Welcome to your guide to Rabat, Morocco
Founded in 1150 by the Almohad Sultan Abd Al Moumin, Rabat is the political and administrative capital of Morocco. Right on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the city boasts a rich heritage, a legacy of the dynasties that have succeeded one another and contributed and a flourishing cultural scene.
Often left out of tours of the kingdom, Rabat invites visitors to explore its incredibly beautiful monuments, its perfectly preserved and historic ancient districts and striking contrasts. The Oudayas Kasbah is the place for a romantic stroll amongst the little white houses with blue doors and superb gardens, the Medina (Old City) is a vibrant district, lively but never stifling, the Hassan Tower presides majestically over the mouth of the River Bouregreg and the ruins of the Chellah will enchant you with its flourishing greenery bursting from amongst the vestiges of past glories long ago.
A real haven of peace, Rabat is also a cosmopolitan city, home to many excellent restaurants, pleasant bars for your evening outings and a wide variety of leisure activities. We invite you to consult our directory of the main hotels in Rabat and some of the riads that have been converted into luxury guesthouses as well as the addresses of restaurants, bars and art galleries in the capital of Morocco
To see in Rabat
Built in the twelfth century on the orders of Sultan Yacoub El Mansour, the minaret was designed to reach a height of 80m but work stopped on the death of the Sultan and the tower was never finished. There was no lack of ambition in the founder’ plans – his project was to create the largest mosque in the world, supported by 312 columns and 42 marble pillars.
Although the plans never came to fruition and despite an earthquake in 1755, the impressive foundations of the mosque and the 44 metres of the minaret are considered to be one of the masterpieces of Moroccan art.
The Kasbah dates back to the twelfth century and was one of the first Arab footholds in the city. These days it is one the Rbatis’ (citizens of Rabat) favourite places. No modern buildings have been allowed so the Kasbah has kept all its originality and charm.
As soon as one sets foot in the Oudaϊa, one is overwhelmed by the freshness of a Moorish garden, as sweetly scented now as when it was planted with trees and flowers at the beginning of the twentieth century. Wander at will through the enchanting little streets lined with houses white-washed to symbolize unity, their doors and window-frames picked out in blue to evoke the nearby sea.
You will also appreciatet in Marrakesh this monuments : The city walls - The Mausoleum of Mohammed V
Directory of Rabat
All the important adresses of Rabat with full details and directions.