Rabat
Surrounded by beautiful beaches, the modern capital city of Rabat has a special ambience with a blend of Islamic and European influences. The fourth of the Imperial cities, Rabat was declared the capital of Morocco whilst a French protectorate. The ancient city became refuge for many Muslims driven out of Andalucia during the Inquisition.
Today Rabat is a cosmopolitan city with a web like medina of intricate alleyways set within the ramparts of the great Oudaia Kasbah located on a cliff over looking the Atlantic Ocean. Little fishing boats land their Atlantic caught cargos along the shores of the Bou Regreg River that separates Rabat from Sale.
Rabat holiday highlights
- Although mostly modern, some remains of old buildings provide reminders of its historical past and the interesting labrynth of whitewashed buildings of the Kashba is an example of this.
- Renowned for colourful rugs, a famous market takes place on the Rue des Consuls every Tuesday and Thursday.
- The Hassan Tower, the minaret of the great mosque, is 144 feet in height and was never finished. It was intended to reach double the height of the existing structure and designed to reflect the importance of the Almohad empire that engulfed northern Africa and Moorish Spain.
- One of the most beautiful ruins in Morocco, Chellah was built by the Merinids on the site of what was once the Roman city of Sala. Today an archeological museum and recognised as one of the best in the country, it is worth a visit.
- Along the coast to the north and south, beautiful beaches frequented by surfers are worth exploring, including Temara, Harhoura, and Temara beaches.
- The Royal Dar Es Salaam is an excellent golf course set amongst a lush paradise of palms and fig trees.
