Highlights
This week we are heading to Morocco’s capital city, Rabat. The coastal city boasts a rich history of sultan rule along with gorgeous architecture and nature. Morocco’s location in North Africa ranges just west of the Middle East, making it a mecca for leisure and fine dining of all kinds.
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Visit the Museums and Sites
Whether you are a history buff or enjoy exercise and art, Rabat’s offerings reflect its status as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. The sites and museums give a glimpse into Rabat’s past and the impact it has had on generations.
A historic fortress located at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River in Rabat, Kasbah of the Udayas was built in the 12th century. It was originally intended to be a military stronghold with the purpose of defending the Almoravid dynasty against attacks and controlling the Atlantic coast. The dynasty later expanded the Kasbah and it became a prominent site during their reign. Its strategic location made it a key part of Rabat’s defense system during different periods of Moroccan history. Today, the Kasbah represents the blend of history and art that is central to Rabat's cultural identity. It also serves as a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a glimpse into Morocco’s architectural and historical heritage. Listen to this podcast (transcript included) about the history of Rabat and how Kasbah of the Udayas fits into the capital city’s story. Also, check out this video tour of the historic fortress.
The Necropolis of Chellah is an ancient archeological site located on the outskirts of Rabat. Its rich history dates back to Phoenician and Roman times when it was known as Sala Colonia, a Roman settlement. In the 14th century, Sultan Abu al-Hasan Ali of the Merenid dynasty turned it into a royal burial site. He built a mosque, a minaret and a madrasa, transforming the area into a spiritual complex. Over centuries, the Necropolis of Chellah was abandoned, giving it an air of mystery. Today, it contains remnants of Roman structures alongside Islamic monuments, reflecting the layered history of Rabat and the diverse civilizations that occupied the area. The necropolis is a key part of Rabat’s identity, reflecting its role as a historic crossroads of civilizations and cultures, merging ancient history with modern artistic expression. Martin Bailey, a traveling photographer, discussed Necropolis of Chellah in his podcast about his experience in Morocco. A written article accompanies the podcast.
The Hassan Tower is one of Rabat’s most iconic structures. Its construction began in 1195 under the rule of Almohad Sultan Yacoub al-Mansour, who envisioned it as part of a grand mosque that would be one of the largest in the world. The tower was meant to be a 260-foot-tall minaret, but the construction was halted in 1199 following the sultan's death, leaving the tower incomplete at about 140 feet. Despite its state, the Hassan Tower has become a symbol of Rabat's rich historical and architectural heritage. It reflects the ambitions of the Almohad dynasty and their influence on Moroccan and Islamic architecture. Representing the city’s imperial past and its importance as a political and religious center, Hassan Tower is seen as a symbol of Moroccan unity and national pride. Watch the virtual tour of the historical site with captions.
Poupees du Monde translates to Dolls of the World. The museum in Rabat is a unique cultural institution that showcases a diverse collection of dolls from around the globe. It was founded by Meriam El Alami, a Moroccan collector and artist, with the aim of celebrating cultural diversity through the artistic representation of dolls. The museum features dolls dressed in traditional attire from various countries, offering a window into the unique customs and fashion of different cultures. Each doll serves as a miniature ambassador of its culture, providing insight into the values and history of the people it represents. The exhibit offers visitors a chance to explore global diversity through an artistic lens, aligning with Rabat's status as a city with deep historical and artistic roots. Tour Poupees du Monde and learn more about its history thanks to the Morocco Jewish Times. The video tour has captions in 153 languages.
Locals and tourists alike enjoy participating in sport throughout Morocco. From the city to the beaches and mountains, Morocco and the Rabat area offer environments to satisfy any cycler's craving for scenery during a ride. On YouTube, Middle Aged Runaway posted a vlog of his cycling journey along the country’s coast from Rabat to Skhirat. Enjoy the ride, with captions, and feel the wind in your face as you explore the shoreline.
