Fortifications of Rabat, Medieval ramparts in Rabat, Morocco
The Fortifications of Rabat are a network of stone walls that stretch for several kilometers protecting the city along its western edge and riverside. The walls stand several meters high and are interrupted by multiple gates that serve as entrances to the medina and the Kasbah of the Udayas.
The original walls were built in the late 12th century by the Almohad dynasty to protect the city. Subsequent rulers added reinforcements over the following centuries, adapting the defenses to the needs of their time.
The fortifications shape how the old city is laid out, with narrow streets and traditional houses nestled against the walls. Visitors notice how the gates serve as natural transitions between different neighborhoods and how people move through these historic passages daily.
You can walk along various sections of the walls and explore the different gates and viewing points. Morning visits are most comfortable, especially in warm months, and wear good shoes since the pathways can be uneven in places.
Some sections of the walls offer surprising open views of the river and the opposite bank since they run directly along the water. This riverside portion is less visited than other areas and provides quieter walks with fewer crowds.
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