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Chellah, an Open Showcase of Roman and Islamic Monuments

Chellah, an Open Showcase of Roman and Islamic Monuments

Morocco is characterized by its rich heritage, civilization, age-old customs and traditions that render it a unique tourist hub that is favourable for visitors from all over the world. All the visitors of Morocco are eagerly keen to go to Rabat, the Moroccan capital, and visit Chellah, the most notable site in the country.

Chellah is located at the banks of Bou Regreg River that separates between the cities of Rabat and Sla and flows into the Mediterranean Sea. The Chella site had been of significant and key importance for many centuries. Still, its distinctive geographic location and picturesque scenes attract tourists from everywhere in the world.

Chellah was once a small city in the 6^th C.AD. As ages go by, it witnessed several developments in diverse fields, before it became a necropolis of some ancient kings and complex of ancient and medieval ruins that lie on the outskirts of Rabat. At that time, there were a mosque and spaces for ablution. After that, it had turned into a small lake of fishes; which still exists till the present time.

During last years, Chellah provided a resort for Moroccan families, as they used to go there every Friday to spend exciting times among the charming nature and the spacious scenery.

Chellah is most notable for its towering trees which date back many centuries ago. It is adorned also by some fences that feature key historic periods.

The Moroccan Ministry of Culture has designated a subsidiary department to provide protection and maintenance for such historic site. Therefore, visitors have to pay some access fees to cover maintenance costs. An exception to this rule is allowed on Fridays and religious holidays, when visitors are granted free entry.

In the course of enhancing the charm of such historic site, Moroccan schools organize student trips to explore Chellah and get a brief review of its rich and vibrant past. It will continue to present a picture of the rich ancient civilizations and nations.

Some studies state that Chellah is named after the old name of “Sla River“, which is now called Bou Regreg River. During the Roman Age, Chellah witnessed an era of welfare and prosperity, while it started to deteriorate upon the advent of Vandals. However, it restored its respectable position in the Byzantine Age. Moreover, the early 3^rd C. AD marked the most prosperous eras throughout the history of Chellah, since it was the sole harbour for Roman sailboats that used to carry various agricultural crops to the Romans.

It is said that the Phoenicians chose the location of Chella, south of Rabat, as the first water site they came with near the river mouth. It served as the Phoenician commercial hub in the far Morocco.

Indeed, Chellah is a spectacular historic city which is rich in roman and Islamic monuments. No tourist visiting Morocco should miss such a great opportunity.