The Mausoleums of Moulay Idriss I and Moulay Idriss II: Morocco's Holiest Shrines

A respectful visitor's guide to the shrines of Moulay Idriss I in Zerhoun and Moulay Idriss II in Fes.

Two shrines stand at the spiritual heart of Morocco. One lies in the valley between the two hills of the town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, near the Roman ruins of Volubilis. The other sits in the dense lanes of the Fes medina, surrounded by candle sellers and sweet shops. They hold the tombs of a father and son, Idris I and Idris II, who founded the first Islamic dynasty of Morocco at the end of the 8th century and laid the foundations of the Moroccan state.

For Moroccans, these are among the most sacred places in the country, visited by millions of pilgrims seeking blessings. For travellers, they offer a glimpse of a living spiritual tradition, even though non-Muslims cannot enter the sanctuaries themselves.

The Founders of Morocco

Idris I

Idris ibn Abdallah was a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through his grandson Hassan. After a failed revolt against the Abbasid caliphate in 786, at the Battle of Fakhkh near Mecca, he fled west with a loyal servant, Rashid. After a long journey across Egypt and North Africa, he arrived in 788 at Walili (Volubilis), then inhabited by Berber tribes, some of whom had converted to Islam.

The Awraba tribe, led by Ishaq ibn Muhammad, welcomed Idris and proclaimed him their imam. He married a Berber woman, Kenza, and began to unify the tribes of the region under his leadership, spreading Islam and founding the Idrisid dynasty. He also began building a city on the right bank of the Fes River.

In 791, Idris I died, reportedly poisoned by an agent of the Abbasid caliph Harun al-Rashid, who saw him as a threat. He was buried at Zerhoun, on the slopes of the mountain near Volubilis.

Idris II

Idris II was born after his father's death, to Kenza. Rashid acted as regent until Idris II came of age. In 808, Idris II founded a new settlement on the left bank of the Fes River, and the twin cities eventually merged to become Fes. He developed the city into a capital, welcoming refugees from Córdoba and Kairouan, who brought urban skills and culture.

Idris II died in 828 and was buried in Fes. Over time, his tomb became a major pilgrimage site, and he came to be regarded as the patron saint of the city.

Why These Shrines Matter

The Idrisids were the first dynasty to rule a Moroccan state independent of the eastern caliphates. Their descent from the Prophet gave them religious legitimacy, and many later Moroccan dynasties, including the current Alaouite dynasty, also claimed sharifian descent. The two Idris are therefore seen as founders not only of a dynasty but of Morocco itself, and of the tradition of a sharifian monarchy.

In popular religion, the tombs of holy figures are believed to transmit baraka, a divine blessing. Pilgrims come to pray, make vows, ask for help with health, marriage or work, and give thanks. Some light candles, others bring offerings or donations. A popular belief holds that several pilgrimages to Moulay Idriss Zerhoun are equivalent to one Hajj to Mecca, though this is a folk tradition rather than religious doctrine.

The Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss I in Zerhoun

History

The tomb of Idris I was venerated from early on, but the current mausoleum mostly dates from the reign of the Alaouite sultan Moulay Ismail in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, with later additions and restorations. The town of Moulay Idriss grew up around the shrine, and for centuries non-Muslims were not allowed to stay overnight. This rule was lifted in 2005.

What You Can See

Non-Muslims cannot enter the mausoleum, but they can walk up the main approach to the entrance, lined with stalls selling candles, incense, nougat and religious objects. A wooden barrier marks the point beyond which non-Muslims may not go. From there, you can glimpse the courtyard.

The best way to appreciate the shrine is from above. Climb to the viewpoints in the Khiber or Tasga quarters, where you'll see the green-tiled roofs of the mausoleum nestled between the white houses of the town.

Near the shrine, look for the cylindrical minaret of the Sentissi Mosque, decorated with green tiles and Quranic inscriptions, built in 1939 and unique in Morocco.

The Moussem

Every year, usually in late summer, the town hosts a major moussem in honour of Idris I. Tens of thousands of pilgrims arrive, along with Sufi brotherhoods who perform rituals and music, and riders who perform fantasia (tbourida), charging on horseback and firing rifles in unison. It's one of the largest religious gatherings in Morocco.

The Zawiya of Moulay Idriss II in Fes

History

The tomb of Idris II was rediscovered in the 15th century, during the Marinid period, and the shrine was developed into a zawiya (religious complex) that became one of the most important in Morocco. The current building largely dates from the reign of the Alaouite sultan Moulay Ismail in the early 18th century, with later restorations. Its green-tiled roof and minaret are landmarks of the Fes medina.

What You Can See

The zawiya is in the heart of Fes el-Bali, near the Quaraouiyine Mosque and the Kissariat (textile market). Non-Muslims cannot enter, but from the main entrance, you can catch a glimpse of the richly decorated interior: carved stucco, zellige, a wooden ceiling, chandeliers, and pilgrims praying and lighting candles around the tomb.

The narrow lanes around the zawiya were traditionally a horm, a sacred zone. In the past, wooden beams placed across the entrances to the streets marked its boundaries, and animals and non-Muslims were not allowed to pass. Today, you can walk around the zawiya's exterior, but be respectful.

Look for the small opening in the wall of the zawiya, where pilgrims touch or kiss a brass plate to receive blessings. Around the shrine, shops sell candles, incense, nougat and other offerings.

Rituals

Many pilgrims to the zawiya are women, who come to pray for fertility, marriage, health or family well-being. Students also visit before exams, and newlyweds sometimes come to seek blessings. On Fridays and religious holidays, the zawiya is particularly busy.

Etiquette for Visitors

• Respect the barriers: non-Muslims should not attempt to enter either shrine.
• Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees. Women may wish to carry a scarf.
• Be discreet: keep your voice down and avoid blocking pilgrims.
• Photography: avoid photographing pilgrims, especially women, and be discreet near the entrances.
• Avoid prayer times: especially Friday midday prayers, when crowds are large.
• Guides: a local guide can explain the history and customs and help you find good viewpoints.

Nearby Sights

In Moulay Idriss Zerhoun

• Volubilis: the Roman ruins, a short drive or walk away.
• The Grande Terrasse: viewpoint over the town and shrine.
• The round minaret: a unique architectural feature.

In Fes

• Al Quaraouiyine Mosque and University: founded in 859.
• Al-Attarine Madrasa: a Marinid masterpiece nearby.
• Nejjarine Square and Museum: with a beautiful fountain and a museum of wooden arts.
• Seffarine Square: with coppersmiths.
• Chouara Tannery: the famous tannery.

Understanding Saint Veneration in Morocco

The veneration of saints and their tombs is an important part of Moroccan Islam, alongside the formal practices of prayer, fasting and pilgrimage. Across the country, thousands of shrines, from simple white domes in the countryside to grand mausoleums in the cities, honour holy men and women believed to be close to God. Some scholars within Islam have criticised these practices, while for many Moroccans they're a cherished part of religious and cultural life.

Moulay Idriss I and Moulay Idriss II hold a unique place in this tradition because of their role in founding the Moroccan state and their descent from the Prophet. Visiting their shrines, even from outside, helps you understand how religion, history and national identity are intertwined in Morocco.

Private tours that visit Moulay Idriss

Want to see Moulay Idriss without worrying about transport? These private tours with a local driver-guide include it, and each one can be adjusted to your dates and pace:

• 2 Days from Fes to Merzouga and the Sahara (2 days / 1 night)
• 3 Days from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga (3 days / 2 nights)
• 3 Days from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara (3 days / 2 nights)
• 4 Days from Fes to Marrakech via Erg Chebbi (4 days / 3 nights)

Prefer your own route? Ask for a tailor-made tour and we will build it around Moulay Idriss.

Final Thoughts

The shrines of Moulay Idriss I and Moulay Idriss II are more than monuments; they're living places of faith that have drawn pilgrims for more than a thousand years. While non-Muslims cannot enter, a respectful visit to their surroundings offers a rare insight into Moroccan spirituality. Combine Moulay Idriss Zerhoun with Volubilis, and the zawiya of Moulay Idriss II with a walk through the Fes medina, to trace the story of Morocco's founding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can non-Muslims enter the shrines of Moulay Idriss?

No, but they can visit the surrounding areas and see the entrances.

Who was Moulay Idriss I?

A descendant of the Prophet who founded the first Islamic dynasty of Morocco in 788.

Where is Moulay Idriss II buried?

In the Zawiya of Moulay Idriss II, in the Fes medina.

When is the moussem of Moulay Idriss?

Usually in late summer; check dates each year.

Can I stay overnight in Moulay Idriss Zerhoun?

Yes, since 2005 non-Muslims can stay overnight in the town.

Sources

• Encyclopaedia Britannica, Idrīs I
• Encyclopaedia Britannica, Idrīsid dynasty
• UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Medina of Fes
• UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Archaeological Site of Volubilis
• Moroccan National Tourist Office, Visit Morocco