is the city in a northern part of Morocco located on the bank of the Atlantic Ocean. Here it is possible to reach by train from Casablanca that will take several hours. However, the Moroccan railroads are adjusted rather well, and the trip will give you only pleasure. Pure, modern structures, benevolent fellow travelers, the stewards carrying snack and soft drinks – how often there is not enough all this in domestic trains!
On arrival to the station of Rabat you will appear on the avenue surrounded with the beautiful buildings built in colonial style – once Morocco was under protectorate of France, also Spain applied for lands of the country. The station literally is buried in verdure, bright colors and exotic plants, and a main entrance the large five-pointed star – the state symbol of the country crowns. In the middle of the avenue, in the zone which is outside the carriageway accurate lawns where citizens and tourists have a rest are equipped, having been located directly on a grass.
Meanwhile, once Rabat was considered as the place quite dangerous, the Moors expelled from Spain who were forced out in the course by reconkist located here. They based strengthening here and traded in piracy, robberies and a slave trade. Medina – an ancient part of the city where from the station it is possible to get by the taxi can remind of these times.
By the way, the taxi in Morocco is universal quite cheap and if to trace meter readings, any trip will cost you real kopeks. It is possible to catch it directly on the street, having just exposed a hand, or having approached on the parking allocated for taksomotor.
Already entrance to the old city is capable to make an impression on the person who for the first time appeared in these parts. Behind sharp turn of the highway the blue smooth surface of the ocean suddenly opens and the gear fortifications put from a stone and a brick are seen. All this looks rather unusually against the background of quite European houses in the neighborhood of the station and up-to-date trams which can be seen in Rabat. And, if near the same station it is possible to observe office the employee, dressed in suits and ties, then people in traditional clothes – dzhellyaba and round hats prevail here.
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Far to the ocean the long breakwater directed – on it it is possible to walk lengthways, having examined a panorama of Medina from this point. Ashore at the left and on the right the extensive cemetery is spread – Muslim gravestones considerably differ from habitual Christian, and they, apparently, sowed everything. Besides, here it is possible to come across the rusted anchors and scraps of chains which served once long ago by the ships coming into these waters.
Certainly, along walls of Medina there is a bargaining everywhere. Something is sold, something is bought. Boys, having caught sight of the foreigner, can offer the services as guides. Girls are invited to themselves by risovalshchitsa henna to apply on brushes of hands or a foot an intricate pattern – similar jewelry many centuries in a row widely practice in Morocco already.
However all this can be passed it is to appear rather near sights. Going parallel to a fortification, you will see the trunks of ancient tools dug half to the earth. Here both long-barreled guns, and the short big-bellied mortars protecting gate. There is an artillery and on towers – muzzles of guns look towards the ocean to reflect invasion of the enemy. All this, certainly, is very interesting and near each similar exhibit it is possible to be photographed.
Here and a main entrance on the territory of a citadel. It is issued in the form of a high arch which arches are covered with a skillful carving. A show this extremely beautiful – especially, considering picturesque people in the national suits passing there and back against the background of similar magnificence. Heavy wooden shutters are open today, and it is possible to enter freely inside.
What can be noted in fortifications? First of all, it is the museum of the Moroccan art where the visitor will see stamping, the ceramics, a jewelry and articles of clothing peculiar to inhabitants of different regions of the country. Besides, there are so-called Andalusian gardens – concentration of exotic plants, flowers, fruit-trees which together create extremely attractive picture and pleasantly smell sweet. In a garden the fountain beats, there are benches where it is possible to take rest. There are souvenir shops, small cafe. Besides, quite often musicians with national tools come here and play melodies, traditional for Morocco. Having a rest after walk in a similar garden, it is possible to feel the sultan.
However, comes it is time to move further. Curve small streets it is possible to leave here in the inhabited quarters of Medina where people constantly live. At this place there are many craft benches. In particular, here paint pictures which are exposed along walls of houses. At the same time, the prices of them quite acceptable and, having a little bargained, from here it is possible to take away home a canvas with the image of a landscape of the desert, ocean, the same gardens or with any other motive. Pictures are on sale here everywhere – from tiny workshops to pathos galleries, also their cost respectively differs.
The small street comes to an end on an extensive terrace of a fortification – down there is a steep slope which is going down to the coastline. Looking from here afar, it is possible to admire the ocean. Below roofs of the serf towers located at lower level, other small streets, beaches are seen. Here the local youth – and, both young men, and girls gathers. Also the breakwater described earlier is visible from here. On this platform it is remarkable to be photographed.
In fact, on visit of Rabat there will be enough one day – it does not make to be late here longer big sense, Medina can be bypassed in several hours. Nevertheless, this city is quite beautiful and, undoubtedly, deserves visit. Further from here it is possible to move by rail towards Fes, Tangier, Marrakech, or other city of the Kingdom of Morocco.