DESTINATION RABAT
Morocco's capital city
Morocco's capital city
The capital of Morocco since 1912, Rabat is a beautiful seaside city with a rich history. For centuries, the city has been under the control of different empires, including the Romans and the Moors, who have left their indelible mark.
As one of four imperial and royal cities, together with Fez, Meknes and Marrakesh is one of the most important cities in Morocco. It's split in two by the Bou Regreg River, with modern skyscrapers on one side and the ancient Rabat Medina on the other. Once a repulsive port, Rabat has been transformed into a beautiful city with tourist attractions, amazing landmarks and wonderful sights.
READ MORE...Rabat has lots to offer visitors, from museums, historical sites, gardens, not to mention the modern architecture. Start your tour in one of the most interesting landmarks in the city, the Hassan Tower, an incomplete minaret that was once part of a mosque intended to be the largest in the world. Its construction started in 1195, but it was interrupted when Sultan Yacoub al-Mansour died in 1199. The tower remained incomplete as it is only 44 meters high instead of 56 meters that it was supposed to be. It was heavily influenced by Andalusian architecture and has been compared to the Giralda Tower in Seville.
Continue your tour through Kasbah des Oudaias, a fortress dating back to the 12th century overlooking Bou Regreg River and Chellah Gardens with its Roman ruins. Located in a Medina quarter, the Kasbah stands out as a beautiful example of Andalusian architecture in Morocco; it includes two forts separated by ramparts and gardens.
In the Kasbah of Oudaias, facing the Hassan Tower, you can find the Mausoleum of King Mohamed V, a UNESCO site, built in the 1960s by a Vietnamese architect who used traditional methods with modern materials. This place is an actual symbol of the Moroccan identity. The mausoleum contains the tombs of former Moroccan kings, Mohammed V and his sons, and is considered to be one of Morocco's finest examples of modern Islamic architecture.
LEARN MOREBesides the historic sites and landmarks, Rabat also has a lot of adventure and relaxing activities to offer. Strolling around the narrow streets in old Medina, you can in the first place admire the city's traditional architecture and later on taste a variety of local goods. Moreover, you can relax at traditional hammams or even search for the more modern and luxurious ones, offered by the luxury hotels and riads.
Do not miss having a visit at the coastline. The red-tinted sand in the nearby Rabat beach is spectacular. The beach right on the edge of the white-washed city of Rabat is a perfect tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Just like Casablanca, Rabat is a top destination for surfers, and you can find many surf clubs in the city! Enjoy…
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