Rabat and Casablanca
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1. Chellah Ruins and Gardens
ChellahAll that remains are ruins, but Chellah was an elaborate, independent city before Rabat ever existed. Presumably founded by Phoenicians, it dates from the 7th or 8th century BC. You'll see the remains of the subsequent Roman city, Sala Colonia, on your left as you walk down the path. Though these remnants are limited to broken stone foundations and column bases (with lots of resident storks), descriptive markers point to the likely location of the forum, baths, and market. Sultan Abu Saïd and his son Abu al Hassan, of the Merenid dynasty, were responsible for the ramparts, the entrance gate, and the majestic portals. The Merenids used Chellah as a spiritual retreat, and at quiet times the baraka (blessing) of the place is still tangible. The entrance to the Merenid sanctuary is at the bottom of the path, just past some tombs. To the right is a pool with eels in it, which is said to produce miracles—women are known to toss eggs to the eels for fertility. The ruins of the mosque are just inside the sanctuary; you can still see the beautiful arches and the mihrab (prayer niche). Birds nest on the impressive minaret. On the far side of the mosque is a beautiful wall decorated with Kufi script, a type of Arabic calligraphy characterized by right angles. To the left of the mosque is the zaouia (sanctuary), where you can see the ruins of individual cells surrounding a basin and some ancient mosaic work. Beyond the mosque and zaouia are some beautiful, well-maintained walled gardens. Spring water runs through them at one point, and they give Chellah a serenity that's quite extraordinary considering that it's less than a mile from the center of a nation's capital. From the walled gardens you can look out over the River Bou Regreg: you'll see cultivated fields below and cliffs across the river. On the right is a hill with a small white koubba.
Rabat, Rabat-Salé-Kenitra, MoroccoSight Details
Rate Includes: 70 DH -
2. Kasbah des Oudayas
SouissiRabat's early history is based around this kasbah: built strategically on high ground over the mouth of the Bou Regreg River and the Atlantic, it was originally constructed for defensive purposes. Still inhabited, it once comprised the whole of the city, including the castle of Yaqoub al Mansour. Walk up the steps to the huge, imposing ornamental gate, built, like Bab Rouah, by the Almohads. The gate's interior is now used for art exhibits. Enter the kasbah and turn right into Rue Jama (Mosque Street). The mosque, which dates from Almohad times (it was built in the mid-12th century), is on the left; it was supposedly reconstructed in the late 18th century by an English Muslim—Ahmed el Inglizi. Continue to the end of the road past a house called Dar Baraka, and you'll emerge onto a large platform overlooking the Bou Regreg estuary. Here there is the magnificent view across the river to the old quarter of Salé, and you can walk down to the water's edge. Go back along Rue Jama until you come to Rue Bazo on the left; this winds down the kasbah and past picturesque houses. Turn left, walk to the bottom of the street, and proceed down to the banks of the Bou Regreg to see the beautiful Jardin des Oudayas (Oudayas Garden), a walled retreat that you can explore at your leisure, and stop for tea at Café Maure. The garden (which is wheelchair accessible) was laid out in the early 20th century, but its enclosure dates from the beginning of the present Alaouite dynasty in the 17th century. At the top of the garden is the Musée des Oudayas (Oudayas Museum), featuring traditional costumes, and a 12th-century Koran.
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3. Musée Mohammed VI d’Art Moderne et Contemporain
Centre VilleInaugurated in 2014, this striking must-see museum is an exquisite showcase of contemporary art pieces from across the nation. The permanent collection charts the evolution of Moroccan artwork from the 20th century onward, while the skillfully curated temporary exhibitions focus on fascinating themes. There's a nice café here, too.
2, av. Moulay Hassan, Rabat, Rabat-Salé-Kenitra, 10000, Morocco0537-76--90--47Sight Details
Rate Includes: 20 DH includes entrance to the nearby Museum of History and Civilisations, Closed Tues. -
4. Bab Rouah
Centre VilleCurrently an art gallery, this city gate was built by Yaqoub al Mansour in 1197. To see it, go outside the city walls and look to the right of the modern arches. Originally a fortification, the gate has an elaborately decorated arch topped by two carved shells. The entrance leads into a room with no gate behind it; you have to turn left into another room and then right into a third room to see the door that once led into Rabat.
Av. de la Victoire, Hassan, Rabat, Rabat-Salé-Kenitra, Morocco -
5. Forêt Ibn Sina
SouissiThis large, fenced park has several wide, well-packed dirt trails that pass through wooded areas. It's the perfect place for a run or a walk. There are always gardeners around to keep it tidy and plenty of other people taking the opportunity for a bit of exercise close to the city center. Access is next to the Sofitel Jardin des Roses.
