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Rabat, Morocco |
General Information:
Rabat manifests, the myriad diversity of Morocco, set in rich shades of amber colored landscape, flecked with typical desert trees. Rabat, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, has roots buried deep in a millennium of history- a city so often invaded!
The population of Rabat is 1.2.million, and it is located at 34 degree North and 6 degree West. Morocco has 2934 km shoreline on the Atlantic Ocean and 512 Km on the Mediterranean Sea. The Kingdom has borders with Algeria on the East and Mauritania in the South.
Moroccan climate is marked by two main climatic zones: the North area, which is relatively wet, and the desert type south area at the edge of Sahara. From October to April, the country enjoys a Mediterranean climate and a dry season from May to the end of September.
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Local variations occur, due to the Sahara's proximity and the Atlantic Ocean influence. In the mountains, the temperature reaches minus twenty degrees.
During the pre- roman times, the earliest settlement started at the mouth of Bou Regreg River. Rabat has been the capital city of the Moroccan kingdom since 1912, built on Challah ruins. After passing the hands of Zenetes, the Yacoub El Mansour gave Rabat reasons to boast - fantastic architectural ornaments. March 2, 1956 Rabat gained freedom from France, Rabat was then under King Mohammad V. Moulay Hassan became the king of Rabat, on March 3, 1961.
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Tourist Attractions:
The Medina
Rabat's Medina existed before the French arrived in 1912, ensconced between the Sea and the river, with white washed and stone buildings.
Archaeological Museum
Rabat's Archeological Museum is probably the most important in Morocco. It exhibits an unusual collection of roman-era bronzes. As the descriptions are in French, the Museum guide will guide you in French if you are proficient in it.
The Palace Museum
The palace built in the seventeen century is the abode to exhibitions of fascinating Moroccan arts and culture.
The Andalusian Gardens
The Andalusian Gardens surround the Palace Museum, constructed in the twentieth century by the French. It is the meeting place for woman on Friday and Sunday afternoons - permeated with sweet essences of trees, herbs, bougainvillea and flowers.
Transportation:
In the old part of town, the best ways to get around is on foot. To get to the museum of Antiquities, the Chellah or other part of town, one of the blue cabs can be taken after fixing the price or going by the meter. One can also travel by train, a viable option to get connected to far of places.
Shopping:
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While in Rabat, include in your itinerary a visit to Carpet Auction Centre (every Thursday) and The Potter's Village if do not want to miss any fun.
The Livre Service bookstore is large and well assorted, with literature in different languages. Whether you want to get to know the contemporary Moroccan literature or need a travel guide.
In the Medina, one can find the conventional set out of babushka shoes, baggy pants, ornate mirrors, plates etc! The tourists consider woolen paunchos found in the traditional shops a good buy!
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Hotels:
Most of the cheaper hotels are in the Medina or in the new city just near the Medina. The Hotels in Medina are much a cleaner option It is necessary to book in summer as it very hard to find a good room.
Morocco has about 100,000 hotel beds to cater to its ever-growing tourist market.
Self-catering apartments are available in Rabat. They are a little cheaper than the most hotels and are very comfortable.
There are established campsites with good facilities in many parts of Morocco. Camping or caravanning in Rabat will be a unique add-on to your memories.
There are hostels in Rabat. They are very comfortable and are notably cheaper than the most hotels and self-catering apartments.
Riads or Mansion d'hote have roof terraces, some have Jacuzzis, pretty much what the suite rooms offer, and breakfast is usually included in the room price.
The Three Star Hotels are Ibis Moussafir Rabat, Mercure Sheherzade, and Belere Hotel Rabat in Rabat. Majliss Hotel is Four Star Hotel in Rabat. Farah Hotel, Sofitel Diwan Rabat, La Tour Hassan and Hilton Rabat are all Five Star Hotels.
Allwonderscities.Com gives you information on Rabat, for more information on African cities please browse through our site.
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