Chellah
Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
Chellah, located in Rabat, Morocco, is a remarkable archaeological site that encompasses layers of history from Phoenician trading posts to Roman colonial urbanism and Marinid dynastic necropolises. Initially occupied by the Phoenicians around the first millennium BC, the site later developed into the Roman city of Sala Colonia, a vital port and municipium in the province of Mauretania Tingitana. Roman ruins such as the decumanus maximus, forum, and triumphal arch reveal its urban significance. Following the decline of Roman influence, the site was repurposed in the late 13th century by the Marinid dynasty as a fortified necropolis with religious complexes and mausoleums. Despite damage from earthquakes and looting over centuries, Chellah remains a compelling testament to Morocco's layered past, blending architectural and cultural elements from multiple civilizations. Today, it is a protected archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage component, attracting visitors interested in history, archaeology, and serene gardens.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Chellah is during the cooler months in spring or autumn to avoid the summer heat. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons to avoid queues. Guided tours can enrich the experience by providing historical context. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to uneven terrain and outdoor exploration.
Faits intéressants
- •Chellah was originally a Phoenician trading post known as Shalat, meaning 'rock' in Punic.
- •The Roman city Sala Colonia featured a decumanus maximus, forum, and triumphal arch, remnants of which are still visible.
- •The site was used as a Marinid dynasty necropolis in the 13th and 14th centuries with fortified walls and religious buildings.
- •Archaeological finds include neo-Punic artifacts dating back to the 3rd century BC and Byzantine objects indicating long-term trade connections.
- •Despite abandonment, a Roman military presence persisted at Chellah until the late 5th century.
- •The site suffered damage from earthquakes and looting but remains a key historical and cultural landmark in Morocco.
Histoire
Chellah's history dates back to at least the first millennium BC with Phoenician trading activity.
It evolved into the Roman city of Sala Colonia during the 1st century BC, serving as a significant port and urban center under Roman rule.
After Roman decline in Late Antiquity, the site was abandoned until the late 13th century when the Marinid dynasty established a fortified necropolis and religious complex.
The necropolis flourished until the 15th century before gradually declining due to natural disasters and human activity.
Archaeological excavations in the 20th century revealed its multi-layered past, leading to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012.
Guide du lieu
Roman Forum and Decumanus Maximus1st century BC - 2nd century AD
The central Roman plaza and main east-west street of Sala Colonia, showcasing the urban planning and architectural style of the Roman period.
Marinid Necropolis and Religious ComplexLate 13th - mid 14th century
Fortified enclosure built in the 13th-14th centuries by the Marinid dynasty, containing royal mausoleums and religious structures reflecting Islamic architecture.
Roman Triumphal ArchRoman period
A surviving Roman arch that once marked an important entrance or commemorated a significant event in Sala Colonia.
Contact
Téléphone: 06 93 24 18 56