> City of Rabat

Imagine a white city rising up majestically at the mouth of a river, a city whose history dates back to ancient times, whose beauties have been accumulated over the centuries, a city chosen to be capital of the Almoravid Empire in the 12th century, and now of modern-day Morocco: this is Rabat, the Royal city.

Rabat holds the Royal Palace of His Majesty Hassan II. It is the seat of the Government, the Ministries and Administrations. It has the largest university in the country and many shops, bookshops, cinemas and theatres.

Flowering parks and gardens are scattered throughout the city: the Oudayas Kasbah is full of charm, the necropolis of Chellah is romantic. Magnificent sites form a circle around Rabat: long beaches of golden sand, the noble cork-oak forest of Mamora, the Dar-Es-Salam Golf Course, one of the most beautiful courses in the world. The Royal city of Rabat regally welcomes its visitors.

Let your imagination run free before the expansive square on which stands the 44-metre tall Hassan Tower. Just think, it should have been 80 metres tall. It was the grand but unfulfilled dream of Yacoub el-Mansour. Two hundred columns mark the boundary of what should have been the largest mosque in the Muslim world, symbol of the Almoravid Empire that, in the 12th century, extended up to Tunisia and Moorish Spain.

A stone's throw from the Hassan Tower (but separated by many centuries), stands the Mohammed V Mausoleum, whose construction began in 1962. This sultan guided Morocco towards independence and the country built a monument in his honour to express its gratitude. A majestic work, created by more than 400 craftsmen. The exterior consists of a magnificent pavilion of white marble coronated by a roof of green tiles. Inside, the beautifully decorated hall which contains the white onyx tomb resting on a block of graphite that is so polished, it resembles a mirror (the Mohammed V Mausoleum is open to the public).

Five large doors provide access to the city of Rabat, decorated by scallops, floral arabesque decorations and large shells. The door of the winds, "Bab er-Rouah", is the most beautiful. Monumental and magnificent it regularly holds exhibitions. You might be lucky enough to attend one!

And now off to the archaeological museum! Ancient history, Pre-Roman and Roman civilisations, Islamic archaeology, Morocco recounts its origins in this rich museum. How thrilling it is to admire the flints and needles of silica carved so patiently by the Neanderthal men! And what about the tools! It's easy to imagine them in the hands of a potter, herdsmen, surgeon, baker... A bit further down is a large hall containing the masterpieces: the "Drunken Mule" was an undisputed marvel during the time of Augustus, the stunning realism of the "Volubilis Dog," the emotional grace of the "Heads of Young Berbers". The visit continues outside the museum.

Now let the sense of smell guide you: follow it and you will arrive to the area around Rue Souika. Spices, kebabs, honey cakes...... And towards the Rue des Consuls where you will find decorated glass, embroidered fabrics, bracelets, and above all, the famous carpets of Rabat in satin velvet, finely woven with central medallions that stand out against the red background.

The Kasbah of the Oudayas was the site of many exciting adventures. It was named after the Oudayas tribe, who were sent by Moulay Ismail to defend the city against the invincible Andalusian pirates and hornacheros. It also witnessed the exploits of Yacoub el- Mansour and Abd el - Moumen who, in 1150, built Jamma el-Antiqua, the oldest mosque in Rabat.

How thrilling it is to image the lives of those intrepid men, sitting peacefully in the Kasbah's garden, tasting "gazelle croissants" and mint tea with their eyes turned towards the distant boats that bopped on the Bou Regreg at the feet of the Salè ramparts.

Built in the 14th century by the Merenids, the Chellah Necropolis stands on the site of the Roman city of Sala. Here, nature is endowed with a divine breath and the stones have a soul. Banana and fig trees, hibiscus and palms sink their roots into history.

Storks build their nests in the ochre towers. Eels and sacred turtles swim in the cool waters of a spring. A minaret with brightly coloured ceramics sprouts from the bushes watching over this magical place.

Oudayas Museum.
A traditional Moroccan interior has been recreated in this museum. It holds very rare collections of musical instruments and Berber jewellery, stupendous Fes pottery and sumptuous carpets. After admiring all these treasures, take a stroll in the Andalusian garden to admire the beautiful Moroccan nature.

Festival of Candles at Salé.
On the eve of Mouloud (anniversary of the birth of the Prophet), the locals dress up in luxurious embroidered costumes and parade through the streets to the tomb of Sidi Abdallah Ben Hassoun, Patron Saint of the city and the boatmen. To the sound of drums and flutes, they place beautiful lanterns decorated with a mosaic of multicoloured wax at its foot.

Carpet auction
In the general excitement, a man clad in djellaba raises his hand, all eyes turn to look at him. You raise the bid. Silence. Well done!!! You have just purchased the carpet of your dreams. The carpet auction takes place every Thursday in the Rue des Consuls a Rabat.

Village of Potters
Look at this lump of clay. For the moment, it is shapeless and red. The potter puts his foot on the pedal as he presses the clay between his hands.it flattens, rises and starts to take shape. Thanks to the potter's skill, it has become a tajine, recipient, jar or vase. This takes place just outside of Rabat on the road to Meknès.