Civilization puzzle in the folds of history

The story of Chellah began in the 5th century BC, when Phoenician merchants established a trading post here. Later, it became a military fortress of the Roman Empire, and was transformed into an Islamic royal mausoleum in the Middle Ages. The great earthquake in 1775 turned most of the buildings into ruins, but it also left behind a unique landscape of coexistence of ancient Roman columns and Islamic arches. Today, this place is like an open-air historical museum, and every stone tells the story of different civilizations.

Aesthetics of Ruins

1. Tickets and Opening Hours

Tickets: Only 10 dirhams, it is simply the king of cost-effectiveness! ​

Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 every day (it may close at 16:30 in winter). It is recommended to go there just after the door opens at 9 am, when there are fewer people and the light is good, or go after 4 pm to avoid the high temperature at noon and take pictures of the sunset. ​

2. Transportation Guide

Taxi: It takes about 15 minutes to take a taxi from the city center, and the cost is 20-30 dirhams. It is more convenient to use Uber or Careem, and you don’t have to worry about the driver asking for a sky-high price. ​

Bus: Take bus No. 3 or 7 to "Chellah" station, get off and walk for 5 minutes, which is suitable for friends who want to experience local transportation.​

Self-driving: There is a free parking lot at the site, but the road there is a bit narrow, so be careful when driving.

Best shooting spots

1. Arch of the Roman Baths

The Roman Baths are on the left as soon as you enter the site. The remaining arches and stone pillars are like natural photo frames. At 9-10 am or 4-5 pm, the sun shines obliquely. Stand in the arch and let your companions take pictures from the opposite side, frame the Islamic minaret in the distance into the picture, and it feels great to have ancient and modern buildings in the same frame! ​

2. The sky castle of white storks

The top of the minaret of the mosque and the surrounding walls are the homes of white storks. Their nests are super large and look like white castles from a distance. Bring a telephoto lens and wait for the white storks to spread their wings and take pictures. Choose a blue sky or sunset as the background, and the picture will be particularly shocking! ​

3. The geometric rhythm of the mausoleum complex

The tombstones and fences in the royal mausoleum area are neatly arranged, forming a beautiful geometric pattern. Crouch down and shoot from a low angle to make the tombstone appear taller, or find a symmetrical position to make the photo look particularly orderly, and you can easily get a minimalist photo. ​

4. Sunset on the city wall​

The city wall at the northeast corner of the ruins is the highest point, and you can see the Bouregreg River and the city of Rabat. Go to the ruins 30 minutes in advance to take a position, and when the sun is about to set, the golden sunlight will shine on the ruins. At this time, take a silhouette of the person, with your back to the sunset, your hands open or gently holding the stone pillar, and the atmosphere will be maximized!

Hidden gameplay

1. Exploring the archaeological site​

Sometimes you can see archaeologists excavating cultural relics in the ruins. There are open days every Tuesday and Thursday morning, and you can make an appointment to participate in a simple excavation experience (send an email in advance). Maybe you can see the thousand-year-old coins and pottery fragments being dug out of the soil with your own eyes, which is super rewarding! ​

2. Cat Guardian​

There are many stray cats in the ruins, and the locals say they are "guardians of the ruins." You can spend 5 dirhams to buy a bag of cat food at the entrance, and take photos while feeding the cats. The cats are very smart when they shuttle between the stone pillars. Friends who like small animals should not miss it. ​

3. Strolling in the garden maze​

Through the archway from the mausoleum area is the Chellah Garden, where vines climb all over the columns and there is a fountain pool, like a secret garden. Walk along the path, find the hidden Moorish niches, sit in it and take a photo, as if you have traveled back to the Middle Ages, the retro style is perfect. ​

4. Meditation under the stars​

Every full moon night, there will be a "starry sky archaeology" activity here, with professional guides to watch the stars in the ruins and tell historical stories about this place. Sign up on the official website of the Rabat Cultural Bureau one week in advance, 50 dirhams including hot tea and biscuits, watch the stars and listen to history, the experience is super unique.

Surrounding extensions

1. Mausoleum of Mohammed V​

It is right next to the Chellah, a 10-minute walk away. The white marble building is particularly solemn, which contrasts with the ruins of Chellah. There is a guard changing ceremony every hour from 10:00 to 16:00. The neat pace and unique uniforms are worth stopping to see. ​

2. Udaya Castle​

Take a taxi for 10 minutes and 15 dirhams to get there. The blue and white alleys and Andalusian gardens are super suitable for taking pictures. When you walk to the top of the castle, you can see the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Bou Regreg River. The sea breeze is very comfortable. ​

3. Medina Old Town​

Not far from Chellah, a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride. Wander in the spice market, buy some saffron and essential oils, and go to Café Clock for a mint tea and a camel meat burger when you are tired, and feel the local life atmosphere.

Practical Tips

1. Clothing and equipment​

Wear light and breathable clothes. The ground of the ruins is uneven. Be sure to wear comfortable sneakers, not high heels.​

The sun in Morocco is very strong, so hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential, otherwise you will get tanned and sunburned easily. ​

For friends who like taking photos, bring a wide-angle lens to take large scenes, a telephoto lens to take details and white storks, and a tripod to take photos of sunsets and stars. ​

2. Cultural respect ​

Take off your shoes when entering the mausoleum area, don't touch the cultural relics casually, and if you take pictures of locals before taking pictures, it is best to ask if they agree. ​

If you catch up with Ramadan (the date changes every year), some areas may close early, so check the Ramadan time before departure. ​

3. Dining recommendations ​

At noon, you can eat Tajine at Dar Zellij Restaurant near the ruins. The chicken, lemon and olive flavor is super classic, with a cup of mint tea, which is refreshing and cool. ​

In the evening, go to Le Dhow Boat Restaurant, sit by the Atlantic Ocean, eat seafood couscous, and watch the lights on the sea. It is romantic and comfortable.

Chellah ruins are not like those gorgeous attractions, but they have a unique charm. Here, you can see the glory of ancient Rome, the imprint of Islamic civilization, the vitality of white storks building nests on the ruins, and the footsteps of archaeologists' continuous exploration. It is like an open history book, waiting for every tourist to read and discover. Next time you go to Rabat, remember to include Chellah in your itinerary, take this guide with you, feel the traces left by time, take beautiful photos, and experience a different travel fun!