I enjoyed the visit of this modern city. Smaller than Casablanca, Rabat seemed to me cleaner and more organized than the Moroccan standard. The profusion of green roofs, in white houses, enhances light and color. Without loosing its Moroccan look, I think this makes an interesting contrast for a quick stop.
Chellah
At a short distance from the centre of town, in a facing hill, this necropolis is one of the oldest constructions in Morocco.
Abandoned for centuries, and heavily damaged by an earthquake in the 18th century, it has been recuperated and gardened, acting today as one of the main touristy attractions of Rabat.
Website: Chellah
Kasbah des Oudaias
Located by the mouth of the river, facing Salé, a fortified quarter is called the Kasbah of Oudaias.
Mohamed V Mausoleum
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.
Hassan Tower
In the 12th century sultan Yacoub al-Mansour decided to build the biggest mosque in the world, with the biggest tower.
He died a few years later and the works were stopped, with the tower reaching 44 of its planned 86 meters high.
Lisbon’s earthquake damaged the started columns and walls, but the tower resisted and stands beside king Mohammed V mausoleum.
The tower looks like Koutoubia in Marrakesh and Giralda in Seville, both built by the same architect.
Cemetery
It is not a pleasant view, but the badly organized space by the sea is a very interesting example of the differences between the ways how Christians and Muslims deal with death.
