- Address: Rabat, Morocco
- Opening hours: 24 hours, Saturday-Sunday - closed
- Phone: +212 690-271279
- Basis: 1158 years
- Material of construction: sandstone-shell rock
The capital of the Moroccan state - Rabat - is truly a unique city. Its architecture, culture and the atmosphere itself are an amazing blend of European and Oriental cultures. This also affects the sights of Rabat, the central of which is Kasba Udaiya - an ancient city fortress.
The main attraction of Rabat - Kasba Udaya
Kasbah in the Arab world has long been called the citadel, which served to protect against armed attacks of nomads. In the old days, it served as the seat of the defenders of the city, a prison for criminals and state traitors, later - and completely empty. Today, Kasba Udaya, the ancient citadel of the main city of Morocco, is a true monument of Moorish architecture. The authorities of Morocco are gradually restoring this quarter of the old city, seeking to restore the citadel the pristine appearance.
Few attractions from the 12th century have survived to our times. Historians argue that the impressive walls and internal buildings of the Udalya stronghold have reached us almost untouched due to the extremely successful geographical location: on one side of the fortress there is the steep bank of the river Bou-Regreg and on the other - the ocean expanses.
Now the fortress is built up with ordinary residential buildings, the deaf walls of which open onto the streets of the kasbah. Their doors, shutters and the lower part of the walls are painted in characteristic blue, while the upper part of the buildings is white. Try not to get lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets of this ancient quarter, admiring their archaic beauty.
What to see?
When viewing the sights, pay attention to the main fortress gates of the citadel. They have unusual images of animals and floral ornaments, not at all characteristic of traditional Arab culture. These drawings - the handiwork of the Udaya tribe, who lived in this area back in the pre-Arab times of the 12th century and in honor of which, in fact, the fortress was named. It is interesting to see here the ancient cannon Alaouits used to protect against pirates and Spanish flotilla invaders, as well as works of ancient art such as door handles in the form of women's hands, ashtrays on the doors in the form of flies, ceramic insets on the walls, etc. Moving on the main street of the Kasbah Udaiya - Jamaa - you will see on the left side the Jama'a al-Atik mosque, the oldest in the city. It is the same age as the fortress itself!
Pay attention to the double turn of the passage through the main gate of the fortress Udaya. It was made even during the construction of the structure, to make it more difficult for the robbers to attack the city. Nowadays, the entrance to the kazbu is on the right side, and to the left there is a gallery called Bab al-Kebib, where exhibitions of contemporary art often take place. By the way, the word "bab" means "gate" - there are only 5 of them in Rabat. It is noteworthy that the gates of kasba, unlike the walls of shell rock, are cut from solid stone - apparently, for more reliable protection from the enemy.
To inspect kasbu well in the evening hours, when it looks particularly beautiful in the rays of the setting sun. At the same time you can visit the famous Andalusian garden of Rabat and the city Museum of Moroccan art, and afterwards - admire the sea from a convenient observation deck in the northern part of the citadel.
How to get to the fortress Udaya?
Kasba Udaiya is located in the so-called Medina - the old district of the city of Rabat. You can get inside the citadel through the gates of Udaya, located on the side of the street Tarik alMarsa.
Usually tourists get to the main sight of Rabat by bus - a stop called Arrêt Bab El Had. But it is quite acceptable to travel around the city by taxi, especially since local taxi drivers can always bargain.
Other famous sights of Rabat are the Hasan's Minaret , Shella and the Royal Palace.
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