Rabat – Located alongside the Atlantic coast of Morocco, the Rabat-Salé-Kenitra region is one of the Kingdom’s popular tourist attractions. Rabat is known for its ability to merge the traditional and modern aspects of the country. The area is home to 4.5 million people and is considered a hub for culture, arts and a beacon of light for the whole continent.
As the name suggests, Kenitra, Salé, and Rabat, the capital city of the Kingdom, are the most prominent cities of the region. The convergence of beauty, tranquility, elegance, and modernity within the region is what makes it such an interesting destination for tourists from both inside and outside of the country.
Rabat:
Rabat, the capital of the Kingdom, has a lot to offer in terms of beautiful architecture, historical sites, traditional music, and delicious food. For all of these reasons, the Committee of African Capitals of Culture chose Rabat as this year’s African Capital of Culture. To celebrate this achievement the city held a number of events and activities. 
Chellah, Rabat
Due to the rich history of the region, Rabat today offers a wonderful and rich experience, from watching the sunset on the Atlantic ocean from the historic Kasbah, to drinking tea in the alleys of the Old Medina. The city is known for its historical landmarks that attract tourists from all over the world each year.
Kasbah of the Udayas:
Situated on the left bank of the Bou Regreg River, and along the coast of the Atlantic, the historic fortification, or Kasbah, was first built by the Almohads in the 12th century. The Kasbah’s beautiful narrow streets, breathtaking botanical gardens and interesting museum, offer its visitors an exceptional experience that they will forever remember and cherish. 
The Kasbah’s garden
The Kasbah’s garden is described by many as a sanctuary. complimented by the beautiful architecture of the walls and the fountain, the green leaves of the trees, and the bright colors of the flowers, the garden offers a sense of serenity and happiness to its visitors. Locals and tourists rush to the garden to walk around and appreciate the beauty it has to offer.
The garden leads to the National Jewelry Museum, which holds within its walls the history of jewelry making and so many old artifacts that showcase the beauty of Moroccan history. It also celebrates the culture of all the regions of Morocco with traditional clothes and jewelry from all around the nation.
Through the narrow white streets of the Kasbah, hidden gems are scattered everywhere, starting with intimate cafes with mesmerizing views over the Atlantic and the Bou Regreg river and ending with book stores and art galleries.
Out of all what Rabat has to offer, the Kasbah of the Udayas is a must see.
Hassan Tower:
Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur, ordered the building of the mosque in the 12th century that was intended to become one of the largest mosques in the world, but his death halted the construction. With only the minaret of the mosque and unfinished walls and columns, the incomplete mosque became one of the greatest sites to visit in Rabat.
Located at the mouth of the Bou Regreg river, the tower can be seen from the neighboring city of Salé. When it is dark, its beautiful design makes it stand as a testament to the beauty of Moroccan culture and history, and as a reflection of the city of modernity in the country and on the continent.
The Mausoleum of Mohammed V:
the Mausoleum of Mohammed V
Beyond the Hassan Tower and its 348 columns, stands the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. The building is considered as a prime representation of Moroccan modern architecture. Its beauty is often described as unparalleled and unmatched. The monument was created in 1971 to honor the memory of the late King Mohammed V and later on the memories of his two sons, late King Hassan II and late Prince Moulay Abdallah. The inside of the mausoleum has everything that Moroccan architecture has to offer from zellij mosaics to traditional hand-made ceilings.
The combination of the unfinished beauty of the Hassan Tower and the modern architecture of the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, is what Rabat is all about. The city succeeded in renovating itself as a city of light and modernity while staying true to its originality and to its nickname as Morocco’s capital of culture.
The Old Medina:
After the death of Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur, Rabat was abandoned, which made it an appealing destination to the people who were chased away from their homes in Spain during the 17th century. Many people came to Rabat and settled in the location of the Medina. This significant influx of people from different backgrounds helped enrich Rabat’s cultural heritage.
From old mosques and houses to small shops along the sides of the streets, Rabat’s Medina is a lot less hard to navigate compared to other old medinas across the country. Rabat is known for its beautiful carpets, but that does not stop shop owners in the Medina from selling other traditional goods from a variety of regions in Morocco. From clothes to jewelry, the techniques to create such splendid objects are passed on from father to son in an attempt to preserve the traditional craft.
The medina is also known for freezing time for its visitors so that they can get the full experience and immerse themselves in what the medina has to offer for its visitors. The Medina is often regarded as the epicenter and the beating heart of Rabat, and its architecture and beauty are a testament to the city’s mix of history and modernity.
Mawazine:
Rabat is known for its exceptional festivals and Mawazine is one of the most prominent of them all. The international music festival is another testament to Rabat’s modernity and diversity, and an initiative to promote Rabat and the country to the world. The festival is seen as one of the biggest festivals in the world, with a large number of visitors, 2.5 million in 2013, and welcoming performers from all over the world.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the annual festival was forced to stop for the past three years, but it has been confirmed by Maroc Culture Association that Mawazine will return in 2024.
During the festival, Rabat attracts thousands of people from all over the country and the world, due to the wide range of genres the festival offers, making it clear to the world that Rabat is a city of modernity, culture, and diversity.
Salé:
On the other side of the Bou Regreg River is the neighboring city of Salé, one that shares a close and common history with the capital. The historic city has its own charm which stands apart from other cities in Morocco. Salé has a rich history and culture that can be explored in the city’s beautiful architecture and monuments. Salé has a very rich and interesting maritime history, which made it very well known to people from all over the world.
