Thursday, 21st November 2019
We had a leisurely start to the day then set off to walk the walls and the coastline. Our first landmark was the old lighthouse, which became visible through the Bab Laalou [below left] entrance to the Cimitiére Chouhada.
![](https://i0.wp.com/iciel.uk/imagesTH/19-09-Morocco/Post8/19-09-08-01.jpeg?w=1140)
The day was rather overcast and the Atlantic Ocean was demonstrating the impressive force of nature as it . . . .
![](https://i0.wp.com/iciel.uk/imagesTH/19-09-Morocco/Post8/19-09-08-02.jpeg?w=1140)
. . . crashed onto the shore by the lighthouse.
![](https://i0.wp.com/iciel.uk/imagesTH/19-09-Morocco/Post8/19-09-08-03.jpeg?w=1140)
As we walked on past the lighthouse and past the Plage de Rabat it was clear that work was well underway to make this area a seaside destination for tourists. The beaches need to be kept clean, but a promontory was being built out into the sea and the facilities and infrastructure were being improved.
It was also clear that the man-made breakwaters were very effective: once round the headland and into the estuary, the waters were almost still.
![](https://i0.wp.com/iciel.uk/imagesTH/19-09-Morocco/Post8/19-09-08-05.jpeg?w=1140)
You can climb up to the battlements of the Kasbah where there are panoramic views across the mouth of the river and out towards the breakwaters.
![](https://i0.wp.com/iciel.uk/imagesTH/19-09-Morocco/Post8/19-09-08-06.jpeg?w=1140)
Our route back towards the town took us past one of the ancient, ornately-carved entrances to the Kasbah.
![](https://i0.wp.com/iciel.uk/imagesTH/19-09-Morocco/Post8/19-09-08-07.jpeg?w=1140)
From here it was a short walk down to the Andalusian Gardens, laid out by the French during the colonial period, where more restoration work is underway.
![](https://i0.wp.com/iciel.uk/imagesTH/19-09-Morocco/Post8/19-09-08-08.jpeg?w=1140)
The narrow lanes in the Kasbah were predominantly painted blue and were reminiscent of the Greek island of Santorini.
![](https://i0.wp.com/iciel.uk/imagesTH/19-09-Morocco/Post8/19-09-08-09.jpeg?w=1140)
Through a gateway in the gardens you can walk through to a succession of terraces overlooking the estuary where you can indulge in a glass of the ubiquitous sweet Moroccan mint tea . . .
![](https://i0.wp.com/iciel.uk/imagesTH/19-09-Morocco/Post8/19-09-08-11.jpeg?w=1140)
. . . with views back towards the fortifications.
![](https://i0.wp.com/iciel.uk/imagesTH/19-09-Morocco/Post8/19-09-08-12.jpeg?w=1140)
The gardens themselves are planted with fruit tress and bougainvillea and are a sheltered sanctuary which would protect visitors either from the sun or the wind. There were the ubiquitous cats, with food provided here, and we noticed one visitor sitting on a bench who had a feline friend curled up on her lap. Sanctuary indeed.
![](https://i0.wp.com/iciel.uk/imagesTH/19-09-Morocco/Post8/19-09-08-13.jpeg?w=1140)
On our way out we passed yet more restoration work on the Kasbah walls.
![](https://i0.wp.com/iciel.uk/imagesTH/19-09-Morocco/Post8/19-09-08-14.jpeg?w=1140)
The Kasbah is already an impressive historical monument but once all the works are completed this will be worth a return visit.
![](https://i0.wp.com/iciel.uk/imagesTH/19-09-Morocco/Post8/19-09-08-10.jpeg?w=1140)
Robert is the sort of Englishman that local pubs were intended for and, unsurprisingly when on holiday he likes to return to a bar which has provided him with good service and a pleasurable evening. So, equally unsurprisingly, we found ourselves once more back at Le Dhow.
The staff here were welcoming and helpful and we would have stayed for a meal but they seemed to be preparing for Thursday night’s entertainment and the repeated testing of the disco was less than restful. Nevertheless, this is a great bar in a picturesque location and we thoroughly recommend it.
Rabat, despite being the capital city, seems to be somewhat neglected by tourists but it is a city laid out by the French during the colonial period and very well worth visiting.
![](https://i0.wp.com/iciel.uk/imagesTH/19-09-Morocco/Post8/19-09-08-15.jpeg?w=1140)
Route Map:
![](https://i0.wp.com/iciel.uk/imagesTH/19-09-Morocco/19-09-map.jpeg?w=1140)
Video of the day:
Selfie of the day:
![](https://i0.wp.com/iciel.uk/imagesTH/19-09-Morocco/Post8/19-09-08-selfie.jpeg?w=1140)
One thought on “Rock[s and] the Kasbah, Rabat”
I haven’t seen you wear that skirt before and it looks as if you have finally
decided to wear rather more conservative shirts? ? ? ?