Rabat is Morocco’s capital metropolis situated on the Atlantic coast and close to the Bou Regreg River. One of many 4 imperial cities of Morocco, Rabat was based by the Almohads in 1146. These days, it’s the major residence of King Mohammed VI.
Other than being a metropolis of official authorities buildings, international embassies, and the king’s palace, Rabat has a lot to supply. You’ll be able to discover the traditional medina, stroll alongside the seashores, delve into historical past, and dance to conventional and fashionable beats in the course of the in style Mawazine Pageant. The very best half about this metropolis is that it’s not overrun by tourism so you’ll be able to bask within the tradition with out the crowds.
Hassan Tower
This colossal minaret reaches for the sky and was supposed to be the world’s largest mosque reaching a top of 86 meters (260ft.) It was commissioned by Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansour, the third Caliph of the Almohad Caliphate, and development started in 1105. Sadly, following his dying in 1199, the cash ran out and development got here to an finish so the mosque was left unfinished and remains to be incomplete.
Hassan Tower was created as an emblem of the Sultan’s victory over Spanish Christians. This wonderful monument product of crimson sandstone is by far, one of the vital essential historic websites in Rabat.
Chellah
This historical necropolis is an archaeological surprise with its ornamental, crimson sandstone partitions that overlook the Oued Bou Regreg River simply 2 km from the Atlantic Ocean. Immerse your self within the tradition of Morocco and discover the traces of antiquity from a number of civilizations that embody the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Arabs. From a Phoenician buying and selling submit to Roman rule, the positioning was deserted after an earthquake destroyed lots of the buildings.
Later, the Arabs took over the Roman ruins and constructed mosques, a madrassa, a hammam, and a mausoleum to accommodate the tombs of the Sultan, his spouse, and kin. In 2012, UNESCO added the magnificent minaret, constructed of stone and zellige tilework to its roster. There may be even an eel pond that also helps the traditional perception that eels possess a protecting energy and are an emblem of fertility. Girls then and now, feed the eels hard-boiled eggs hoping to grow to be pregnant. In 2012, the Chellah was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
Kasbah des Oudaias
Wander across the quiet, slim streets stuffed with blue and white painted neighborhoods whilst you soak up wonderful views of the river and the ocean. That is the oldest a part of Rabat and in addition the situation of town’s oldest mosque, the Kasbah Mosque, constructed in the course of the 11th century.
Bab Oudaia is the primary gateway to the Kasbah and makes for a grand entrance with its geometric arches, ornate, stone carvings and Kufic inscriptions. You’ll be able to discover the outdated palace grounds and climb the ramparts overlooking the Bou Regreg River and the Atlantic. Browse the Oudais Craft Museum with its marvelous assortment of Amazigh/Berber carpets, musical devices, pottery, jewellery, and conventional Moroccan clothes.
Take a quiet stroll by means of the enchanting and aromatic Andalusian Gardens. These stunning gardens, created within the 20th century by the French, are stuffed with conventional Andalusian botanicals. This tranquil oasis helps you to relish in unique blooms and fruit bushes of banana, lemon, and orange.
Rabat Archaeology Museum
Hailed because the nation’s most intensive archaeological assortment of historical Moroccan artifacts, statuary, and relics. Right here you’ll be taught fascinating information about Morocco’s tradition. Journey again in time and uncover artifacts from the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Pre-Roman, and Roman eras. There may be additionally a formidable assortment of bronze statues from the close by historical Roman metropolis of Volubilis.
Avenue Mohammed V
Stroll alongside town’s essential avenue the place you’ll cross by a few of Rabat’s most elegant buildings. Assouna Mosque is only one instance of extravagance. Constructed by the Alaouites in the course of the 18th century, Assouna has a magnificence that may captivate and astonish. There may be additionally the notorious Balima Resort and the Put up Workplace, each are spectacular, architectural websites.
The Sidi Bouknadal Gardens/Jardins Exotiques de Bouknadel
Step outdoors of town and stroll the grounds of this unique, botanical wonderland stuffed with numerous backyard kinds: Chinese language, Japanese, and Andalusian. Positioned simply 15 km from Rabat, these gardens are a welcome escape into nature. There are nicely over 1,000 species of bushes and vegetation, a few of the uncommon varieties, from world wide.
Created by the French horticulturist, Marcel Francois, who traveled all around the world accumulating vegetation, these gardens opened to the general public in 1961 to share his ardour for nature. Other than Francois’s beautiful assortment, there are waterfalls, fountains, swimming pools, swamps, bridges, pathways, and even an aviary to completely immerse your self within the pure world.
https://www.jardinsexotiques.com/
Mohammed VI Museum of Fashionable and Up to date Artwork
Opened in 2014, that is Morocco’s first, unbiased fashionable and up to date artwork museum. You’ll be able to view artworks of over 200 Moroccan artists from Impressionists to Put up Modernists. With a formidable everlasting assortment and short-term exhibitions showcasing the work of worldwide artists, you’re certain to be impressed. This is a wonderful approach to additional discover Morocco’s inventive and cultural heritage.
http://www.museemohammed6.ma/
Salé
Simply reverse the river of Rabat is the charming, working-class city of Salé. You’ll be able to take the tramway or a brief boat trip over to this quiet hideaway from the capital metropolis. Go to the Abu Hassan Medresa, a college of science and faith, constructed below the Marinid Dynasty in the course of the 14th century. You’ll marvel at its extravagant decorations from carved, cedarwood to zellige tiles.
Enterprise to the higher flooring to see the modest pupil’s chambers and expertise unbelievable views of town from right here. Discover the numerous woodworking factories and chances are you’ll simply be fortunate sufficient to get a behind-the-scenes peek into how the expert and proficient craftsmen create their beautiful artistic endeavors.
Nationwide Museum of Pictures
Housed within the newly revamped 19th century Fort Rottembourg/Borj el Kebir, that is Morocco’s first nationwide images museum that just lately opened in January 2020. The gathering options photographic artworks by native and native Moroccan artists. The museum is devoted to creating artwork exhibitions accessible to everybody and supporting younger and rising photographers of Morocco.
Rabat is a relaxed metropolis steeped in historic and cultural treasures with loads of inexperienced areas to maintain you sane. Faucet into the rhythm of Rabat and expertise all it has to supply.
