Rabat

About

Rabat was founded in the 12th century as a port for launching attacks on Iberia, and the city briefly served as Morocco’s medieval capital. After nearly being abandoned, Rabat became a stronghold for Barbary pirates in the 16th century, and they continued to use the port until the mid 19th century. In 1929, the French made Rabat Morocco’s capital and revitalized the city. Unlike Morocco’s other major cities, Rabat is relatively quiet, meaning you can peacefully explore the medieval alleys of its UNESCO-listed medina, and blue-painted walls of the kasbah. Don’t miss the Hassan Tower - the minaret and ruins of what would have been the world’s largest mosque when it was commissioned in 1195 by Caliphate Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur.