Morocco is a North African Kingdom known for its rich Berber, Arabian, and European influences, located along the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Its capital is Rabat, Morocco’s coastal capital, is worth visiting for its blend of, clean, modern, and ancient charm, offering a calmer city that allows you to experience Moroccan culture without the high-pressure tourist atmosphere of larger cities. Watch the below video for the most popular places in Rabat, Morocco:
Mausoleum of Mohammed V
The mausoleum contains the tombs of the Moroccan King Mohammed V and his two sons, King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah. It was commissioned by Hassan II after Mohammed V’s death in 1961 and completed ten years later. Built on an elevated platform at the southeastern corner of the esplanade, the mausoleum features a distinctive pyramid-shaped green roof and Moorish arches and carvings.
Hassan Tower
Across from the Mausoleum of Mohammed V stands the Hassan Tower, the minaret of an unfinished mosque commissioned by calif Abu Yusuf Yaqqub al-Mansur at the end of the 12th century. When al-Mansur died in 1199, construction stopped on what would have been the largest minaret in the world and the largest mosque in the western Muslim world. The minaret was left standing at 144 feet tall.
Cimetière Chouhada
The cemetery located in Rabat immediately adjacent to the Kasbah of the Udayas is commonly known as Cimetière Chouhada (shoo-HAH-dah), which translates to the “Martyrs’ Cemetery”. It is also referred to as Sidi Al Khattab Cemetery. Situated on the hillside directly outside the kasbah walls, facing the Atlantic Ocean, often described as having prime seaside real estate. It is a large, historically significant Muslim burial ground containing thousands of white-painted, colorful, and ornate tombstones.
Kasbah of the Udayas
Another highlight of Rabat – and perhaps one of the most beautiful places we visited in Morocco. The Kasbah of the Udayas. Impenetrable-looking stone fortress with sweeping hilltop views. The spot where the Bou Regreg River leaves Morocco behind, flowing into the Atlantic Ocean. Across the river from Salé, whose modern rocket-shaped tower belies the city’s ancient origins.
Inside the Kasbah of the Udayas is so unexpected and lovely that it transports you to another world. whitewashed buildings and vibrant blue accents mixed with Moorish architectural details. We walked the narrow winding streets, past a market, the oldest mosque in Rabat and some of the most charming homes imaginable.
The Oudayas National Museum of Adornment
(Musée National de la Parure) is a specialized cultural institution in Rabat that showcases Morocco’s rich history through its traditional jewelry, costumes, and decorative arts. Located within the historic Kasbah of the Udayas, the museum is housed in a 17th-century palace. We are at the Museum ’s interior courtyard, and unfortunately they don’t allow us to take videos beyond this point, so I am just posting a picture some interesting jewelry.
Andalusian Gardens
The Kasbah neighborhood spills into the Andalusian Gardens, a peaceful enclave of orange trees, trumpet lilies, bougainvillea and a host of palm varieties.
Touarga Palace
Touarga Palace refers to the Royal Palace of Rabat . Built in 1864, it serves as the official residence of the King of Morocco and is a primary administrative hub where important state decisions are made. The palace is not a single building but a large complex featuring various institutions and amenities. While the complex is a major landmark, access is strictly limited. Tourists are not permitted inside the actual palace buildings. Visitors are generally restricted to viewing the exterior architecture and gates from a distance.
Just Giji
