Located in central Rabat, the Yacoub al-Mansour esplanade encompasses both the gorgeous mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the famous Tour Hassan (Hassan Tower).

The mausoleum was completed in 1971 and is where King’s Mohammed V and Hassan II are buried. The Tour Hassan minaret was intended to be part of the largest mosque in the world, but was never completed. Even though it wasn’t finished, it still stands as one of the world’s great works of architecture.

But it can’t be described in mere words — so enjoy this visual tour of the beautiful grounds of the Yacoub al-Mansour esplanade.

Outside of the Mausoleum of Mohammed V

A guard watches over the beautiful mausoleum entrance

Gorgeous fountain mosaics can be found all around the grounds

Another guard on a horse stands watch

Close up view of beautiful street lamp and ornament

Another gorgeous fountain design

The pillars were supposed to be part of the largest mosque in the world

As of 2015, the famous minaret is currently undergoing restoration

The interior of the mausoleum is like a palace

And guards watch every entrance

The ceiling inside is simply brilliant

The guards also watch the northern entrance of the esplanade on horseback

There are amazing entrances around the esplanade

The sheer detail of the entrance is impressive up close

Intricate brass details continue around the entire complex

Other monumental structures surround the complex

As you can see, the architecture is incredible and is fun to wander through

The last remnants of the ancient walls still stand

But the walls are now home to a colony of pigeons

With all the beautiful architecture, the guards seem pretty happy

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