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Welcome to the Kingdom

Rabat Where Tradition Meets Elegance

Discover Morocco's elegant capital — a UNESCO World Heritage city where ancient medinas meet modern boulevards, and history whispers through every archway.

Explore Rabat
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Historical Heritage

Discover Rabat's Monuments

Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites spanning two millennia of history

1195 AD • Almohad Dynasty

Hassan Tower

The majestic minaret of an incomplete mosque, standing 44m high. A masterpiece of Almohad architecture Commissioned by Yaqub al-Mansur.

UNESCO Heritage Landmark
1195 AD • Almohad Dynasty

Hassan Tower

صومعة حسان

Historical Significance

Hassan Tower stands as the incomplete minaret of what was intended to be the largest mosque in the western Muslim world. Almohad Caliph Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur commissioned this massive mosque in 1191 to serve his new imperial capital, Ribat al-Fath. The ambitious project was meant to celebrate his victory at the Battle of Alarcos.

Architecture & Design

The tower reaches 44 meters — roughly half its intended 80-meter height. Built from red sandstone, it features the characteristic Almohad sebka diamond-lattice motifs and elegant horseshoe arches on each facade. The tower shares architectural DNA with the Koutoubia in Marrakech and the Giralda in Seville.

The Unfinished Dream

Construction halted abruptly upon Sultan al-Mansur's death in 1199. The site's 348 remaining stone columns mark the footprint of a prayer hall meant to hold the entire army. The 1755 Lisbon earthquake caused additional damage, toppling many columns.

Height 44 meters
Intended Height 80 meters
Built 1191-1199
Columns Remaining 348
Commissioned By Yaqub al-Mansur
Entry Fee Free

Visitor Information

The esplanade is open to visitors free of charge. While the tower interior is closed, the site offers stunning views and is magical at sunset.

1971 • Alaouite Dynasty

Mohammed V Mausoleum

A masterpiece of modern Alaouite dynasty architecture, housing the tombs of the late King Mohammed V and his two sons.

Royal Tombs Islamic Art
1971 • Alaouite Dynasty

Mohammed V Mausoleum

ضريح محمد الخامس

Royal Significance

This pristine white marble mausoleum contains the tombs of King Mohammed V — who led Morocco to independence in 1956 — and his son King Hassan II. It stands as Morocco's most important modern monument and a symbol of national sovereignty.

Construction & Craftsmanship

Commissioned by Hassan II, Vietnamese architect Vo Toan designed the structure. 400 of Morocco's finest artisans worked from 1961 to 1971 to complete this masterpiece. Every surface showcases traditional Moroccan craftsmanship.

Architectural Details

The interior features stunning zellij (mosaic), carved plaster, mahogany, and gold leaf ceilings. The green-tiled roof symbolizes Islam. Quran readers recite continuously in the chamber below.

Built 1961-1971
Architect Vo Toan
Artisans 400+
Construction Time 10 years
Non-Muslims Welcome
Entry Fee Free

Visitor Information

Uniquely, the mausoleum is open to non-Muslims. Modest dress is required. The site is open daily.

12th Century • Almohad

Kasbah of the Udayas

A city within a city, this fortress with its blue and white streets offers breathtaking ocean views and the peaceful Andalusian Gardens.

UNESCO Heritage Andalusian Garden
12th Century • Almohad

Kasbah of the Udayas

قصبة الوداية

The Original Nucleus

Perched on a rocky promontory, this fortress represents the original nucleus of Rabat. It began as a 10th-century ribat before Almohad Sultan Abd al-Mu'min rebuilt it in 1150.

Bab Oudaia — The Gate

The monumental gate, Bab Oudaia, ranks among the finest examples of Almohad architecture with its carved arches and ochre stone that glows at golden hour.

Corsair Republic

From 1627 to 1668, the fortress served as headquarters for the Republic of Salé — a corsair state that terrorized Atlantic shipping. The pirates operated from the river below.

Founded 10th Century
Rebuilt 1150-1151
Bab Oudaia 1195-1199
Gardens Added 1915-1918
Corsair Era 1627-1668
Entry Fee Free

What to See Today

Visitors encounter the Andalusian Gardens, the Oudayas Museum, blue-and-white streets, and the Café Maure with its river views.

Roman & Marinid Era

Chellah Necropolis

An ancient Roman port city later transformed into a royal necropolis. Home to storks, ruins, and the annual Jazz au Chellah festival.

Ancient Ruins Nature Reserve
Roman & Marinid Era

Chellah Necropolis

شالة

Two Millennia of History

Phoenician traders established a settlement here in the 7th century BCE. It is one of North Africa's oldest continuously significant sites.

