Hassan Tower

The Hassan Tower, also known as the 'Tour Hassan' in French, is a majestic reminder of a mosque that was never completed in Rabat, Morocco.

The Hassan Tower is a 140-foot red stone minaret constructed during the reign of Yacoub El Mansour, an Almohad Dynasty ruler who reigned from 1184 AD. The construction of the Hassan Tower began in 1195 AD, with the goal of creating the world's largest mosque. From Al-Andalus in Spain to Marrakech and Alexandria, the buildings were influenced by a range of Muslin and Moorish styles.

However, only four years had passed since the sultan's death, and the project had perished with him. The mosque's foundations (348 columns and the beginnings of its walls) were demolished in a 1755 earthquake.

The structure, together with the nearby tomb, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-see landmark in Rabat. Outside, look for the beautiful ornate sekba panels, and don't miss the wonderfully attractive pillar stumps. The best time to visit is at dawn or dusk, when the light paints a particularly gorgeous color over the complex.

Location: Rabat, Morocco.