The Andalusian Gardens were created in the early 20th century during the French protectorate period. Designed by French landscape architects, the gardens are filled with lush greenery, orange trees and vibrant flowers. Experience its peaceful ambiance through a walking tour, which includes captions. Listen to breathtaking tunes with this podcast. They are inspired by the traditional Islamic gardens of Andalusia, blending nature with art and architecture. The gardens were intended as a peaceful retreat and an homage to Morocco's Andalusian heritage, which dates back to the arrival of Muslim refugees expelled from Spain after the fall of Al-Andalus. The gardens also contribute to Rabat’s image as a city of heritage, beauty, and cultural preservation, making it a popular destination for both residents and visitors.
Tune in to Shows and Movies About Rabat
Rabat lends its namesake to a 2011 Dutch road film directed by Jim Taihuttu and Victor Ponten. It follows three friends on a journey from the Netherlands to Morocco, specifically to Rabat. The story revolves around Nadir, who must deliver his father’s taxi to an unknown recipient in Rabat, accompanied by his friends Zakaria and Abdel. As they travel across Europe and North Africa, Rabat explores themes of friendship, identity and cultural belonging. Though not solely focused on Rabat itself, the film highlights the city as the final destination, symbolizing a return to cultural roots and the exploration of heritage. By connecting the experiences of the Moroccan descents in Europe with their ancestral homeland, Rabat illustrates the emotional and cultural ties between Moroccans in the homeland and abroad. You can buy the film on Amazon in the United States. It may be available in other countries on streaming platforms.
Hideous Kinky stars Kate Winslet in a movie describing her journey from England to Morocco with her two young girls. Winslet, acting as Julia, goes in search of adventure and love away from her cheating partner. We will learn more about the movie’s foundation later on. For now, check out the film on platforms such as Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Pluto TV with captions.
Moroccan film director Med Hondo, considered a pioneer of African cinema, led the critically acclaimed production of Soleil Ô. It is available on the Criterion Channel, which is connected to platforms with captions and audio descriptions such as Roku TV, Apple TV and Amazon Prime. The film follows the journey of a young African immigrant in France, grappling with systemic racism as he searches for a better life. Using a mix of narrative and documentary-style storytelling, Hondo critiques the legacy of colonialism and the dehumanizing effects of capitalism on African migrants. Soleil Ô is considered a landmark in African cinema, celebrated for its bold critique of racial and social injustices along with its innovative storytelling techniques.
Time Out, directed by Laurent Cantet, received support from up and coming filmmaker Robin Campillo. The Moroccan frequently collaborated with Cantet and co-wrote the screenplay for the 2001 film, which received recognition from the Guardian and The A.V. Club. Following Vincent, a jobless family man who conceals the truth about his employment status to his loved ones, the film showcases themes of isolation resulting from societal expectations. Check out TV Guide for directions on where to stream this film in your region.
While the city has not inspired many films and shows available for distribution virtually, countless action productions sought out Morocco and locations close to Rabat as the perfect shoot locations.
Mission Impossible — Rogue Nation, starring Tom Cruise and Rebecca Ferguson, filmed partially in Rabat. In fact, filming forced a 14-day closure of the Marrakesh Highway in 2014. John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum shot portions of the movie in the country’s Saharan region, 54 miles southwest of the capital city. From beaches to cityscapes and deserts, Morocco offers a variety of scenes appealing to the eyes of moviegoers. You can watch both films on Amazon Prime with captions and audio descriptions.
Get Lost in Books About Rabat
An Arab Melancholia by Abdellah Taïa, a Rabat native, is a semi-autobiographical novel that traces the experiences of a young, gay Moroccan man navigating desire and identity in the Arab world. The protagonist reflects on his relationships and struggles with acceptance as he moves between Morocco, Egypt and Europe, grappling with cultural expectations and his search for belonging. Taïa captures the melancholy of isolation and the longing for freedom in a society where homosexuality is taboo. The novel highlights Rabat’s role as Morocco’s political and intellectual center, where issues of personal freedom and social norms are often contested. As Rabat becomes more open to diverse expressions, Taïa’s themes of marginalized identity and self-acceptance offer a powerful reflection on the challenges and beauty of living authentically in a society navigating tradition and modernity. Read his story in a paperback edition.