Roman Sala Colonia

The Romans transformed it into Sala Colonia around 40 CE, building a forum, temple, and port. The city prospered for centuries as a trading post.

Marinid Necropolis

The Marinid dynasty built a royal necropolis here in the 14th century, adding walls, a gate, a mosque, and royal tombs.

The Sacred Pool

The sacred pool is associated with fertility rituals. Hundreds of storks nest in the ruins, making the site uniquely atmospheric.

Phoenician Era 7th-6th c. BCE
Roman Era 40 CE - 5th c.
Marinid Era 1284-1358
Gate Built 1339
Earthquake 1755
Entry Fee 70 MAD
1197 • Almohad Dynasty

Bab Rouah

"Gate of the Winds" — the most magnificent gate in Rabat's walls. Its stone carvings are a testament to Almohad artistry.

City Gate Art Gallery
1197 • Almohad Dynasty

Bab Rouah

باب الرواح

Gate of the Winds

Completed in 1197, Bab Rouah is the largest of Rabat's Almohad gates. The name refers to the Atlantic breezes that sweep through it.

Military Architecture

Its interior passage makes four 90-degree turns — a 'chicane' design that forced attackers to lose momentum, making the gate nearly impregnable.

Decorative Excellence

The stone decoration features polylobed arches, floral motifs, and Kufic inscriptions, rivaling any Almohad monument.

Modern Adaptive Reuse

Today, the gate serves as a contemporary art gallery. The juxtaposition of modern art within 800-year-old walls is unique.

Built 1197
Builder Ya'qub al-Mansur
Chambers 4
Current Use Art Gallery
Gallery Hours 10am-6pm
Entry Fee Free
12th Century • Almohad

Almohad Walls

Stretching over 5km, these ochre walls define the city's character. Built to protect the imperial capital, they still stand strong today.

UNESCO Heritage Fortification
12th Century • Almohad

Almohad Walls

الأسوار الموحدية

Imperial Vision

Ya'qub al-Mansur's vision for Rabat as a new imperial capital required massive defensive walls, completed in 1197. They enclosed a huge area for a dream city.

Engineering Marvel

The walls stretch 5,236 meters, rising 10 meters high. They feature 74 towers and enclosed 450 hectares.

The Five Gates

Five monumental gates pierce the walls, including Bab Rouah and Bab el-Had. Each features the bent-entrance design.

UNESCO Recognition

UNESCO cites these walls as the only surviving parts of the great Almohad capital project. They remain highly visible today.

Total Length 5,236 meters
Height 8-10 meters
Towers 74
Gates 5
Area Enclosed 450 hectares
Completed 1197
1864 • Alaouite Dynasty

Royal Palace

The official residence of the King. While the interior is private, the grand gates and the surrounding mechouar are a spectacle of royal tradition.

Royal Residence Active Palace
1864 • Alaouite Dynasty

Royal Palace

القصر الملكي

Seat of the Monarchy

Dar al-Makhzen has served as the official residence of Moroccan kings since 1864. King Mohammed VI conducts official business here.

Historic Events

The palace witnessed the birth of Hassan II and the return of Mohammed V from exile. The mechouar hosts Throne Day celebrations.

Palace Complex

The complex includes the Royal College, Mosque, and extensive gardens designed by French landscape architect Forestier.

Built 1864
Builder Mohammed IV
Current Resident Mohammed VI
Gardens By Forestier
Access Exterior Only
Photography Restricted

Visitor Information

The interior is private, but visitors can admire the grand gates and Royal Guard ceremonies in the mechouar.

17th Century • Morisco Refugees

Andalusian Wall

Built between 1609-1614 by Morisco refugees expelled from Spain, this 1,400-meter wall with 26 towers enclosed today's Medina.

Historic Medina
17th Century • Morisco Refugees

Andalusian Wall

السور الأندلسي

The Morisco Exodus

Between 1609 and 1614, Spain expelled the Moriscos. Thousands of refugees settled in Rabat-Salé, bringing skills and capital.

Building a New Home

The refugees constructed this inner wall to create a manageable settlement, defining what became Rabat's medina.

The Corsair Republic

The Andalusians formed the Republic of Bou Regreg (1627-1668), a pirate state. Their maritime expertise brought wealth to the city.

Built 1609-1614
Total Length 1,400 meters
Towers 26
Refugees 5,000-14,000
Origin Spain
Access Public

Cultural Legacy

Andalusian influence shaped Rabat's architecture, cuisine, and music. Walking through the medina today, you traverse the space they carved out.