Rabat, capital of Morocco

Rabat Travel Wiki

Travel to Rabat

Literally named the “Fortified Palace,” Rabat is a city that offers visitors a glimpse of a traditional Morocco while providing modern amenities and experiences as well. It’s located on the Atlantic Ocean, which means you’ve got shoreline to enjoy, and you’ll get your fill of history as there are several ancient sites in town that you can enjoy. Named as one of the best cities to experience in 2013, many people come to see the active artist community and the many galleries there are to explore.

Once you’ve seen the arts and gotten a taste of the culture, you’ll be ready to see and do even more, right? Here are a few of the essentials that make Rabat such a special place to visit in the world today.

Walk With History As You Explore Hassan Tower

Hassan Tower is actually the minaret of a mosque that was started in the late 12^th century. It was supposed to be the largest minaret in the world at the time and the mosque that was being built was also supposed to be the world’s largest. The Sultan responsible for the work died in 1199 and the construction permanent stopped. Hassan Tower is 140 feet high and that’s only halfway complete. When you visit, you’ll also notice the start of a couple hundred columns and the start of several walls. It’s an open plaza, very beautiful, and there are ramps that lead to the top of the tower instead of stairs.

Many will go to visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V afterward because it is located on the opposite side of the Tower. It contains the tombs of him and his two sons and the building is considered a shining example of Alaouite architecture. It’s white silhouette, complimented by the colorful green tiled roof, was finished in 1971. There is a reader of the Qur’an that is present with an assigned seat nearly all of the time.

How About a Brush With Ancient History?

On the outskirts of town sits the Sala Colonia, which is a necropolis and dates back to Roman times. The Roman streets in this area still exist, as do the small gates that were used to regulate traffic. It was an important city based on the design and construction of the Roman elements as there was a forum, a triumphal arch, and was thought to be part of two main Roman roads that stretched through Morocco.
The site was used as a colony until the 12^th century, but today you’ll want to enjoy the Jazz Festival that is held there every year.

For another glimpse of history, a visit to the Kasbah of the Udayas is in order. The initial Kasbah was destroyed around the beginning of the 12^th century, so the current one that stands today was constructed. It was only used for 40 years until it was deserted. Inside the Kasbah, you’ll feel like you’ve instantly gone from Morocco to Greece as the flagstone paths are lined with white and blue walls that are more typically seen in the Isles of the Mediterranean.

Are you ready to visit Rabat today? This city offers a plethora of interesting and historical sites that will get the imagination flowing! Plan your visit today with these essentials and you’ll see why Rabat is considered one of the most popular destinations in all of Morocco.