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Chellah Necropolis, Rabat (must see)
The Chellah Necropolis, also known as Shalla, stands as one of Rabat’s most evocative historical sites, an archaeological palimpsest of Roman ruins and medieval Islamic architecture. Perched on the left bank of the Bou Regreg estuary, this site bears witness to the city’s transformation across centuries—from a Phoenician trading post to a Roman colony, then a Marinid necropolis, and now a UNESCO World Heritage site that captivates history lovers and casual wanderers alike.
Long before the Marinid dynasty left its imprint on Chellah, this land was home to Sala Colonia, a Roman settlement in the province of Mauretania Tingitana. Founded in the 1st century BC, it was once a bustling trade hub before being abandoned in Late Antiquity. Today, remnants of Roman walls, streets, and structures stand amid the overgrown gardens, offering visitors a glimpse into Morocco’s deeper Mediterranean past.
By the 13th century, the Marinid dynasty reimagined the site as a dynastic necropolis, turning the ruins into a sanctuary of Islamic architecture. Sultan Abu al-Hasan Ali enclosed part of the site with imposing walls and commissioned a mosque, tombs, and religious structures to honor the royal dead. The minaret, adorned with zellij (mosaic tiles) and still standing today, once echoed with the call to prayer. However, the necropolis gradually fell into decline by the 15th century, suffering from earthquakes and looting, leaving behind a romantic yet haunting ruin.
Far from being a mere relic of the past, Chellah has evolved into a serene oasis within Rabat. Lush gardens and pathways, shaded by ancient walls, create a tranquil retreat from the city's bustle. The site's avian residents—most famously, white storks—have claimed the towering ruins as their nesting ground, adding an almost mystical atmosphere as they soar overhead.
Beyond its archaeological wonders, Chellah remains a vibrant cultural landmark. It hosts Jazz au Chellah, an annual festival blending music with history, drawing artists from around the world. Whether you come for the history, the architecture, or the ambiance, Chellah stands as a testament to Rabat’s layered past, where every stone tells a story, and where civilizations—Roman, Islamic, and modern—converge in quiet harmony.
Long before the Marinid dynasty left its imprint on Chellah, this land was home to Sala Colonia, a Roman settlement in the province of Mauretania Tingitana. Founded in the 1st century BC, it was once a bustling trade hub before being abandoned in Late Antiquity. Today, remnants of Roman walls, streets, and structures stand amid the overgrown gardens, offering visitors a glimpse into Morocco’s deeper Mediterranean past.
By the 13th century, the Marinid dynasty reimagined the site as a dynastic necropolis, turning the ruins into a sanctuary of Islamic architecture. Sultan Abu al-Hasan Ali enclosed part of the site with imposing walls and commissioned a mosque, tombs, and religious structures to honor the royal dead. The minaret, adorned with zellij (mosaic tiles) and still standing today, once echoed with the call to prayer. However, the necropolis gradually fell into decline by the 15th century, suffering from earthquakes and looting, leaving behind a romantic yet haunting ruin.
Far from being a mere relic of the past, Chellah has evolved into a serene oasis within Rabat. Lush gardens and pathways, shaded by ancient walls, create a tranquil retreat from the city's bustle. The site's avian residents—most famously, white storks—have claimed the towering ruins as their nesting ground, adding an almost mystical atmosphere as they soar overhead.
Beyond its archaeological wonders, Chellah remains a vibrant cultural landmark. It hosts Jazz au Chellah, an annual festival blending music with history, drawing artists from around the world. Whether you come for the history, the architecture, or the ambiance, Chellah stands as a testament to Rabat’s layered past, where every stone tells a story, and where civilizations—Roman, Islamic, and modern—converge in quiet harmony.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rabat. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Chellah Necropolis on Map
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Sight Name: Chellah Necropolis
Sight Location: Rabat, Morocco (See walking tours in Rabat)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Rabat, Morocco (See walking tours in Rabat)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Rabat, Morocco
Create Your Own Walk in Rabat
Creating your own self-guided walk in Rabat is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Rabat Introduction Walking Tour
Resting on the shores of the Bouregreg River and Atlantic Ocean, the capital city of Morocco, Rabat, is known for its picturesque natural surroundings, much as for its man-made beauty manifested in a mix of old and new architecture (featuring Islamic and French-colonial styles), abundance of mosques and historic monuments. The Medina (Old City) of Rabat is a World Heritage Site.
Rabat was... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Rabat was... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Rabat Shopping Walk
Rabat is heaven for those who love shopping. Indeed, the abundance of shopping opportunities – traditional markets and shopping streets – in this city gives no reason to doubt that. There you can find all kinds of oriental delights you can possibly think of.
One of Rabat's top shopping destinations is Consuls Street (rue des Consuls). Steeped in a 500-year history, this street houses... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
One of Rabat's top shopping destinations is Consuls Street (rue des Consuls). Steeped in a 500-year history, this street houses... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles