Bou Regreg River

The Bou Regreg river is an important protagonist in the foundation of several early days colonies in Morocco, such as Chellah, one of the oldest settlements in the country, dating back to the 3rd century. The colony was founded by Phoenician explorers and later controlled by Carthaginian explorers. Rabat, on the other hand, is located at the mouth of the Bou Regret river, opposite to Sale.

If you would like to enjoy a historic visit to one of the cities which existence is thanks to the Bou Regreg river, then Chellah is a good option. The city is a medieval fortified town of Roman Mauretania ruins and Muslim necropolis. It is a calm tourist destination and has a beautiful garden. Usually 1h to 3h in the site are enough, depending on how much you would like to explore it. Visitors can reach it by foot (15 minute-walk from Rabat Ville station) or by taxi. Tickets cost US$7 for adults and half price for children. 

Some of the highlights are the Roman columns and statues with Latin inscriptions and stone aqueducts, the forum, the Temple of Jupiter, the Arc de Triumph, and the Pool of the Nymph. An ancient minaret is the tallest structure in Chellah and nearby it you will find the tomb of Abou el Hassan, one of the most important Merenid rulers, a small madrasa (school) and an ornamental pool. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012. 

Rabat is the capital of Morocco, the second biggest city in the country and one of the four imperial cities. But unlikely most of capitals, it is a generally speaking calm place, maybe because it benefits from the Bou Regreg river and the coastal atmosphere, which give Rabat a more serene profile if compared to other cities in Morocco. 

The city was founded in the XII century and is of rich history. There is a lot to see in the old town, which still is surrounded by ramparts. Visit the medina, which compared to other medinas in Morocco is hassle-free; there you will find carpets, embroidered fabrics, and other typical Moroccan items, such as lamps, jewellery, antiques, and wooden products at good prices (but not without bargaining). Kasbah des Oudaïa is another interesting attraction; also UNESCO's World Heritage Site, this fortress originally built in the XII century was home to many Arab tribes, Andalusian immigrants, and Moroccan sultans. At the entrance of the Kasbah you will find a beautifully decorated Almohad gateway called Bab Oudaia. And once finishing your tour in the Kasbah, right next to it are the Andalusian Gardens and Oudayas Museum, one of the most visited places in the city. The gardens were built in French style in 1920 and the museum displays a lot of information on Rabat’s history and art works. 

Not less important is the Royal Palace, even though visitors can only admire the exterior. It was built in 1864 by French architects but with Arab inspiration. Another symbol of Rabat definitely is the Tower of Hassan. The site is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and

within its walls there is a calm place of indigo and white colours. And finally, very close to Hassan Tower you can visit the mausoleum where is the beautiful tomb of King Muhammad V, guarded by the Moroccan Royal Guard.