Foret Ibn Sina, Rabat, Rabat-Salé-Kenitra, Morocco -
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6. Hassan Tower
HassanAt the end of the 12th century, Yacoub al Mansour—fourth monarch of the Almohad dynasty and grandson of Abd al Mu'min, who founded Rabat—planned a great mosque. Intended to be the largest in the Muslim world, the project was abandoned with the death of al Mansour in 1199. A further blow to the site occurred with the strong tremors of the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, and this tower is the only significant remnant of al Mansour's dream. A few columns remain in the mosque's great rectangular courtyard, but the great tower was never even completed (which is why it looks too short for its base). Note the quality of the craftsmanship in the carved-stone and mosaic decorations at the top of the tower. From the base there is a fine view over the river. Locals come here at dawn to have their wedding photos taken.
Rabat, Rabat-Salé-Kenitra, MoroccoSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
7. Lalla Soukaina Mosque
SouissiBuilt in the 1980s by King Hassan II in honor of his granddaughter, this mosque is proof that the tradition of Moorish architecture that produced the Court of Lions in Granada's Alhambra is alive and well. Notice the exquisite sandstone work on the walkways surrounding the mosque, and look up at the colorfully painted geometric designs on the ceilings. The mosque is surrounded by immaculately kept gardens. Non-Muslims may not enter, but there's plenty to admire from outside.
Rabat, Rabat-Salé-Kenitra, Morocco -
8. Mohammed V Mausoleum
HassanThe resting place of King Mohammed V, who died in 1961, this mausoleum is adjacent to the Hassan Tower and, thanks to a commanding position above the river, is similarly visible to anyone approaching Rabat from Salé. The tomb itself is subterranean; the terrace that overlooks it is approached by steps on each side. Looking down, you're likely to see someone ritually reading the Koran. Beyond the central sarcophagus of King Mohammed V are those of his sons Prince Moulay Abdallah and King Hassan II; the latter was interred here in July 1999 as world leaders stood by for his state funeral. Designed by a Vietnamese architect and built between 1962 and 1966, the tomb is cubical, with a pyramidal green-tile roof, a richly decorated ceiling, and onyx interior walls. A mosque, built at the same time, adjoins the tomb.
Rabat, Rabat-Salé-Kenitra, Morocco -
9. Musée de l’Histoire et des Civilisations
Formerly known as the Musée Archéologique, this museum originally opened in 1931 and displays prehistoric, Roman, and Islamic-period artifacts discovered throughout the country. Roman pieces include many inscribed tablets; the Chellah and Volubilis sites are particularly well represented, and there's an ample collection of Roman bronze items. Also noteworthy is the plaster cast of the early human remains found at the Dar Es-Soltane caves, on the coast south of the city.
23, rue Brihi, Rabat, Rabat-Salé-Kenitra, Morocco0537-20--03--98Sight Details
Rate Includes: 20 DH includes entrance to the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Closed Tues. -
10. Rabat Zoological Gardens
Rabat’s zoo is home to 1,800-odd animals representing 150 species, most of them residing in relatively wide enclosures. Covering more than 120 acres, it’s divided into five themed ecosystems—Atlas Mountains, desert, savannah, rain forest, and wetlands—with the first of these being the highlight due to the presence of Atlas lions, which only exist in captivity. Elephants, giraffes, hippos, and hordes of magnificent oryx and gazelles also call this place home. After ogling them, you can learn more by visiting the educational farm or catching one of the scheduled daily events.
Km 13, Rte. de Kenitra, Rabat, Rabat-Salé-Kenitra, Morocco0537-29–37–94Sight Details
Rate Includes: 50 DH -
11. Royal Palace
MechouarBuilt in the early 20th century, Morocco's Royal Palace is a large, cream-color building set back behind lawns. Its ornamental gate is accented by ceremonial guards dressed in white, blue, or red. The complex houses the offices of the cabinet, the prime minister, and other administrative officials. The palace is usually occupied by the royal family and closed to the public.
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12. Sunna Mosque
Centre VilleRabat's largest and most important mosque was originally erected in the 18th century. Since then it's undergone various rebuildings but has nonetheless been sheltered from architectural anarchy, retaining its beauty and dignity to this day. The French had wanted to extend Avenue Mohammed V through the site; however, Moroccans resisted. Thanks to the martyrs of that confrontation, the mosque still stands on its sacred ground. Non-Muslims may not enter.
Rabat, Rabat-Salé-Kenitra, Morocco
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