Hello, friends,
I hope you are all well. Today, I would like to take you with me on a rather special outing... A visit I made recently to a neighbourhood unlike any other: The royal district of Twarga, located in the heart of Rabat, the capital of Morocco. It was an outing full of discoveries, beauty and, I must admit, a little emotion.
This neighbourhood, often shrouded in mystery, is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the city. It is located right next to the royal palace, in an area where calm and grandeur can be felt from the moment you set foot there. You don't come here as you would to a simple public garden. There is a special atmosphere, a certain restraint, and at the same time, a real architectural and historical richness to observe, even from the outside.
Twarga is also a word that is often heard when talking about the Moroccan monarchy. It refers both to a place and an idea: that of proximity to royal power, but also that of a certain Moroccan tradition that combines respect, discretion and a deep-rooted history.
I had always been curious to see this place up close. So, one quiet day, I set out on this little exploration. And believe me, even if you can't see or photograph everything, what I was able to observe is well worth the detour.
The sun is shining, the sky is a clear blue... Outside, before entering the neighbourhood, a long, sand-coloured wall stretches out before me, simple yet impressive. It seems to go on forever, and I follow it, step by step, as if it were inviting me to discover its well-kept secrets.
As I walk, several massive gates appear between the ramparts. Some are austere, others more refined with their well-designed arches and stone frames. These openings have something symbolic about them: they are both boundaries and promises of a world that we can only imagine behind them. You can feel the weight of history, but also a sense of serenity.
At one point, I find myself in front of a traditional fountain built into the wall, decorated with colourful zellige tiles and patterns carved into the stone. It is a delicate touch of art in this rugged world.
I continue my walk. Old black street lamps line the street. It is quiet, and the cars drive slowly. I walk quietly and enjoy the moment.
After walking along the great walls and admiring the historic gates of the neighbourhood, I headed towards one of the entrances located to the north. That's where the adventure took a slightly more solemn turn. Before going any further, a small security check was required, carried out by police officers stationed just inside. Nothing stressful, on the contrary: they were very friendly, and once the checks were done, they showed me the way to the royal palace.
As I walked, I discovered a large mosque in an open space, with a fountain in front of it. The building is white, with green roofs and stone arches. The architecture is simple but impressive. I stopped for a moment to observe. The place was very calm, almost silent. I walked slowly between the columns and arches, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
The gardens surrounding the mosque were just as well-kept. Palm trees, perfectly mowed lawns, clean paths... Everything seemed to be in its place. I passed a few guards in the distance, very discreet, ensuring order and tranquillity in the area.
The mosque is not simply a place of worship here... it is part of the grand display of calm and tradition that permeates the entire royal district.
Even though the police officer had given me clear directions, I must admit that at one point I got a little carried away by the beauty of the place... and I got lost. 😅
I was walking through vast, perfectly manicured gardens lined with palm trees, tall trees and precisely trimmed shrubs. The place was so peaceful and well organised that I thought I was on the right track. But in reality, I was already straying from the authorised path.
I found myself in a quieter area, with no other visitors around, and I quickly realised that I might have gone a little too far. That's when a policewoman approached me, gently, without aggression. She asked me if I was lost, then smiled and kindly explained that I had entered a restricted area. She very politely escorted me back to the correct route leading to the large square in front of the royal palace.
And there... what a visual shock.
Even from a distance, the palace is impressive. Everything is huge, symmetrical, meticulous. Guards stood at their posts, and the gigantic gates adorned with zellige tiles and arabesques seemed almost unreal. I took a few photos discreetly, from a respectful distance. I didn't want to disturb anyone, but I wanted to capture this magnificent view.
In front of me was a large empty square with metal chains attached to stone bollards, two old bronze cannons reminiscent of a bygone era, and all around, palm trees and magnificent flower beds. Everything seemed to say: this is the heart of power, but a power rooted and firmly anchored in the Moroccan landscape and its history.
It was a powerful moment. I hadn't entered the palace, of course, that's not possible, but I felt as if I had touched its soul, approached it just enough to feel its presence and importance.
After taking my time to admire and photograph the surroundings, I decided not to take the same route back. My instinct led me to another exit... And what a surprise! I stumbled upon the famous Ambassadors' Gate, located to the west of the neighbourhood. It is a monumental gate, richly carved, with high stone arches and a royal symbol above it. It is still in use today, and its history can be seen in every detail. It perfectly represents the elegance of Moroccan architecture.
On the way back, I also came across some magnificent trees with gnarled trunks, almost human in shape. One of them particularly surprised me with its strange curves, like a living sculpture. The shade they cast on the grass offers a welcome respite after so much sun. This contrast between wide open spaces and intimate corners of shade gives the royal district a rare balance.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and accompany me on this stroll through the heart of Rabat. It's a place I recommend to anyone who enjoys leisurely walks, admiring architecture, and feeling history with every step.
See you very soon for another post and another discovery!
I'm Redwan from Morocco ! I've always had a passion for travelling and discovery. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than exploring new places, whether historical, archaeological or in the heart of nature. Through my blogs, you can discover the hidden gems of Morocco, whether you want to admire the fascinating architecture of a historic site, delve into the legends surrounding an archaeological site, or simply marvel at the beauty of Moroccan nature!
All the photos in this post are mine, and I edited them myself on Canva !
