Rabat - the city of the blue fortress, kings and storks

Marrakech, Rabat seemed completely different to us. Calm, green, neat, it seems to be in no hurry. Here, wide avenues are replaced by ancient streets, and majestic monuments are adjacent to cozy gardens.

Rabat has a lot to offer, and one of the most fascinating spots is Shella - this is actually where the city's history started. What's really cool about Shella is how it brings together two different eras in a beautiful way: you've got ancient Roman ruins right next to elegant buildings from the Marinid era. The intricate carvings on the minaret, the peaceful gardens, and the whole ancient complex all work together to transport visitors back in time, giving them a sense of what life was like centuries ago. As you walk through Shella, you can't help but feel like you're on a journey through the ages. In the past, the Roman city of Sala Colonia stood on this very spot, but centuries later, the rulers of the Marinid dynasty transformed it into a grand royal burial ground. Now, as you walk among the ancient columns and ruins of temples, mosques, and mausoleums, you're met with an eerie silence. What made our visit even more special was that we were the first ones to arrive, so we got to soak in the tranquility of this incredible place all by ourselves. All of a sudden, the quiet was shattered by a loud, harsh croak. And then, out of nowhere, a massive stork appeared, its wing beating the air just inches above my head.

“Wow! It looks like a small but very warlike dragon from Game of Thrones. It must be protecting its chicks!” said Arian.

Storks have been building their nests on the tops of the ancient walls for decades, and it seems that they are the real masters of this ancient city. As we made our way back to the medina, we walked through the impressive Bab el-Had gate. The name Bab el-Had actually translates to "Gate of the Sunday Market", and that's because, for centuries, this very spot was home to Rabat's biggest and busiest bazaar every Sunday. This stunning gate has been welcoming people to the old city for over 800 years, and it's still an iconic landmark today. As we made our way to the neighboring city of Sale, we stumbled upon another iconic landmark - the Bab el-Mrissa gate. This gate was more than just an entrance to the city back in the 13th century; it was a gateway to the sea. Ships would sail along the canal that connected the city to the Bou Regreg River and pass under a massive arch to reach the military harbor. Although the canal is no longer there, the imposing walls still stand, and it's easy to envision the hustle and bustle of a medieval port that once thrived here.

One of the top attractions in Rabat is the Kasbah of the Udayas, an ancient fortress that overlooks the spot where the Bou Regreg River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Construction on the kasbah began in the 12th century during the Almohads' rule, and later the Udayas tribe made it their home, giving the fortress its name. Today, the kasbah has the charm of a small, fairy-tale town. Behind its sturdy walls, narrow streets wind through the complex, lined with houses that have snow-white walls, bright blue doors, and shutters. As you wander through this maze, it feels like time has stood still for centuries. The windowsills are adorned with vibrant flowers, cats lounge lazily in the sun, and the observation decks offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The kasbah's unique blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty makes it a must-visit destination. With its rich past and picturesque present, it's a place where the old and the new blend seamlessly together, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors. As you explore the kasbah, you can't help but feel a sense of awe at the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the people who built it so many centuries ago. The attention to detail, the choice of materials, and the overall design all come together to create a truly unique and captivating place.

Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or simply want to experience the beauty of Morocco, the Kasbah of the Udayas is a destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression. In the heart of the Kasbah, you'll find these charming Andalusian gardens, where tranquility and serenity fill the air. As you wander through the gardens, the soft shade of the alleys envelops you, inviting you to slow down and unwind. Take a seat by the gentle fountain, breathe in the sweet fragrance of the blooming flowers, and let the melodic songs of the birds be your soothing soundtrack. It's a haven of peace, where time stands still, and all that's left to do is bask in the beauty of nature. In the heart of the gardens, you'll find the National Museum of Jewelry, which Erica and I absolutely loved. The museum is home to an impressive collection of jewelry, featuring stunning silver necklaces, massive bracelets, elegant brooches, and an array of precious stones, including amber and corals - all of which are remarkably large. With a total of around 350 pieces on display, the museum showcases a selection of jewelry from King Mohammed VI's personal collection, as well as the extraordinary Bizmoun necklace, estimated to be a staggering 150,000 years old, making it the oldest known piece of jewelry in the world. The sheer scale and beauty of these pieces left us in awe. — Take a picture of me with this necklace! And with these bracelets! And with that crown! — Erica ran from exhibit to exhibit. The Mausoleum of Mohammed V is a truly breathtaking sight, and it's no wonder it's one of the main symbols of modern Morocco. This stunning building, with its snow-white walls and green roof, is a masterpiece of elegance and sophistication. What's even more impressive is the fact that it took hundreds of skilled Moroccan craftsmen almost ten years to complete, painstakingly hand-decorating the mausoleum with intricate cedar carvings, vibrant mosaics, and beautiful marble. Inside, you'll find the final resting place of King Mohammed V, the man who bravely led Morocco to independence, as well as his son, King Hassan II, and Prince Moulay Abdallah, who are buried alongside him.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the mausoleum is the way the sarcophagi are positioned below floor level, allowing visitors to gaze down at them from a spacious gallery above, which lends a sense of solemnity and reverence to the space. As you approach the entrance, you'll be greeted by royal guards standing motionless in their bright ceremonial uniforms, their horses frozen in place like statues, creating an atmosphere that's almost surreal, like stepping into an old painting. The level of detail and craftsmanship that has gone into creating this magnificent monument is a testament to the rich history and culture of Morocco, and it's an experience that will leave you in awe. Erica kept staring at one of the guards, her eyes fixed on him for several minutes without looking away.

— Do you really think he'll even flinch? — she asked her dad.

We just stood there, not saying a word, for about another minute. The whole time, the guard didn't budge, he just kept standing there, completely still. Erica burst out laughing and said, "It looks just like a statue!" Being close to the Hassan Tower, a huge minaret from the 12th century, makes this place even more amazing.

A long time ago, people wanted to build the biggest mosque in the world here, but after the sultan died, the project was abandoned. Now, the tower that was never finished and the beautiful mausoleum are two of the most famous buildings in Morocco, and they look really great together. The tower and the mausoleum are a big part of what makes Morocco's architecture so special, and they attract a lot of visitors. Even though the mosque was never completed, the buildings that were finished are still very impressive and show off the country's rich history.

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