Chellah Travel Guide: Top Sights in Morocco, Tours & Travel Advice -

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Chellah- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Historical & Cultural; Morocco; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 4 hours

Chellah, located in Rabat, Morocco, is a historic site that traces the evolution of civilizations over centuries. Initially a Phoenician trading post in the 1st millennium BC, it later became the Roman city of Sala Colonia, known for its port and monumental structures like a triumphal arch and forum. Following the Muslim conquest in the 7th century, Chellah fell into ruins until the Marinid dynasty transformed it into a royal necropolis in the late 13th century. The site features mausoleums, a mosque, and a madrasa, adorned with intricate Islamic art. Over time, Chellah became a center for Sufi mysticism, and archaeological work in the 20th century has uncovered its rich cultural layers, revealing its importance in Morocco's historical and spiritual landscape.

Operators offering tours in Morocco

Attractions in Rabat

Hassan Tower

4.6

Kasbah des Oudayas

4.2

Bab Oudaia

4.8

Mausoleum of Mohammed V

Exposition Poupées du Monde

Andalusian Gardens

4.8

Les Jardins Exotiques de Bouknadel

4.8

Museum of History and Civilizations

4.8

Reviews of Chellah

Tomáš Matuška

5
Reviewed: 2024-08-01

Absolutely beautiful. Just few places in overall country provide such a magnificent experience of history of Morrocco. As the spot was refurbished just 1 year ago, it is great kept in all aspects. The garden is fabulous!!
Dhwani J.

3
Reviewed: 2024-07-31

A wonderful archeological site and it does have a lot of history about three different eras of the Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs. The gardens were beautiful and we saw a lot of storks! It is based outside central Rabat so quite a pain to get to if you don't have your own car, tickets also seemed a bit unreasonable.
Mohamed MOUSTACHAR

5
Reviewed: 2024-07-10

Built in the 14th century by the Merinids on the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Sala Colonia, the Chellah necropolis is located 2 km from the city center outside the Almohad enclosure. According to historians and archaeologists, the site of Chellah was probably the oldest human settlement at the mouth of the Bouregreg. This is evidenced by the many trading posts founded on the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts by the Phoenicians and Carthaginians. Planted on a hill overlooking the river, the Chellah necropolis is a magical place surrounded by a thousand mysteries. As soon as you cross the large octagonal Merinid gate, the visitor is immersed in a magical world where the remains of the Roman and Merinid empires rub shoulders wonderfully. A long and pleasant paved path, lined with various trees and fragrant flowers welcomes the visitor. The minaret of the old mosque, decorated with polychrome earthenware, dominates the site. Not far from there, a pond strewn with coins, and where fish, turtles and eels swim peacefully.
V NY

4
Reviewed: 2024-06-22

We were lucky that Challah was reopened when we visited Rabat two weeks ago! We spent a few hours there admiring the Roman ruins，Marinid remains, and the giant birds all around 😁 Although the size of this site is no where compared to famous ancient ruins of Volubilis, the fun of watching birds nesting worth the visit.
Aïda Dk

5
Reviewed: 2024-06-03

Chellah is finally open again, and it’s better than ever! Beautiful gardens, stunning views and ancient ruins await you inside. If you want to get into the café on the weekend be prepared to wait in line. All in all a beautiful place to have a nice stroll surrounded by greenery. NB: entrance is free with the Youth Pass.