2. RABAT
Rabat, Arabic Ribāṭ, city and capital of Morocco. One of the country’s four imperial cities, it is located on
the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Wadi Bou Regreg, opposite the city of Salé
The history of Rabat is closely connected to that of Salé, the site of which was first occupied by the
Roman settlement of Sala (Shella). During the 10th century, Salé was established by the Zanātah
Imazighen (Berbers), who were Sunni Muslims, to house the nonconformist Barghawāṭah Imazighen.
Rabat itself was founded in the 12th century by ʿAbd al-Muʾmin, the first Almohad ruler, as
a ribāṭ (fortified monastery) at which to quarter the troops for his jihad (holy war) in Spain. He later
abandoned his efforts in Spain in order to concentrate his efforts on the conquest of North Africa. It was
the third Almohad sultan, Abū Yūsuf Yaʿqūb al-Manṣūr, who named the place Ribāṭ al-Fatḥ (“Camp of
Conquest”), from which the name of the present city is derived. He also erected the great fortified wall
within which the modern town has developed, and he began construction of an enormous mosque, of
which the notable Tower of Hassān, its half-completed minaret, remains. After 1609 the
unified community of Rabat-Salé became the home of large numbers of Andalusian Moors who had been
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4. How to Get to
Rabat?
Plane
Rabat-Salé Airport (RBA) is located in Salé, about five miles northeast of Rabat. A taxi to town
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5. From rabat to DĄBROWA GÓRNICZA
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6. MUSEUMES
The old town, still surrounded by ramparts, lies near the coast. Within its fortifications are the medina
(old Muslim town) and the millah (Jewish quarter). To the north, on a cliff above the Bou Regreg, stands
the 17th-century fortress of Casbah des Oudaïa, with a splendid 12th-century Almohad gateway, an
Andalusian garden, and an adjoining madrasah (religious college) that houses a museum of Moroccan
art. Southeast of the old town are a number of outstanding historical structures, including the Tower of
Hassān and the foundations of its never-completed mosque, across from which is located the
mausoleum of Muḥammad V.
To the southwest of the old town are an archaeological museum and the city gate, Bab al-Rouah, also
dating from the Almohad rule. The modern quarter of Rabat is partly enclosed by the fortified wall.
Relatively modern structures, including a royal palace built in the 1950s, Muḥammad V University
(founded 1957), the national library, and various administrative buildings, are located in the city’s
southern outskirts. Various national embassies can be found throughout the modern city, and a number
of international organizations have offices there.
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7. To thesouthwestof theold town arean archaeological
museumandthecity gate,Babal-Rouah,alsodating
from theAlmohadrule.The modernquarterof Rabat
ispartlyenclosedbythe fortifiedwall.Relatively
modernstructures,includinga royalpalacebuiltinthe
1950s, MuḥammadV University(founded1957), the
nationallibrary,andvariousadministrativebuildings,
arelocatedinthe city’ssouthernoutskirts.Various
nationalembassiescanbe found throughoutthe
moderncity,anda numberof international
organizationshaveofficesthere.
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8. TRADITIONAL DOMAIN
The traditional domain of indigenous peoples now collectively known as Berbers (self-
name Imazighen; singular, Amazigh), Morocco has been subject to extensive migration
and has long been the location of urban communities that were originally settled by
peoples from outside the region. Controlled by Carthage from an early date, the region
was later the westernmost province of the Roman Empire. Following the Arab conquest
of the late 7th century CE, the broader area of North Africa came to be known as
the Maghrib (Arabic: “the West”), and the majority of its people accepted Islam.
Subsequent Moroccan kingdoms enjoyed political influence that extended beyond the
coastal regions, and in the 11th century the first native Amazigh dynasty of North Africa,
the Almoravids, gained control of an empire stretching from Andalusian (southern) Spain
to parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Attempts by Europeans to establish permanent footholds
in Morocco beginning in the late 15th century were largely repulsed, but the country
later became the subject of Great Power politics in the 19th century. Morocco was made
a French protectorate in 1912 but regained independence in 1956. Today it is the
only monarchy in North Africa.
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9. WHERE TO STAY IN RABAT
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10. LAND
Morocco borders Algeria to the east and
southeast, Western Sahara to the south, the Atlantic
Ocean to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the
north. It is the only African country with coastal exposure
to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Its
area—excluding the territory of Western Sahara, which
Morocco controls—is slightly larger than the U.S. state
of California. Two small
Spanish enclaves, Ceuta and Melilla, are situated on the
country’s northern coast.
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11. Relief of Morocco
Most of Morocco lies at high elevations, averaging about 2,600 feet (800 metres) above sea level. Two
chains of mountains divide eastern from Atlantic Morocco: the Rif Mountains in the north form a buffer
along the Mediterranean coastline, whereas the Atlas Mountains create a barrier across the centre. The two
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12. Popular neighborhoods in
Rabat
Centre Ville - the downtown area encompasses the
along with the surrounding commercial area of the city,
and offers a wealth of shopping and dining possibilities.
Agdal - this wealthy neighborhood is where you'll find
French immigrants, along with both of the city's train
stations.
Ville Nouvelle - the modern part of the city is where you'll
find the Mega Mall and other shopping adventures, along
with dining options.
