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Hassan Tower

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

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The Hassan Tower in Rabat is the unfinished minaret of what was intended to be the largest mosque in the Islamic world. Sultan Yaqub al-Mansur commissioned the project in 1195, but construction ceased immediately after his death in 1199. The minaret reached only 44 meters in height, roughly half of its planned 86 meters. Opposite the tower lie the remnants of over 200 columns that were designed to support the massive prayer hall. The Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 caused significant damage to the site, yet the remains stand as a monumental testament to the Almohad dynasty's ambition. Today, the tower, along with the adjacent modern Mausoleum of Mohammed V, forms an impressive architectural ensemble overlooking the Bou Regreg river. The intricate stone reliefs on the four faces of the tower are masterpieces of Moorish art, featuring varying patterns that lend the structure a unique aesthetic despite its incomplete state.

Location: Morocco
Top sights: Hassan Tower · Mausoleum of Mohammed V · Grand Theatre of Rabat
Nearby: Sidi Bouknadel (14 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	14	14	16	17	19	22	24	24	23	21	17	15
Rain mm	66	52	55	38	19	3	2	3	33	55	98	67

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Hassan Tower and its surrounding area are freely accessible and can be visited at any time. The ruins of the unfinished mosque are open-air.

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Typical hours

Since it is an open, unguarded site, there are no fixed opening hours. Access is typically possible around the clock, but daytime visits are recommended.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the site, including the tower and rows of columns. Avoid climbing on the ruins for photo opportunities.

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Time needed

Allow about 30 to 45 minutes to walk the site. If you want to enjoy the view over Rabat, you can stay longer.

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Combine with

The Hassan Tower is near the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, which is right on the same square. The Kasbah of the Udayas is also a short walk away.

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Getting there

The tower is in central Rabat and easily reachable by taxi or bus. From the medina, you can walk there in about 15 minutes.

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Insider tip

Come in the late afternoon for particularly atmospheric light on the columns and tower. Avoid midday as the sun is very intense.

Geography

Coordinates

34.02500, -6.82200

Facts

The tower currently stands at 44 meters in height.
Construction was initiated in 1195 by Sultan Yaqub al-Mansur.
The original design intended the minaret to be 86 meters tall.
The site contains over 200 columns from the unfinished prayer hall.
The 1755 Lisbon earthquake destroyed much of the standing structure.
It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2012.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mausoleum of Mohammed V<1 km · SExplore →

Kasbah of the Udayas1 km · NWExplore →

Chellah Necropolis2 km · SExplore →

Bou Regreg3 km · SEExplore →

Mohammed VI Bridge11 km · SEExplore →

Sidi Bouknadel14 km · NEExplore →

Rabat Zoo14 km · SExplore →

Harhoura18 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Hassan Tower (10)

Hassan Tower

Unfinished 12th-century minaret, part of a planned mosque in Rabat.

Mausoleum of Mohammed V

Burial site of King Mohammed V and his sons, built in traditional Moroccan style.

Grand Theatre of Rabat

Modern theatre building on the Bou-Regreg riverbank, designed by Zaha Hadid.

Musée des PTT 🏛 museum

Museum covering the history of postal and telecommunication services in Morocco.

Borj Mellah

Historic tower in Rabat's old town, once used as a watchtower.

View on Kasbah

Viewpoint overlooking the Kasbah of the Oudaias and the Atlantic Ocean.

Bab Lamrissa

City gate from the Almohad period, part of Rabat's historic ramparts.

Institut national de musique et des arts chorégraphiques

State-run institute for music and dance education in Rabat.

Nouzhat Hassan Garden🌳 park

Public garden in Rabat with palm trees and fountains, popular for walks.

Theatre Mohammed V

Theatre in Rabat named after King Mohammed V, featuring a classicist facade.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Hassan Tower?

An unfinished minaret of a planned 12th-century mosque in Rabat.

Are there entrance fees?

The area is freely accessible as a public place.

Why was the tower left unfinished?

Construction was stopped after the death of Sultan Yacoub al-Mansour in 1199.

What is located right next to the tower?

Right next to it is the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the final resting place of the king.

Is the area safe for tourists?

Yes, the place is very safe, well guarded, and a popular destination in Rabat.

Hassan Tower: where is it located?

Hassan Tower is located in Morocco.

Hassan Tower: what is there to see?

Highlights include Hassan Tower, Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Grand Theatre of Rabat.

Hassan Tower: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.

Hassan Tower: why is it worth visiting?

The Hassan Tower in Rabat is the unfinished minaret of what was intended to be the largest mosque in the Islamic world.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Hassan Tower

Best time to visit & climate