Heinblog: Rabat

Rabat is the capital of Morocco, located where the Bou Regreg river meets the Atlantic Ocean. Pictured is the Kasbah of the Udayas, build in the 12th century.

The city is a pleasant fusion of Arabic and French culture. We ate a great dinner on this replica ship.

The city, along with its neighbor across the river, Sale, became a pirate republic known as the Republic of Sale during the 17th century.

An interesting way to serve meat.

The old medina and souk are painted white.

The city was conquered by the French in 1907, and they moved the capital there from Fes in 1912.

A pretty good 50 cent lunch.

We stayed at another beautiful riad.

It had fresh local bread and pastries for breakfast.

Hassan Tower was built as part of a mosque by the 3rd Almohad Caliph, al-Mansour, in the 12 century.

The Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the first modern King of Morocco, is built next to the tower.

Only columns were erected for the mosque before work stopped on the ancient complex.

Mohammed V was deposed by the French to try and prevent Moroccan independence, but ultimately returned to lead a newly independent Morocco in 1956.

Apparently the Instagram thing to do here is take your picture on a pillar.

Another building at the complex.

The National Museum of Archaeology is a little underwhelming considering Morocco's rich history.

A Bronze Age rock carving of animals from the Draa Valley

Votive steles from Volubilis

A statue of King Ptolemy of Mauretania, who ruled from 23 to 40 A.D. Caligula executed Ptolemy and turned the kingdom into two Roman provinces.

Roman chariot ornaments

A bust of King Juba II from Volubilis, King of Numidia and later King of Mauretania. Emperor Augustus enlarged his kingdom as a reward for helping him secure his throne during his war against Marc Antony.