Across the Bou Regreg River from Rabat, you’ll find the city of Sale, which serves as a commuter town…
Rabat
Rabat
Rabat has been the capital of Morocco since its independence in 1956. It was named an UNESCO World Heritage site in 2012. Located on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Bou Regreg river, this fortified city was established in 1146 by Abd al-Mu’min as a military base.
It is home to the Mawazine annual music festival in June, featuring performances from international artists.
Recommended Length of Stay: .5 to 1 day.
The past is buried deep within the ground in Rabat, although the ancient walls in the old city are still standing, painted in electrifying variations of royal blue that make the winding roads look like streamlets or shallow ocean water.Raquel Cepeda
Places to visit while here
Sale
Across the Bou Regreg River from Rabat, you'll find the city of Sale, which serves as a commuter town for the capital city of Rabat. Founded in 1030 by Berbers, it quickly became a pirate base before being incorporated into Alaouite Morocco. As is typical of most Moroccan cities, Sale has its own beautiful Moorish walls and gates. The city is also home to the Great Mosque of Sale, Morocco's third largest mosque, built in 1029. Using a western brain, one might call Sale a suburb of Rabat.
Chellah Necropolis Ruins
The Chellah Necropolis is just outside Rabat on the banks of the Bou Regreg River. Originally it was a…
Chellah Necropolis Ruins
The Chellah Necropolis is just outside Rabat on the banks of the Bou Regreg River. Originally it was a Phonecian trading site that was later developed by the Romans around 40 AD. It lay deserted from the 12th century until the 14th century when the Marinid dynasty added the fortified walls and built the necropolis. Today, the town is a crumbling reminder of ancient life in the area. Roman marble columns are scattered around the small city. These columns are surrounded by the ruins of the 14th century Islamic complex. The minaret made of stone and tile is the only remaining structure of the original mosque. The remains of a small Quranic school lie near the minaret. There’s also a beautiful palm grove with bamboo on the grounds where people can stroll under trees. It’s an interesting sight with vestiges of three primary world cultures.
Andalusian Gardens
Within the Kasbah Oudayas at its southern corner lies a true paradise of an oasis called the Andalusian Garden….
Andalusian Gardens
Within the Kasbah Oudayas at its southern corner lies a true paradise of an oasis called the Andalusian Garden. Built in the 17th century by Moulay Ismail, the garden serves as an entrance to the Oudayas Museum. The museum was once the palace surrounded by the lush gardens. These gardens were redesigned in the 20th century by the French landscape architect, Tranchant De Lunel. When you tire from the museum's offerings of art, culture and jewelry, take a rest in the shade of orange, lemon and banana trees.
Kasbah of Oudayas
During the 12th century, Almohads built Oudaya Kasbah as a residential area on the shore of Bou Regreg river…
Kasbah of Oudayas
During the 12th century, Almohads built Oudaya Kasbah as a residential area on the shore of Bou Regreg river facing the small city of Sale. It was abandoned before the end of the century, despite being one of the most beautifully decorated Kasbahs, especially on the inside. Although it is known colloquially as Kasbah Oudaya, it is technically a ksar. A ksar is a grouping of kasbahs - much like a small village or neighborhood. Inside, it features colorful and artistic decorations, even optical illusions, on the walls, doors and gates. It is quiet to walk around within, and it feels as if the modern world is locked out. Here, you’ll find the oldest mosque in Rabat, built in the 11th century. It also offers some stunning views of the Atlantic.
Royal Palace: Dar al Makhzen
Dar al Makhzen, is the official and administrative residence of Mohammed VI, king of Morocco. The palace is situated…
Royal Palace: Dar al Makhzen
Dar al Makhzen, is the official and administrative residence of Mohammed VI, king of Morocco. The palace is situated in the Ville Nouvelle, the new city. The palace complex also houses the Moroccan Royal Guard as well as College Royal, a school for the senior members of the Royal family.
Mohamed V Moseleum
A masterpiece of Alaouite architecture, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, holds the tombs of the Moroccan king and his…
Mohamed V Moseleum
A masterpiece of Alaouite architecture, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V holds the tombs of the Moroccan king and his two sons. Constructed in 1971, it is still in pristine condition, complete with its own Buckingham-style guards, fountains and a Quran reader over the tomb. From the mounted guards to the marvelous ceiling, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V is a must-see when you visit Rabat.
Mohammed VI Bridge
The Mohamed VI Bridge was built in 2016. It is a state-of-art cable stayed bridge spanning the Bouregreg River…
Rabat Medina
The Rabat medina is small in comparison to many of the other medinas in the country. Many examples of…
Hassan Tower
Adjacent to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V you’ll find Yacub al-Mansour’s effort at constructing the world’s largest mosque. Unfortunately,…
Hassan Tower
Adjacent to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V you’ll find Yacub al-Mansour's effort at constructing the world's largest mosque. Unfortunately, he died four years after the beginning of the construction, and very little progress was made. The work became known as the Hassan Tower and stands today at about half of its intended height of 86meters. What's left behind however is still awe-inspiring, especially considering the sheer detail that was chiseled into the red sandstone of the tower. Just like the Mausoleum, you'll also find mounted guards here protecting the tower, which is of course, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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