 Imagine a white city rising up majestically at the estuary of a river, a city whose history goes back to the Antiquity, whose beauties have been enhanced over the centuries, a city chosen to be the capital of the Almohed empire in the 12th century, then of present-day Morocco: that city is Rabat, the Royal city. Rabat is the setting for the Royal Palace of his Majesty Hassan II. It is the seat of government, and of the ministries. Rabat boasts the biggest university in the country and the city abounds in shops, bookshops, cinemas and theatres. Rabat, the Royal city, gives its visitors a royal welcome.
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Five major gate stand at the entrances to Rabat. Decorated with ornate festoons, tracery and floral arabesques and large shells. Bab er-Rouah (Gate of the Winds) is the finest. Monumental and magnificent, it regularly houses exhibitions. You will probably have the opportunity of seeing one while you are there.
AN ABSOLUTE MUST
The Carpet Auction- In the general excitement, a man clad in djellabah raises his hand. All eyes turn to him. You raise the bid. Everyone hold their breath. Bravo! You carry off the carpet of your dreams. The carpet auction takes place every Thursday, in the rue des Consuls in Rabat.
The Potters' Village-
Look at this lump of clay. At present, it is shapeless and red. The potters feet turn the wheel, he
presses the clay between his fingers and now it is flat, it rises, takes shape. Through the potters' skill, it has become a tagine, a goblet, a jar or a pot. The potters' village is just outside Rabat, on the road to Méknes.
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