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Africa Morocco Rabat Do & See Kasbah of the Udayas

Overview

Kasbah of the Udayas

The guide was updated: 2024-09-17

Oudayas Kasbah near Rabat's nedina has kept its old cannons placed on a bastion. Its massive gate is entirely carved, while its blue and white walls give it a Mediterranean atmosphere. Cobbled streets lead to the El Atiqa Mosque, the oldest in the city, and on to the old semaphore platform. The view from here, or the terrace of the neighbouring Café Maure, is splendid: Rabat, nearby Salé and Bouregreg river meeting the ocean. The Oudayas Palace, further on up, which now houses the National Museum, has conserved its markedly simple and balanced original decor. The Andalusian Gardens below are a heaven of peace full of fruit trees, rose-laurels and cascades of bougainvilleas.

Useful Information

Address: Oudayas Kasbah, Rabat

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Medina

Medina

You will be surprised by the straight layout of the city's historical heart in sharp contrast to the usual maze of streets. A walk through Rabat's medina could look like this: start your visit at the Bab El Had gate and take Souika Street, the largest and probably busiest street in the medina. You will arrive in the Es Sabat souk, the shoe market, covered with reed mats and overflowing with babouches (leather slippers) as well as silver and gold jewellery. You then come to the partially glass-roofed Rue des Consuls where craftsmen make woollen carpets, fabrics and copperware. The medina also offers low-priced and local food, so do not hesitate to try mint tea, pastillas or tagine.

Kasbah of the Udayas

Kasbah of the Udayas

Oudayas Kasbah near Rabat's nedina has kept its old cannons placed on a bastion. Its massive gate is entirely carved, while its blue and white walls give it a Mediterranean atmosphere. Cobbled streets lead to the El Atiqa Mosque, the oldest in the city, and on to the old semaphore platform. The view from here, or the terrace of the neighbouring Café Maure, is splendid: Rabat, nearby Salé and Bouregreg river meeting the ocean. The Oudayas Palace, further on up, which now houses the National Museum, has conserved its markedly simple and balanced original decor. The Andalusian Gardens below are a heaven of peace full of fruit trees, rose-laurels and cascades of bougainvilleas.

Salé

Salé

From the other side of the mouth of Bouregreg River, Salé, the old city of pirates and Rabat's rival sister, faces the capital. Founded before Rabat at the start of the 12th century, its medina, lined with fountains, magnificent riads, and mosques, buzzes with activity. Don’t forget the medersa, the Koranic school, a renowned chef-d’oeuvre of Merinides art.

Bab Rouah

Bab Rouah

The magnificent Bab Rouah, the "Gate of the Winds", is monumental. It stands out for the richness of its adornments and has become an exhibition gallery. Works of famous Moroccan artists have found their venue under the elaborate arches of the four square rooms.

Chellah Necropolis

Chellah Necropolis

Be sure to visit this peaceful place. As the last residence of the Merinide sovereigns, it is protected by imposing walls, where storks like to build their nests. This is also the location of the ancient Roman city of Salé. You will admire the ruins of a triumphal arch, the forum, thermal baths, and several shops.

Candles Convoy of Salé

Candles Convoy of Salé

Once a year, the city of Salé celebrates the birth of Muhammed (the prophet of Islam) with a Candles Convoy, also known as the Festival of Cierges. Accompanied by musicians and flag bearers, a long parade of men in colourful attire and carrying huge wax lamps comprised of thousands of sculpted and dyed pieces moves through the city's main streets to arrive at the Mausoleum of Sidi Abdallah Ben Hassoune, the city's saint.

Hassan Tower

Hassan Tower

Once intended to be part of the largest mosque in the world, Hassan Tower overlooks Bouregreg river and offers a fantastic view. Equally spectacular is the square in front of the tower, with multiple columns. Every day at 10:45am, you can enter the court of the barracks of the royal guard to attend the ceremony of the hoisting of the colours (the national flag). Also worth a visit is the changing of the mounted guard, which takes place every day at 7:00am in front of Hassan Tower.

Exotic Gardens of Bouknadel

Exotic Gardens of Bouknadel

Don't miss strolling through the gardens of Bouknadel 12 kilometres north of Rabat. Covering 4 hectares, exotic plants from around the world have been planted here in five educational circuits. In the vivarium, you can watch reptiles and amphibians.

Royal Golf Dar Es Salam

Royal Golf Dar Es Salam

At Royal Golf Dar Es Salam golf course, famous Hassan II Trophy was officially started in 1971. The golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones offers splendid fairways snaking between palm and eucalyptus trees and Roman remains. Players such as Vijay Singh, Billy Casper, Santiago Luna, Payne Stewart, Colin Montgomery, and Nick Faldo have distinguished themselves there.

Royal Palace Dar-al-Makhzen

Royal Palace Dar-al-Makhzen

Dar-al-Makhzen (or El Mechouar Essaid Palace) is the official residence of Moroccan royalty. Here, not only important events – like weddings – are held, but you may even witness an official military parade. Surrounded by French-style gardens, the Royal Palace with its iconic mosaic gate is a must-see on your trip to Rabat

Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMVI) features the work of around 200 Moroccan artists. Opened in 2014 and named after the King of Morocco, it offers a mesmerising architecture and varying temporary exhibitions.

Galérie Nougia

Galérie Nougia

Situated in the Kasbah of the Udayas, Galérie Nouiga offers paintings made by local artists, books dedicated to art, postcards and more. It is a perfect place to browse through after a day in the Kasbah. There are changing and permanent exhibitions, not only of Moroccan but of international artists as well. Afterwards, you can enjoy a cup of mint tea or coffee in the gallery’s cafe.

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