Hello my friends!
I hope you're all well and that you're in good spirits, full of joy and serenity. Today I'd like to share with you a beautiful walk I took in Rabat city centre. This walk between the past and the present gave me some wonderful moments that I'd like to share with you.
Last Wednesday, I was staying with my older brother who lives in Kénitra, a town about 40 kilometres north of Rabat. I got up at the crack of dawn, at around 6.30am, and headed for Kénitra railway station to catch the train to Rabat. Next to the station, something caught my eye: an artistic installation depicting a train surrounded by rails. It was a setting that I couldn't help admiring and capturing.
Here I am, arriving in Rabat opposite the station,
My first destination was Bab-Rouah, a majestic historic gateway. I felt transported back in time, imagining the times when it served as the city's entry point. Bab-Rouah is one of Rabat's most emblematic monumental gates. Built in 1197 during the reign of the Almohad sultan Yaacoub Al Mansour, it is renowned for its refined decoration, reflecting the architectural art of the Almohad period in the 12th century.
I then headed for the Assouna Mosque. On the way, I passed Bab-Soufara, another impressive gate! The name ‘Bab-Soufara’ means ‘The Ambassadors’ Gate’. This gate had a very specific function: to welcome foreign ambassadors visiting Rabat at a time when diplomatic relations were mainly based on direct exchanges. The details of the gate, with its motifs, elegant arches and robust construction, are typical of Almohad architecture. It's a treat for history buffs and photographers alike.
When I arrived at the Assouna Mosque, I was dazzled by its architectural beauty. The details of its construction, the finesse of its motifs and the beautiful, peaceful atmosphere that reigns there left me speechless. It was a moment of pure admiration.
My walk continued along Avenue Mohammed-V, one of Rabat's main thoroughfares. As I walked along, I passed the Moroccan Parliament. Unfortunately, the building was being renovated, but that didn't stop the avenue from exuding its usual charm.
Further on, I reached the building of the ‘Télégraphe Poste Téléphone’ (TPT) in Rabat, a place steeped in history, it was built during the French protectorate, at a time when Morocco was modernising its infrastructure to meet the growing need for communication. It was a time when the telegraph was still a revolutionary innovation. Passing by the building, you are immediately drawn to its fascinating architecture.
Just next door, I was fascinated by another discovery: a unique building combining two architectural styles. On the one hand, a façade reminiscent of French elegance with its classical ornamentation, and on the other, traditional Moroccan architecture.
My last stop was St Peter's cathedral. Its architecture left a deep impression on me: a blend of elegance and grandeur that cannot leave anyone indifferent. It's a pleasure to have beautiful churches in Rabat, and it gave me the opportunity to reflect on the cultural diversity of Rabat and Morocco.
I hope you enjoyed this stroll through Rabat city centre as much as I did. I also hope you enjoy the photos I've taken. Thank you for taking the time to read this! I hope you have a lovely day full of wonderful surprises. Take care and see you soon for another post!
Photos taken by my own phone (Samsung Galaxy A04s).
