Today, these adjacent districts reveal how Rabat’s past mixes with its present. Near the medina, historic landmarks like the Chellah necropolis (built atop 1st-Century Roman ruins), the 12th-Century clifftop Kasbah of the Udayas fortress (with panoramic ocean views) and the French-created Andalusian Gardens nod to the city’s deeply layered past. In the New City and surrounding areas, the 44m-tall Hassan Tower and nearby Mausoleum of Mohammed V (who led Morocco to independence) are symbols of national pride. Elsewhere, the Mohammad VI Museum of Modern Contemporary Art features the work of more than 200 modern Moroccan artists, and is the first museum in Africa powered by solar energy.
Where to stay
For years, accommodations in Rabat were limited. Recent openings include the Four Seasons Hotel Rabat At Kasr Al Bahr, located in a restored 18th-Century palace with oceanfront views, and the Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam, in a 440-acre lush palm grove adjacent to the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam.
“You can feel centuries of history in our streets, monuments and museums, all while enjoying the cool ocean breeze and the city’s surprisingly green vibe,” says D’Ouezzan.
More like this:
