The tombs are cut into the limestone of the Marshan plateau, a site that was once the primary necropolis for the ancient city of Tingis.
The burial pits vary in size and depth, with some designed for communal interments and others for single individuals.
Historical studies suggest the tombs were used over several centuries, spanning both Phoenician and Roman periods.
The orientation of the tombs aligns with the maritime routes and the geographic profile of the Tangier coastline.
Excavations in the wider Marshan area have uncovered Punic ceramics and pottery shards near these burial sites.
The Phoenician Tombs of Tangier, also known as the Necropolis of Marshan, are a series of ancient rock-cut burial chambers carved directly into the cliffside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. These pre-Roman structures date back to the Punic era, reflecting the influence of Phoenician and Carthaginian settlers who utilized Tangier as a strategic maritime outpost. The site features a collection of rectangular burial pits hollowed out of the limestone bedrock, some of which exhibit grooves likely used for stone lids. Situated on the Marshan plateau, the location provides an unobstructed view of the Strait of Gibraltar and the Spanish coastline. The tombs are an open-air site accessible to the public without formal entry infrastructure. The surrounding area is historically significant as a site of long-term archaeological interest, revealing various strata of occupation from the 5th century BC onwards. The site is currently maintained as a public space rather than a managed archaeological park.
The edge of the cliff looking toward the lighthouse, capturing the ancient graves in the foreground with the ocean backdrop.
Wear shoes with good grip as the terrain is rocky, uneven, and can be slippery near the cliff edge.
Visit during daylight hours only, as the site has no lighting and is unmonitored.
Bring a windbreaker, as the exposed cliffside location can experience strong winds from the Strait of Gibraltar.
Do not wander off the marked paths or climb on the cliff edges, as the limestone can be unstable and there are no safety railings.
