Rabat was designated as an Imperial City in the 18th Century by the Sultan who built the Dar al-Makhzan Palace. At that time, the capital was moving frequently between Rabat, Fes and Marrakech.

Since 1956 and the demise of the French protectorate, Rabat has been Morocco’s political and administrative capital.

Rabat is a quieter and more provincial city than Casablanca but one with a long and rich history and plenty of monuments to show for it. It is well maintained with stunning architecture and tree-lined streets.

Some of the highlights are the picturesque Kasbah, with its narrow alleys and magnificent ocean views, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Chellah, a medieval fortified necropolis overlooking the river..

The Musee Mohammed VI d’Art Moderne et Contemporain, which opened in October 2014, is Morocco’s first large scale museum built since Morocco gained its independence.

The City of Rabat was awarded World Heritage Site status in 2012.