Rabat capital city is the only of the 4 imperial cities of Morocco located along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg, opposite Sale the city’s main commuter town in the northwest of the country. The city is 87 km (1-hour drive) north of Casablanca, 251 km (6-hour drive), 207 km (4-hour drive) and 160 km (2-hour drive) west of Fez and Meknes. Being the political and administrative capital, Rabat offers a wide range of tourism experiences from its ancient monuments to contemporary museums.
The history of Rabat dates back to the 12th century with the fall of the Almoravids and the rise of the Almohad dynasty. Abd al-Mu’min the Almohad’s first ruler took over major territories, made Marrakesh their capital and spread their influence over other areas including Rabat. A large military fortress named as Ribāṭ al-Fatḥ, an Arabic term meaning “the fortress of victory” was established marking the foundation of Rabat.
The Almohads further built a new city with defensive walls around it known today as the Rabat medina which was inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage site in 2012. The city is recognized as “Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage” a name that recognizes the unique historical and cultural heritage of Islamic heritage and European and French colonial architecture. Almohad’s leader Sultan Yaqub al-Mansur is credited for establishing key historical landmarks in Rabat city which include the incomplete Hassan Tower in 1196 and Kasbah of the Udayas in 1150.
During the 13th century, Rabat was taken over by the Berber Marinid dynasty. They expanded the city and made it their administrative and military capital along with Fez. They turned the 3rd century BC Phonecian ruins of Chellah Necropolis into a royal burial ground. The archeological site of Chellah Necropolis is also a UNESCO world heritage site. Marinids controlled Rabat until their decline in the 16th century. From that time onwards, the city’s development stagnated due to becoming associated with the Barbary pirates who settled along the coast. The French established a protectorate in 1912 and made Rabat a colonial administrative center. When Morocco obtained her independence in 1955, Rabat became the official capital city. When compared to other imperial cities of Fez, Marrakesh and Meknes, Rabat offers a relatively tranquil and relaxing atmosphere due to the coastline and that the medina of Rabat isn’t always crowded making for an ideal place to visit for families and those seeking a deeper connection to the land.
UNESCO recognition along with being a capital and political city created favorable conditions for festivals. Rabat is a festival capital of Morocco and hosts several international musical festivals including Mawazine and Jazz au Chellah festivals. Mawazine festival is the largest musical festival in Africa. It is held annually between June to July and lasts for 9 days.
Things to do in Rabat
Kasbah des Oudays is one of the main historical sites in Rabat. The Kasbah is built on a high point overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Bou Regreg river. To get inside, you have to go through imposing gates such as Bab Oudaïa gate, built by Almohads in the 12th century. The area around Kasbah Oudays has over time transformed into a residential area with blue and white painted alleys, guesthouses, private homes and Moroccan traditional palaces offering accommodation for visitors.
Hassan Tower was built in the 12th century intended to be at the time the tallest mosque minaret in the world. The planned height was 89 meters. However, its construction was never completed following the death of Caliph Yaqub al-Mansur, ruler of the Almohad dynasty (1184–1199) who wanted to make Rabat the new capital of his dynasty. Hassan Tower, although incomplete, is 44 meters tall and spectacular.
Adjacent to the tower is the Mausoleum of King Mohammed V, who led Morocco to obtain her independence from the French on March 2, 1956. The mausoleum houses tombs of the king and his two sons including King Hassan II, father of the current king, were built with marble stone and the interior is decorated with spectacular Moroccan zillige artwork on the walls and gilding golden ceiling. Visitors can chat with Moroccan royal guards in traditional red uniforms who guard it at all times.
Mohammed VI contemporary art museum
Morocco’s first national museum dedicated to contemporary arts was inaugurated in 2014. The museum contains a wide ranging collection of modern and contemporary art including painting, sculpture, and photography. Exhibitions include works of painters such as Mohammed Ben Ali R’bati who is regarded as the first modern painter of Morocco and Meriem Meziane a contemporary female artist. The museum displays over 200 artworks made by artists from Morocco and other countries including Hassan Hajjaj nicknamed as “the Andy Warhol of Morocco”. Hassan is famous for creating stunning pop-art portraits and photographic series including Legs (2020), My Maroc Stars (2014-1016), and Kesh Angels series (2010). The museum’s goal is to show how art in Morocco, and around the world, has changed and developed from the 1900s up to today. so visitors can see many different art styles and movements. Located in the center of Rabat, the museum is easy to visit and offers extra facilities like a café to relax in, a bookshop to buy art-related items, and an auditorium for talks or events.
National Photography Museum
The museum is dedicated to the history of fine art photography in Morocco. From the pioneers who documented the country’s history to the contemporary artists showcasing new creative styles. Fine art photography is defined as a contemporary art form in which photography is the medium and the photographer acts as the artist. The photographer intends to go beyond registering reality to create artistic photographs (Contemporary Art Issue). As such, the National Photography Museum mainly shows exhibitions about photography. The exhibitions offer an opportunity to both young and professional Moroccan photographers to display their work and gain recognition. At the same time, the museum organizes photo shows based on special themes and topics. The museum is housed inside an old fortress overlooking the ocean creating a unique and atmospheric experience that blends Morocco’s military past with its modern artistic expression. When you visit, you’re not just looking at photography, you’re also walking through a place full of history and character.
Rabat Medina
The old town of Rabat founded in the 12th century by the Almohad dynasty. Defensive walls that stretch for 5 km still enclose the medina with large gates like Bab El Had and Bab El Bahr, giving it a fortress-like identity. However, the median layout is thought to have been planned in the 17th century by descendants of Moors from the Andalusian region of Spain. As such, the streets of Rabat medina are arranged in a relatively organized and rectangular pattern. Unlike the medinas of Meknes, Fez and Marrakesh, the Rabat medina can be explored in a day with ease and by foot. The architecture reflects Andalusian-Moroccan traditions, with some French influences as evidenced by flat roofed houses, stucco carvings and zellij tilework in mosques and houses. Notable streets and landmarks to checkout in Rabat medina include Rue Souika, the main market street with a mix of local and tourist shops. Souq As Sebbat market area mainly for tourists offers a wide range of products including traditional Moroccan handicrafts, souvenirs and decorative items. Rue des Consuls which was the historical French consulate where diplomats lived until 1912 is now famous for jewellery and accessory shops. Those intending to enjoy food and local living can check out the restaurants and eateries along the Avenue Mohammed V. Some of the food experiences offered include Babbouche snails in spicy broth, fresh sugar-cane juice, pastries soaked in syrup, and freshly baked bread and fresh organic fruits.