Kasbah des Oudaias
Rabat's historic citadel occupies the site of the original Ribat (monastery-fortress) that gave the city its name. Mainly residential, its narrow streets are lined with whitewashed houses, most of which were built by Muslim refugees from Spain. The Semaphore Platform, its highest point, offers panoramic views across the river to Salé and out to the ocean.
Hassan Tower
A must-see in Rabat, along with the nearby mausoleum, this iconic building towers 44m above the BouRegreg estuary. It was originally part of an ambitious Almohad project to build the second-largest mosque in the world (after Samarra in Iraq), but its patron, Sultan Yacoub Al Mansour, died before it was completed. The mosque was destroyed by an earthquake in 1755.
Bab Oudaia
The most spectacular entrance to the Kasbah is through the enormous Almohad gate of Bab Oudaia, built in 1195. Its location, facing the heart of the city and just outside the original palace, made it more ceremonial than defensive and the gate is richly decorated with a series of carved arches.
Rabat has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to antiquity. Founded by the Phoenicians and then developed by the Romans, the Rabat region was home to the site of Sala Colonia, an ancient Roman colony located near the current Salé district.
In the 12th century, Rabat took on strategic importance when the Almohad Sultan Abd al-Moumin decided to establish a military fortress there to protect the territory and fight against foreign invasions Underr his reign, the Kasbah of the Oudayas was built, as well as the famous Hassan Tower, whose mosque, although never completed, was to be one of the largest in the Muslim world.
In the 17th century, Rabat became a refuge for Andalusian pirates and buccaneers driven out of Spain. The city then prospered thanks to this maritime activity, constituting an independent republic, known as the Republic of Bouregreg, in union with the neighboring city of Salé. This buccaneer’s republic lasted until the 18th century, before coming under Moroccan control and stabilizing as an urban and commercial center. The 20th century marked a turning point for Rabat, when it was chosen as the administrative capital by the French protectorate in 1912, under Marshal Lyautey.
The French modernized the city and developed new neighborhoods, creating a contrast between the historic Medina and the more modern neighborhoods. Upon independence in 1956, Rabat retained its status as the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco.
Today, Rabat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its architectural, historical and cultural heritage. A modern and historic city at the same time, it reflects the evolution of Morocco over the centuries, mixing Andalusian, Arab and European influences to offer an exceptional heritage at the heart of Moroccan culture.
Exotic Gardens
Created by French horticulturist Marcel François in 1951, these gardens were declared a World Heritage Site in 2003. Recently renovated, they are full of exotic flora from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and are a popular day trip for residents of Rabat and Salé. The gardens are located about 20 km north of Rabat, on the road to Kenitra.
This beautifully restored, blindingly white Art Deco villa dates from 1929 and today hosts well-curated contemporary art exhibitions with a focus on Moroccan artists, culture and heritage, as well as cultural events.
LANGUAGE
Arabic is the official language and French is spoken fluently.