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Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania

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Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania (Algeria)

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The Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania is a monumental ancient tomb located on a hill between Algiers and Tipaza, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Built in 3 BC by King Juba II of Mauretania, it was intended as the final resting place for himself and his wife, Cleopatra Selene II, the daughter of Mark Antony and Cleopatra VII. This circular structure measures approximately 60 meters in diameter and stands about 32 meters high, featuring a conical roof made of stone steps. The exterior is adorned with 60 Ionic half-columns carved directly into the masonry, showcasing a blend of Numidian funerary traditions and Hellenistic-Roman architectural styles. Four false doors mark the cardinal points, while the actual entrance to the internal vaulted galleries is concealed. Over the centuries, the mausoleum has endured looting and even cannon fire during the Ottoman era. Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and remains one of the most significant archaeological remains of the ancient Mauretanian kingdom in North Africa.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C101113161923272724201511
Rain mm73636156401341133508372

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania in Tipaza is a pre-Islamic tomb accessible as an archaeological site. The interior of the dome tomb is not open to enter, but the exterior grounds can be freely viewed.
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Typical hours
The site is typically open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, often longer in summer months. There are no fixed guided tours, but an on-site information center provides details.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site, even without flash. The best view of the dome and surrounding landscape is from the nearby hill for panoramic shots.
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Time needed
A visit to the mausoleum and its surroundings takes about 30-45 minutes. If you also want to see the nearby Roman ruins of Tipaza, allow an additional 1.5 hours.
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Combine with
Be sure to combine the visit with the nearby Roman ruins of Tipaza, just 2 kilometers away. The coastal town of Tipaza itself, with its harbor and restaurants, also invites you to linger.
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Getting there
The mausoleum is about 6 kilometers east of Tipaza on the N11 national road. It is easily reachable by car or taxi from Tipaza, with roadside parking available.
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Insider tip
Bring a hat and sunscreen, as there is little shade in the open landscape. Visit the site in the late afternoon when the light beautifully highlights the stone structures.

Geography

Coordinates
36.57440, 2.55390

Facts

  • The mausoleum was built in 3 BC by King Juba II of Mauretania.
  • It was the tomb of Cleopatra Selene II, daughter of Mark Antony.
  • The circular base has a diameter of roughly 60 meters.
  • The exterior features 60 Ionic columns carved into the stone.
  • It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982.
  • The structure consists of an estimated 30,000 cubic meters of stone.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Haouch Ain MaizaHaouch Ain Maiza3 km · NWExplore →
TipazaTipaza9 km · WExplore →
Tipasa RuinsTipasa Ruins10 km · WExplore →
KhemistiKhemisti13 km · NEExplore →
Tipaza Coastal AgricultureTipaza Coastal Agriculture14 km · WExplore →
Bou IsmailBou Ismail14 km · NEExplore →
El BeldjEl Beldj19 km · NWExplore →
Lake Turkana Wind PowerLake Turkana Wind Power21 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania (4)

Kouali🎡 recreation

This coastal spot near the Royal Mausoleum area features a rugged Mediterranean shoreline with a mix of sandy bays and rock formations.

Plage berar🎡 recreation

A sandy coastal beach where visitors can enjoy the Mediterranean waters.

Saïdia🏺 historical

Ancient stone ruins that stand as a testament to the region's historic settlements near the sea.

Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania📍 landmark

A monumental circular tomb serving as the final resting place of Berber royalty in ancient Numidia.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who is buried here?
It is believed to be the resting place of Juba II and Cleopatra Selene II.
What shape is the mausoleum?
It is a circular stone building with a conical roof.
Where is the monument located?
It is located on a hill near Sidi Rached, about 60 km west of Algiers.
Can you go inside?
Access to the interior is usually closed for conservation reasons.
Are there parking spaces there?
Yes, there is a parking lot for visitors at the base of the hill.
Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania: where is it located?
Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania is located in Algeria.
Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kouali, Plage berar, Saïdia.
Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania: why is it worth visiting?
The Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania is a monumental ancient tomb located on a hill between Algiers and Tipaza, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
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