Rabat

Welcome To Rabat

Rabat (Arabic: الرباط‎, Ar-Ribāṭ) is the capital city of Morocco and the political, administrative, and diplomatic heart of the country. Located on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Bouregreg River, Rabat blends modern government institutions with a historic medina, colonial architecture, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Rabat is known for being clean, calm, and organized, making it one of the most livable cities in Morocco.

Historical Background

Rabat’s history stretches back to Phoenician and Roman times, when a settlement known as Sala Colonia existed near present-day Chellah.

The city gained importance in the 12th century, when Almohad caliph Abd al-Mu’min built a ribat (fortress) to launch campaigns in Al-Andalus. His successor, Yaqub al-Mansur, began constructing a vast imperial capital, including the Hassan Tower and city walls, though it was never completed.

During the 17th century, Rabat became part of the Republic of Bou Regreg, a semi-independent base for pirates from Andalusia. In the 20th century, Rabat became the capital of the French Protectorate (1912) and retained its status as Morocco’s capital after independence in 1956.

Today, Rabat houses royal palaces, embassies, government buildings, and remains one of the four imperial cities of Morocco.