me to negotiate a hand carved turtle and wooden hidden key box for my sons John and Thomas.

Picture of our Ministry of Agriculture team.   Felt sorry for Rahul who had to stand between his two 'tacky Texans tourists'.  :-)  This was taken in the courtyards inside the Koutoubia Mosque.

Tej walking down a stairway in the Koutoubia Mosque.   You had to be accompanied by guards to walk down to the underground waterway seen below.

Underground waterway found underneath the Koutoubia Mosque.

Close up of Tracey walking through the intricate netting at the base of the Koutoubia Mosque.

View of the tombs inside of one of the mausoleums.

Example of the architecture found within the Saadian Tombs.

View of the courtyard within the Saadian Tombs.

Our group taking a quick breather before heading out of the Tombs. 

On the way out of Marrakech, we stopped on the roadside for one last group picture.  Although it is very difficult to see, in the horizon over the palm trees are snow capped mountains.   Very large contrast to the Sahara desert that is also found in southern Morocco.   Such a country of contrasts.....