The Chellah

These walled ruins on a site originally settled by the Phoenicians and then controlled by the Romans beginning in A.D. 40, are Rabat’s oldest site. Beautiful enscripted marble pillars and the remains of the Roman forum can still be seen today.

The city became a hub for Christianity in the 2nd century, and although the Romans withdrew in the 5th century it remained a city of Christian Imazighen (Berbers) until they surrendered to Arab Muslims in the 7th century. In 1174, the Almohad Caliphate began turning the site into a necropolis to bury their royals. A minaret was built in 1284 and still stands today, along with much of the necropolis.

In the green gardens behind the ancient tombs, you will see the charming site of a woman surrounded by the dozen of cats she cares for. There is also an eel pond filled with coins at the bottom, where women traditionally go to wish for fertility.