Mansourah Ruins
المنصورة
The ruins of a city built by the Marinids during their 14th-century siege of Tlemcen, with a surviving 38-metre half-minaret and long stretches of wall.
Mansourah was a 'siege city' built by Marinid sultans during their siege of Tlemcen from 1299 to 1307. It was later expanded into a capital before being abandoned. The most striking remnant is the half of a minaret still standing from the mosque, about 38 metres tall, with carved stone arches and arabesque scrolls on its facade. It rivals Seville's Giralda in beauty. Nearby are several kilometres of rammed-earth walls and towers. The site lies about 3 km west of the city. Entry is free, and the late afternoon light is at its best.
Opening hours
Open all day
Nearby sights
- Bab El Khemis
- Lalla Setti Plateau & Cable Car
- Grand Bassin (Sahridj Mbedgha)
- Museum of Islamic Archaeology
- Sidi Bel Hassen Mosque
- Great Mosque of Tlemcen
- National Museum of Art and History of Tlemcen
- El Mechouar Palace