RABAT: THE CAPITAL OF MOROCCO
Rabat is a pleasant city on the edge of the Atlantic, surrounded by beautiful hills and mountains. It is the current capital of Morocco and one of the country’s four imperial cities. The others are Fez, Meknès, and Marrakech.
It is a city that perfectly blends Arab tradition with Western modernity. It is precisely for this reason that it was recognized by UNESCO in July 2012 as a World Heritage site.
In 2010, Rabat was considered the “Green City,” boasting 230 hectares of green spaces as well as 1063 hectares of forest surrounding the city.
Rabat is an invitation to be surprised by its wide and organized avenues, the sea breeze, and the welcoming people. You will certainly fall in love with Rabat!
HISTORY OF RABAT
Rabat was founded in 1150 by Abd al-Mu’min, the first ruler of the Almohad dynasty, as a fortified monastery during his holy war in Spain. Later, he abandoned his efforts in Spain to concentrate his efforts on conquering North Africa.
In 1912, with the beginning of the French protectorate of Morocco, the capital was transferred from Fez to Rabat. In 1956, when independence was regained, it was decided that the capital would remain there.
Rabat is the second-largest city in the country. And even though it is not always on the tourist radar, it is the city of greatest administrative and political importance in the country.
WHAT TO DO IN RABAT
OLD MEDINA
The Medina of Rabat is small, organized, clean, and quiet. This is where you find the true culture of Morocco in all its corners, as well as all the products of the Moroccan land.
It is surrounded by walls, and there are some main access gates. In a short time, you can cross its internal avenues and explore its alleys. Throughout the Medina, you will find many super-decorated doors and various wonderful portals.
The medina is formed by four main internal streets. The continuation of Av. Mohammed V (street food and access to the main Riads), the first parallel street Zanqa Sidi Fateh (local fabric trade), the connecting street Souika (various products), and the Rue des Consuls (handicrafts and souvenirs).
HASSAN TOWER
The Hassan Tower was built by Yaqub al-Mansur in the 12th century and is part of an unfinished project that was intended to be the largest Mosque in the Kingdom of Morocco, with 400 columns and $84$m in height. But it did not achieve this feat.
Much of what remained of the work was destroyed by the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755, but today it is still possible to see a set of ruined columns. It is located in the large square in front of the Mausoleum of Sultan Mohammed V, stands 44 meters high, extending above Rabat, and is one of the country’s national symbols.
MAUSOLEUM OF MOHAMMED V
It is the mausoleum of King Mohammed V and King Hassan II, the respective grandfather and father of the current King of Morocco. Its construction began in 1962 and was completed in 1967, becoming an icon of the city.
It is an extravagance of Moroccan architecture and art, built in marble, with luxurious and refined decoration. Its white façade and green roof are, along with the adjacent Mosque and the Hassan Tower in front, an icon of the city. However, the mosque only allows access to Muslims.
MOHAMMED V AVENUE
Mohammed V Avenue is an elegant avenue, full of palm trees and fountains. It is a pleasant place for a walk. It houses the parliament headquarters, the railway station, banks, snack bars, cinemas, shops, and museums.
MOHAMMED VI MUSEUM
The Mohammed VI Museum is the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. The project is by Moroccan architect Karim Chakor. It was inaugurated in 2014 and has unique architecture. Inside, works by 200 local artists are exhibited.
KASBAH OF THE UDAYAS (OUDAYAS)
The Kasbah of the Udayas is a walled fortress, with narrow streets and blue and white façades. It was named after the tribe that was sent here by Sultan Moulay Ismail to defend the city against attacks from Andalusian pirates.
Inside the Kasbah, you can see the Andalusian Garden and the Rabat Museum of Decorative Arts, with displays of jewelry and other collections. It has alleys and labyrinths, providing access to the beach and offering a beautiful view of the waterfront.
RABAT BEACH AND LIGHTHOUSE
Rabat’s waterfront is extensive and full of private clubs, where you can relax with the sound of the waves or enjoy more radical sports. In other words, there are options for Stand-up Paddle, Kayak, Surfing, Windsurfing, and even Jet Ski rentals.
BU REGREGUE RIVER WATERFRONT
In the north of the city, bordering Salé, is the Bu Regregue River Waterfront. This is a small waterfront with views of the Kasbah and the Medina. There are several streets that give access to the Waterfront, and there you can taste orange juices, have a coffee on a pirate boat, walk on the decks, and cross on the famous blue boats.
NOUZHAT HASSAN GARDEN
Rabat was once nicknamed the city of gardens because it is full of squares and parks. But the Nouzhat Hassan Garden is the oldest park in the city. It has a triangular shape, a forest mass, fountains, and children’s games. Open every day to the public, this garden is the green lung of Rabat and is located right in front of the Medina walls.
ROYAL PALACE (DÂR-AL-MAHKZEN)
The Royal Palace is an important architectural complex in Rabat. It is the seat of the government. It includes an administrative area, a mosque, a college, and a residential area for officials.
BAB AL-RUAH DOOR
Known as the Gate of the Winds, it is the most important gate in the city, located near the Royal Palace. The imposing wall was built in 1197, is decorated in stone, and is 28m wide and 12m high.
RUINS OF CHELLAH
Chellah is an ancient fortress built in 1339, where you will find Roman vestiges and Arab monuments. Its ruins reveal houses, a hammam, a school, a mausoleum, a forum, a market, and gardens. Today the space is shared between tourists and storks’ nests.
Rabat is a city with a dynamic pace and offers attractions and entertainment typical of the great metropolises of the 21st century.
Are you eager to visit Rabat?
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