As Morocco’s capital, Rabat is home to some of the country’s most important museums, as well as the Royal Palace and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Many historical attractions inhabit this city and it is full of hidden treasures. Many of the city’s attractions are well preserved and date back to the early 1800s, making your experience in Rabat feel especially authentic. Situated right on the Atlantic Ocean, with the Bou Regreg River running to the west and separating it from its sister city of Salé, Rabat is a beautiful city to visit. Read on to discover the array of activities and sights Rabat has to offer tourists.
GETTING TO RABAT:
Like many airports in Morocco, except Casablanca, there is no train connection directly to the terminal. The only way to get here is by Taxi or Bus or organized transfer.
If you are coming from Casablanca or Tanger you can use the Train.
NOT TO BE MISSED OUT ON:
Hassan Tower
Built by the Almohads, At first sight, it appears as though this tower fell and split in half. However, it was never actually completed was the work of ruler Yacoub al-Mansour and would have been the minaret for his grand vision of a mosque on this site. Upon his death in 1150, construction was abandoned, and this 45-meter-high tower is all that remains of his original plan. Beautiful and intricate motifs and designs cover the tower’s facade, pointing to the sumptuousness of what al-Mansour had in mind. The Hassan Tower is next door to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
Mausoleum of Mohamed V
The present king’s father (the late Hassan II) and grandfather were laid to rest in this marble mausoleum The glittering Mausoleum of King Mohammed V lies in state on the very place where, upon his return from exile in Madagascar, he gathered thousands of Moroccans together to thank God for giving independence to their country. The opulent tomb chamber is resplendently decorated, with zellige tilework covering the walls around the grand marble tomb. It’s a showcase of Moroccan traditional design.
Chella
The remnants of the 14th-century Merenid citadel-town of Chellah are an atmospheric place. The walled ruins are positioned in an older Roman town called Sala, which archaeologists uncovered evidence of in the 1930s. Today, parts of both these settlements can be seen.
Chellah thrived as a Merenid citadel in the early 14th century. The crumbled ruins of mosques and mausoleums they built here are now covered with rambling brambles, providing nesting sites for storks. The excavated Roman part of the site includes a forum, bath, and temple. For a good overview of the entire Chellah ruins, an overlooking terrace provides excellent views across the site.
Oudaias Museum and the Andalusian Gardens
Within the Oudaias Kasbah are the lovely Andalusian Gardens, which were laid out in the early 20th century. The Oudaias Museum, set within the gardens, is housed in the opulent 17th-century lodge built by Moulay Ismail as his first Rabat residence.
At the far end of the lodge, a room displays an ancient Moroccan interior. Cushions in brocade, silk, and gold cover the divans around the room. A little further on is an exhibit of ancient illuminated Qur’ans, jewellery, pottery, and musical instruments.
* Mohammed VI Museum of Contemporary Arts*
For anyone interested in Morocco’s modern art movement, this museum is one of Rabat’s top things to do. The collection, housed in an impressively renovated building dating back to the French colonial days is small but holds artworks from nearly all of the country’s top names in the art world. A visit here makes a lovely contrast to viewing the traditional artisan work for which Morocco is rightly famous and shows the contemporary side of the country’s long artistic expressions.
Abul Hassan Medersa
This impressive building was built between 1333 and 1341 under the Marinade Dynasty and it was created to teach young boys about religion and science. it’s located in salé, facing Rabat, the Abul Hassan Medersa is worth a visit. It dates from the Merenid era in the 14th century and has an interior covered with beautifully restored examples of traditional religious decoration, including zellige tile-work and carved wood panels. If you climb up to the roof, you can enjoy excellent views across the water to Rabat.
rabat archaeology museum
Built-in 1932 and enlarged a few years later to display excavated finds, this museum is home to Morocco’s best archaeological collection. The prehistoric section brings together human remains from the Middle Paleolithic period to the Neolithic, illustrating the continuity and size of the population at this time.
Pre-Roman civilizations are well represented. The Roman and Hellenistic exhibits are renowned, and the collection of bronzes is incredibly impressive. Even if you’re not a museum person, this is the one museum on your Morocco travels that you shouldn’t miss.