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13. The Cost of Living in
Rabat
Shopping Streets
Rabat's main shopping street is the Rue des Consuls, where you'll find
local artisan work, including leather goods, clothing, and jewelry.
Groceries and Other
Carrefour and Acima are national supermarket chains with good
selection of fresh and imported goods. A quart of milk costs about
DH7.50 and a dozen eggs about DH14.
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14. Where to Eat in Rabat
Enjoy classic Moroccan favorites like couscous at cheap prices at Restaurant de la Libération, where main
dishes start at only DH60. Ty Potes is one of many French restaurants in Rabat, this one specializing in
crepes, galettes, and other lighter fare. Main dishes start at DH65.
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15. Top
5 Reasons to Visit Rabat
1. The Medina
Rabat's walled Medina, built in the 17th century, is filled with local shops and bazaars to explore.
2. Beach Life
Enjoy the warm sands, or ride the surf at Plage des Nations just north of the city. The beach is clean, but be
forewarned not to venture too far out into the strong currents.
3. Exploring History
From the old Kasbah des Oudaias, the historic fort now surrounded by the rest of the city, to the Rabat Archaeological
Museum, and the Chellah, a Roman fort that dates from 40 AD, centuries of civilization are waiting for you to
discover.
4. Beautiful Parks
Explore a wealth of green spaces, including the extensive Jardin d'Essais and the charming Andalusian Gardens in the
Kasbah.
5. Delicious Cuisine
From its native Berber influences to French colonial and contemporary Middle Eastern and European cuisine, there is
much to savor in Rabat's dining scene, including a local specialty for fresh seafood.
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16. Rabat Festivals, and Traditions
1) In the center of the town is the Theatre Mohammed V, serving as the most prominent location for theater in the area. Here, you will also find several organizations active in
cultural and social issues.
2) The independent art scene of the country is well defined by the L'appartment 22, which was created by Abdellah Karroum as the first independent space for visual arts. This
separate space paved the way for the opening of several other independent open areas, like the Le Cube.
3) Have you ever heard of the Mawazine? If you haven't, then it is a must-go music festival in Rabat. The festival came to life in 2001 with music groups, fans, and spectators
sharing a week of celebration, culture, and music.
At the festival, there are both local and international musicians like Rihanna and Scorpions ready to entertain and keep fans excited. It is entirely free entry and is welcomed by
Mohamed VI, the King of Morocco.
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17. Hassan Tower was constructed as
the world’s largest mosque
Hassan tower is one of the places you must visit in Rabat.
Built-in the 12th century, it was meant to be the largest
mosque in the world.
But the death of Yacoub al -Mansour left everything
stagnant, the beauty of the unfinished building strikes out.
being one of UNESCO World Heritage sites, it’s attracting
visitors from all over the world.
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18. The Mohammed V Mausoleum
The Mausoleum of Mohammed V the final resting place of three significant members of the royal family
standing opposite each other looking out over the Oued Bou Regreg, The Mausoleum is located in the
Yacoub Al Mansour Square
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19. kasbah of the udayas
The Oudaya Kasbah was originally built in the 12th century and although it has been destroyed several
times, it was rebuilt again. In the era of the Alawites, the Kasbah witnessed several developments like the
Amiri Palace construction.
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20. Zoo of
Rabat, home to intriguing animals in Africa
Incredibly big, the Rabat Zoo is home to different species of animals. In the zoo are some of the most
intriguing animals in Africa like elephants, lions, hippos, and rhinos. Moreover, animals in the zoo live in a
simulated environment, which is very eye-catching. For instance, the rain forest and the Savannah.
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21. King's Palace, El Mechouar Essaid Palace
As the official residence of King Hassan II and his royal family, the El Mechouar Essaid Palace is truly a palace
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22. Boat riding, unforgettable trip over the BouRegr
eg River
The BouRegreg River goes all the way to the sea. You can go boat riding in the river. It is also the best trip to
take your family for some family time around the sunset.
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23. Andalusian Gardens, the one century gardens
If you enjoy taking a walk around beautiful green and breathe some fresh air, then visit the Andalusian
Gardens. Built by the French back in the 20th century, these gardens are still in perfect condition due to the
maintenance.
The garden is filled with flowers and shrubs along with some banana, lemon, and orange trees. It offers a
beautiful environment to lay low and enjoy Mother Nature.
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24. Medina, the old city center
Complete your trip by a stroll around the streets of Rabat's old center. You will certainly get lost if it’s your
first time visiting Old Medina. These streets buzz with life as people interact, running businesses.
Nevertheless, in these streets, it's easier to navigate compared to the other streets in Morocco.
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25. Hidden Secrets of Rabat's History
1) During the Almohad ruler al-Mu' min's reign, Rabat was transformed into a fortress.
2) Yaqub al-Mansur built the beautiful city walls.
3) Yaqub al-Mansu also began the construction of Hassan Tower, the world's largest mosque.
But after his death, the project stopped. However, the ruins of the mosque are still there up to date. In the 13th century, Rabat's economic power was
was shifted to the UNESCO world's heritage site, Medina Fez.
During this time, Rabat declined so much that only 100 inhabited houses remained.
Presently, it is one of the most interesting locations for tourists from all over the world. The King’s Palace is located right in the city, with most of the
official government offices found near i
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