Chellah, Medieval necropolis in Rabat, Morocco
Chellah is a walled compound in Rabat that combines Roman ruins and medieval structures across a sprawling site. Stone walls with octagonal towers enclose gardens, tombs, and the remains of Roman public spaces.
The site began as a Phoenician trading post and later became the Roman settlement Sala Colonia. In the 14th century, the Marinids turned the abandoned location into a burial ground for their dynasty.
The site served for centuries as a burial ground for Marinid rulers and their families, whose tombs rest among the older Roman remains. Visitors walk among prayer rooms and a teaching complex that once housed Quranic schools.
The entrance is south of Rabat's medina and is accessible daily, with afternoons usually quieter. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes as pathways between ruins are uneven.
White storks build their large nests on the old walls and minarets, turning the site into a bird sanctuary. The birds return each year and their presence shapes the character of the compound.
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