Rabat is the capital city of Morocco. It is populated by 1.800.000 people (2009 estimate) and its the second largest and the second most important Moroccan city after Casablanca. Its is situated at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg, on the Atlantic Ocean's Moroccan shores.
The history of the city dates back on the 3rd cent. BC. That time there was a settlement there called Chellah. The city was occupied by the Romans and many centuries ago by Arabic people. It was recalled Ribatu I-Fath (=stronghold of victory) in the mid 12th century due its military importance, from which it derives its current name. Rabat played key role in the Arab-Spanish wars and thus it bacame the capital of the empire of Yaqub al-Mansur.
The city faced several adventures until eventually in 1912 followed the common Moroccan faith to became a city of a french protectorate. After Morocco achieved independence, Rabat remained Morocco's capital.
Major Sights
- Chellah - A necropolis of ancient and medieval ruins, located in the modern section of Rabat
- The Mauseleum of King Mohammed V - A masterpiece of modern Alaouite architecture. It contains the tombs of the king and his two sons King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah
- Hassan Tower - A minaret of an incomplete mosque of the 12th century. It was intented to be the highest mosque of its time but left unfinished
(Source: Wiki Rabat portal)
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