Historical sites in Rabat

Rabat's Historical Treasures

Rabat’s historical landscape reflects its evolution from the 12th-century Almohad dynasty to the mid-20th-century protectorate. This collection features the iconic Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret intended to be the world's largest, and the adjacent Mausoleum of Mohammed V, showcasing traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. The ancient ruins of Chellah offer a mix of Roman and Islamic history, while monumental gates like Bab Rouah and Bab el Had define the city’s Almohad-era defensive walls. These sites collectively represent Rabat's status as a UNESCO World Heritage city.

Rabat's Historical Treasures — Map

Jorge Láscar / CC BY 2.0

A

Hassan Tower

Hassan Tower or Tour Hassan (Arabic: صومعة حسان; is the minaret of an incomplete mosque in Rabat, Morocco.

Jorge Lascar / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Mausoleum of Mohammed V

The Mausoleum of Mohammed V is a mausoleum located across from the Hassan Tower in Rabat, Morocco.

Davide Cesare Veniani / CC-BY-SA-3.0

C

Chellah

The Chellah or Shalla, is a medieval fortified Muslim necropolis and ancient archeological site in Rabat, Morocco, located on the south…

D

Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City

A UNESCO World Heritage site encompassing the 12th-century Almohad capital and the 20th-century French Protectorate’s urban planning. It includes the Medina, the Kasbah of the Udayas, and the modern "Ville Nouvelle" with its botanical gardens.

E

Petite Porte des Oudaîa

A secondary entrance to the Kasbah of the Udayas, this smaller stone gateway provides access to the historic fortress and its traditional blue-and-white streets.

F

Bab el Had

The "Gate of Sunday," this monumental stone entrance is part of the 12th-century Almohad walls. It traditionally served as the site of a weekly market and remains a primary entry point into the medina.

Dortiti عبد الله فكري / CC BY-SA 4.0

G

Bab Rouah

Known as the "Gate of the Winds," this 12th-century Almohad gateway features intricate stone carvings and floral motifs. It now serves as a public art gallery, hosting rotating exhibitions within its historic chambers.

H

Bab Soufara

An Almohad-style gate located near the Royal Palace (Mechouar), characterized by its horseshoe arch and traditional defensive architecture.

I

Sidi Moussa

A historic marabout or shrine located along the coast, dedicated to a local saint. It is characterized by its proximity to the Atlantic and traditional whitewashed architecture.

J

Ruines Almoravides

Archaeological remains of a 12th-century Almoravid fortress and settlement, predating the Almohad expansion of the city.

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