Though a much quieter city, the beauty and elegance of Salé is deafening. Many people working in Rabat have chosen Salé to settle, regardless of the commute via public transport each day.
The city is home to so many religious monuments, mosques and mausoleums and other monuments that are regarded as architectural masterpieces.
The Great Mosque of Salé:
The mosque had a rich history. It was first built in the 12th century under the rule of Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur, after the old city mosque collapsed. With a very tall traditional minaret and nine gates to enter the Great Mosque, the monument’s design and architecture were impeccable.
Even though its present appearance dates back to the 18th century, the rich history of the mosque is visible in the crevices and the zellij adorning its walls, which have undergone numerous renovations over the years.
Medina of Salé:
The old medina of Salé, amongst the oldest medinas in Morocco, is surrounded with a tall stone wall which made it a thorn in the side of conquerors. Among the gates of the medina Bab el-Mrissa is the most renowned, which is one of the oldest and largest gates in Morocco. The gate is often regarded as a landmark of Salé. Bab el-Mrissa, or Bab al-Mellah, was created after the Marinid dynasty regained control over the city during the battle of Salé, and created as a defensive measure to protect the city from further incursions.
The carved decoration on the walls and gates of the city is one of the main attractions of Salé. The horseshoe-shaped gates are only the beginning when it comes to the beauty of the medina and of the city. Salé’s old medina is home to some unique traditional goods that are very well known in the region and in the Kingdom.
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Salé is known for its pottery, ironwork, and basketry, which are most of the products sold within the walls of the medina, among other moroccan goods of traditional crafts.
Wandering along the narrow streets of the Medina of Salé is a wonderful experience that many people around the world have appreciated. The architecture of the streets, design of the traditional goods, the colorful products, and the different smells of food are all part of the Medina’s charm.
Marina Bouregreg:
The marina is situated on the right bank of the Bou Regreg River with a view on Rabat’s historical monuments such as the Hassan Tower and The Kasbah, all of which add to the beauty of the city. The luxurious modern marina offers a variety of activities and events to everyone. It has classy and beautiful restaurants and cafes for the people who want to have dinner or enjoy a hot cup of coffee with a beautiful view. It offers fun activities for adrenaline seekers, including water sports such as paddling, jet skiing, and surfing.
It is also perfect for a morning run or a night time walk for people who just want to take in the beauty of the Marina, the Bou Regreg river, the Atlantic Ocean, and the amazing monuments of Rabat.
The Marina became a common destination for people from Salé and Rabat as well as for national and international tourists. The destination quickly became part and parcel of the region’s beauty and a pillar of the two cities’ nightlife.
Madrasa of Abu al-Hasan:
The word ‘madrasa’ is used to refer to an educational institution in the Arab world, which usually was a religious school in the past. The Madrasa of Abu al-Hasan is the most memorable madrasa from Salé’s past; it was constructed next to the Great Mosque of Salé in the 14th century, to concentrate religion and education in one place in the city.
The architecture of the madrasa is noteworthy. With decorated marble columns, and carved wooden ceilings, and zellij tiles all over the courtyard, the madrasa offers a memorable experience for its visitors, who can clearly notice the combination between the old and the new and a great opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich history and culture of the city.
Kenitra:
Kenitra, located 40 km north of Rabat, is the third main city of the region. The city is well known for its tranquility and peacefulness. It is sitting on the south bank of the Sebou River, which makes its port the first and only river port of Morocco. Kenitra is also known as the country’s agricultural capital, due to its export of agricultural products.
The city is one of the largest in Morocco and is known for the generosity of its people and the beauty of its streets and buildings. Its calming effect is intoxicating for whomever steps foot within the city.
During the French Protectorate, the city was built by the French resident-general in Morocco Hubert Lyautey as a french military fort in 1912 under the name ‘Port Lyautey.’ After Morocco’s Independence in 1956, the city was named ‘Quneitra’ and it quickly became one of the most successful shipping centers for agricultural products.
Kenitra has a lot to offer to its residents and visitors, including beautiful natural parks, interesting coffee shops, breathtaking architecture of buildings and streets, and a calm and relaxing beach.
The Kasbah Mahdiyya:
The Kasbah was the first building to exist in that location. Situated at the mouth of Sebou River 8 km from the city, the kasbah had a strategic location which made it an appealing sight to behold. Later on, a small city grew around the Kasbah named Mehdya.
The Mamora Forest:
Whenever on vacation, one might want to seek a calm and relaxing place to recharge and get away from the noise of the city, that is why the Mamora forest is such a popular tourist attraction. The Mamora Forest offers not only a shade from the sun but also a respite from the city’s noise and lights, providing another source of tranquility and peacefulness in Kenitra.
The forest is home to 50% of Morocco’s cork trees and a plethora of bird types that bird watchers. Many small communities with a population of over 30,000 people are living off their crops and livestock in the surrounding areas around the forest.
The region of Rabat – Salé – Kenitra is rich in history and in culture. From the allure of the Kasbah and the modernity of Rabat, to the historic beauty of the Medina of Salé and the tranquility of Kenitra. The region has some of the most interesting historical monuments in Morocco, alongside a beautiful landscape and touristic sites that mesmerize anyone who lays eyes on it.
The region has successfully merged the old and the new, and presents itself as a region of modernity and inspiration for the country and the continent, which makes it a must-see for people from all over the world.
