Royal Palace
Surrounded by French-style landscaped gardens, Royal Palace of Rabat serves as the residence of Moroccan royalty. Constructed in 1864, the building provided the setting for many important events over the years, including a royal wedding. Designed by French architects inspired by traditional Arabic motifs, the interior of the palace remains closed for visitors. We can see from outside the palace, Royal Palace, Royal Mosque, Mohamed Mausoleum and Hussan Tower.
Rabat city
Rabat is the capital of Morocco and is located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg. The city was made the administrative capital after the French invaded and occupied Morocco in 1912. Rabat is also one of the four imperial cities of Morocco, along with Fes, Marrakesh, and Meknes.
In the 20th century, Rabat was invaded by the French, who also established a protectorate there and opened it to extensive development to the south and west. After 1912, the city’s population grew as did its prestige as the new administrative, educational, and cultural center of Morocco.
Moroccan Independence Day is celebrated on November 18, to honor the return of Sultan Mohammed V to Morocco after having been in exile. The country gained its independence in 1956. The city is divided into two main sections, the Medina (old-walled city) and the Ville Nouvelle (new city, built by the French).
By the end of the twentieth century the majority of the Rabati population had shifted and now was composed of civil servants, students, administrators, and diplomats. Arabic and French are the two most common languages. Rabat is also home to a wide range of foreign embassies and the major national university, Muhammad V, is located there as well along with various national research institutes.
