Chellah - the best of Rabat
by matcrazy1
My best memories of Rabat refer to a visit to Chellah, walled Merinides burial sight, formerly ancient Roman city. I liked peace and quiet of the place, lack of other visitors; well, there were... two and surely white storks and their nestles I found there.
Surely add ancient Roman ruins, the minaret with a stork's nest on the top (on my picture), the tombs and graves, the white koubba etc. more details in my off the beaten path tips.
RABAT, the capital of the Kingdom
by LysDor
It is located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean on the left bank ok the Bouregreg Estuary and 90 KM from Casablanca.
In 1912, Rabat replaces Fez as capital, when Morocco is turned into a French protectorate.
Resident General in Morocco, Louis Hubert Lyautey, starts building a French style city, which today is the main area of Rabat.
In 1956, Morocco gains its independence, and Rabat continues to be the capital.
A city of trees and flowers, Rabat combines peace, beauty and serenity, and is steeped it history. It is the residence of the King and the seat of government embassies. About a million people live in the capital Rabat and its sister city Sale, but wandering around the Medina, the Casbah or the Modern Town this is not the impression you get. Life is easy. Not many people harrass you. Shopowners are very nice.
Hand of Fatima
by keeweechic
In many of the craft shops you will see the Hand of Fatima. This is a lucky charm and comes in many forms such as brass, silver, ceramic wall hangings, door knockers and jewellery. It is believed that the hamsa will protect you from the evil eye. The open palm with the five fingers represent the five pillars of Islam.
go SHOPPING for cool Moroccan...
by Krystynn
go SHOPPING for cool Moroccan spices!
You can find EVERY imaginable kind of spices.... like pepper, saffron, cinnamon, juniper, cumin, nutmeg, powdered chili peppers and even, spanish flies (yes, not kidding. Men will looove this. Come on, don't tell me you don't know the effects of eating spanish flies).
For tea lovers... you can find mountains of tea here.... some imported from China and cascades of green mint leaves. Moroccans love mint tea!
At some point, if you want to experience 7th heaven - try and close your eyes and 'feel' with your senses i.e. your NOSE....! :-)))
Fruits
by JLBG
Sometimes, there can be a shop at the very entrance of a sideway, but most of the time, they only to lead to private houses and have no shops. However, space available in the souk is scarce and this is why you will sometimes find this kind of "overflow" of the souk into the medina.