Suzanna Clarke’s memoir, A House in Fez: Building a Life in the Ancient Heart of Morocco, chronicles her journey of purchasing and restoring a traditional riad in the ancient medina of Fez. Through this process, Clarke immerses herself in Moroccan culture, learning about local customs and the challenges of preserving historical architecture. The book offers a rich depiction of Moroccan life, highlighting the intersection of tradition and modernity and the complexities of navigating cultural differences as a foreigner in Morocco. Like Fez, Rabat is a city where history, art and preservation play significant roles. The commitment to preserving its historic monuments, such as the Kasbah of the Udayas and Hassan Tower, mirrors the themes of cultural preservation and adaptation explored in Clarke’s narrative. The book is available in paperback on Bookshop. Check out the Kindle version on Amazon and the audible format.
The fusion of Moorish and North African exploration is depicted in The Moor's Account by Laila Lalami, a Rabat native. Check out the paperback or Kindle editions along with the audiobook. The historical novel reimagines the journey of Estebanico, a Moroccan slave and the first known Black explorer of America. Estebanico, whose real name is Mustafa al-Zamori, accompanies Spanish conquistadors on the Narváez expedition in the 16th century, facing survival and cultural encounters that reshape his identity. Narrated from Estebanico's perspective, the story challenges Eurocentric historical accounts and presents a narrative of diverse perspectives that shaped early colonial history. The novel’s themes of Moroccan resilience and the reclaiming of marginalized voices resonate strongly. It celebrates the contributions of Moroccans to global history.
Another novel from the desk of Lalami is Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits. It tells the stories of four Moroccan migrants risking their lives while crossing the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain, each driven by personal struggles and dreams of a better future. The characters come from diverse backgrounds and reflect on their hopes and hardships throughout the dangerous journey. It reveals the challenges of poverty, limited opportunities, and societal pressures in Morocco. Lalami paints a vivid picture of life in Morocco and the complexities of migration. Listen to the audiobook or check out the paperback and Kindle versions.
Remember Hideous Kinky? The movie adaptation is inspired by the book, which is available in paperback and Kindle formats. Julia, the hippie mother who moves with her two daughters from London to Morocco in search of adventure and, perhaps, love. Author Esther Freud uses the book as a semi-autobiographical piece on her childhood and tells the story through the viewpoint of the two children, both of whom are under eight years old. Hideous Kinky explores the girls' experiences in a foreign land, balancing wonder and instability as they navigate Moroccan culture and their mother’s unpredictable lifestyle.
Bring Rabat to Your Kitchen
Have you ever tried pancakes? Msmen is Morocco’s version of the classic breakfast, though these take on more of a flatbread appearance. The flaky and crispy dish can be served as a savory bite with vegetables such as peppers, onions and beans. A no-bake dish, msmen is typically served at breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Check out this no-bake and vegan recipe.
Zaalouk, a staple in any Moroccan eatery, is a vegan and gluten free dip filled with veggies and seasonings that packs a punch. You can snack on this dip throughout the day or enjoy it as an appetizer with pita chips, toasted bread or even over rice. Give this recipe a try and immerse yourself in the taste of Morocco.
Now for a main dish! Reminiscent of stew that warms the body on a chilly day, Tagine combines potatoes and vegetables with Moroccan spices. The one pot meal is sure to transport any foodie to the finest restaurants in the capital city of Rabat. This vegan recipe substitutes chickpeas for protein.
Dubbed the “Moroccan creme brûlée”, Muhallabia is a creamy dessert light enough to top off your evening meal without adding any guilt. Indulge in this creamy delight with nodes or orange and rose. Try this vegan and gluten free recipe, which includes recommendations for different types of milk.
Where to Next?
Thanks for wandering Rabat with us virtually. Join us next time as we explore Barcelona!
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