Rabat Things to Do

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While visiting the Oudaia Kasbah you must visit the lookout. From this part of the fortress there are spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean, Bouregreg River, the city of Rabat and its twin city of Sale.

Please refer to the page for the Oudaia Kasbah for the history and directions.

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The Oudaia Kasbah is built on the cliff on the south side of the estuary of the Bouregreg River and has views over Rabat and out over the Atlantic Ocean. It could be called a 'city within a city'.

It was built during the 12th century by the Almohades as part of a fortification - actually a fortified monastery or 'ribat' (which became Rabat) where soldiers left for the holy wars against Spain. An arabic tribe from Fes called the Oudaias settled here in 1833 giving the fort and kasbah their name.

The village in the kasbah has a more modern history dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It has a very Spanish flavour with the whitewashed walls with blue paint and heavy, iron decorated doors. The homes are kept very fresh and the winding streets are very clean. It has become a haven for artists and there are many interesting boutiques to be visited.

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Chellah is an area of ancient and medieval ruins that at one stage was used as a necropolis. It is on the outskirts of Rabat, on the south side of the Bouregreg River. This site is the most ancient human settlement in the area. It was most likely settled by the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians.

The Romans settled here and called the town Sala Colonia - ruins still exist of a forum, triumphal arch and decumanus maximus (main street)

Inhabitants left the site in 1154 AD altough the Almohad dynasty used it as a necropolis. The main gate was built in 1339 by Sultan Abu l-Hassan who also added a mosque, a religious school and royal tombs.

Much of Chellah was damaged by the earthquake in 1755 that destroyed Lisbon and the site is now a garden and a venue for tourism. The ruins, as with many in Morocco, have been turned into nests by migrating Storks. Very busy in May/June when I visited.

You will be met by traditional musicians with a small stall.

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In 1195 construction commenced on the Minaret with the intention of being the largest in the Muslim world at 286 feet. Two hundred columns were built to markout where the mosque was to be built. However when the Sultan died 5 years later construction ceased with the tower only being 140 feet high.

The Minaret stands out over the skyline and is a good location guide for tourists.

As the Minaret is only metres from the Mohammed V Mausoleum it is well worth visiting both sites.

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All visitors of Rabat go to this place, and some of them limit themselves to it.

A large terrace, with the remains of a never finished mosque is dominated by Hassan Tower from the 12th century.

But when you enter, you'll be captivated by the harmony of the modern and very beautiful tomb of the king's grandfather, Mohamed V. With permanent prayers and military honors, the entrance to the tomb is allowed, with the expected respect.

The inside of the dome of the Mohammed V Mausoleum is very impressive. It is twelve-sided, and filled with painted mahogany muqarnas (stalactites), and is the most intricate part of the mausoleum. The mausoleum was designed by a Vietnamese architect (Vo Tuan), and built by 400 Moroccan craftsmen.

It's interesting to note how the majesty of these ceilings in all Moroccan monuments (including those in Andalucia) contrast to the simplicity of the sarcophagus, and the area around it. Indeed, if heaven were above and we were made to look in that direction, then this is a most apt representation.

The platform of the former Oudaia Signal Station is the best place to see views of Salé (Rabat's sister city across the river), Bou Regreg, and the Atlantic ocean. This station was built in the 18th century by Sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah, which defended the Bou Regreg estuary.

We were there at the end of the day, and was able to see the sun set -- fantastic! With the lights just coming on across the river, and the soft breeze coming in, it was a nice place to be at after a hot tiring day. The place was full of couples who we were obviously taking advantage of the dimming light (there were no lampposts, or at least we didn't see any lighted), but who cares -- it was quite romantic there, and the locals very well knew that.

We were just passing in front of the entrance to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V one late afternoon when we saw the changing of the guards. We were the first vehicle to be stopped, so it afforded us a front seat view of the routine. The guards looked quite snappy in their uniform of deep red, and blue beret. From a distance, their white and black shoes looked a bit like golf shoes. As they went down the street, they were joined by 2 mounted officers in very fine-looking horses. It all went very quickly as they made a turn right on the corner, and went in.