Heritage & architectureEditorial pick · go independently
Chellah: layers of Rabat’s history in a ruined necropolis
Roman remains, a Merinid funerary complex and gardens, enclosed by walls just outside Rabat’s Almohad ramparts.
- Best timeMorning or late afternoon, outside the midday heat.
- How it worksGo independently: nothing to book through MoroccanPlans.
Why go
Outside the Almohad walls of Rabat, the fortified enclosure of Chellah holds layer upon layer of history. UNESCO’s description of Rabat’s World Heritage property mentions urban remains from antiquity, Roman settlement and the Merinid necropolis, kept in its ruined state.
Through the monumental gate, paths lead down between the remains of the Roman town and the Merinid mosque, minaret and tombs, with greenery growing among the stones. It feels removed from the capital around it — a place to slow down.
What to expect
An open-air archaeological site with paths, slopes and some uneven ground. Entry is paid. UNESCO reported in 2023 on a project to add visitor facilities, so the layout of the visit may change.
Our advice
- Check locally that the site is open before you go, as works may close parts of it.
- Wear shoes with grip; some paths are steep.
- Combine with the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a short taxi ride away.
Advice from our editors, not official rules: check opening times and conditions locally.
Where it is
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Sources
The facts on this page were checked against official sources on 25 October 2026.
- Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage — UNESCO World Heritage Centre · checked 25 Oct 2026
Descriptions are our own words. Opening hours, prices and access can change: the official website is the reference.
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