St. Peter's Cathedral, Rabat
Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
St. Peter's Cathedral, located in downtown Rabat at Golan Square, is a prominent Roman Catholic church built in the early 20th century. Designed by architect Adrien Laforgue, its construction began in 1919 and was completed with an inauguration in 1921 by Resident-General Hubert Lyautey. The cathedral is an exemplar of Art Deco architecture, featuring geometric decorations, stained glass windows, and an intricately designed floor. Its two towers were added during the 1930s, enhancing its architectural presence. The cathedral remains fully operational, celebrating daily Mass, serving as the ecclesiastical seat of the Archdiocese of Rabat. Its interior includes notable elements such as a choir, side altar, confessional, baptistry, and a beautifully decorated ceiling, making it a significant religious and cultural landmark in the city.
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Tip: Visitors should consider attending a Mass to experience the cathedral's spiritual ambiance. The best time to visit is during weekdays to avoid larger weekend crowds. Advance tickets are generally not required as entry is free, but checking opening hours before visiting is advisable. Discounts or special access may be available for groups or religious events.
Interesting facts
- •The cathedral is a rare example of Art Deco architecture applied to religious buildings in Morocco.
- •Its two prominent towers were a later addition, completed in the 1930s, nearly a decade after the main structure.
- •The cathedral is located at Golan Square, a central and historic area in Rabat.
History
Construction of St.
Peter's Cathedral began in 1919 under architect Adrien Laforgue and was inaugurated in 1921 by Resident-General Hubert Lyautey.
The cathedral's two towers were added in the 1930s, marking a key architectural development.
Over the decades, it has served as the seat of the Archdiocese of Rabat and remains an active place of worship.
Place Guide
Main Nave and Altar1921
The central area of the cathedral where daily Mass is celebrated, featuring Art Deco design elements and a prominent altar dedicated to Saint Peter.
Twin Towers1930s
Added in the 1930s, these towers enhance the cathedral's silhouette and are visible from various points in Rabat.
Stained Glass WindowsEarly 20th century
Colorful stained glass windows depict religious scenes and add a vibrant light effect inside the cathedral.
Art Deco Floor and Geometric Decorations1921
The cathedral's floor and interior decorations display characteristic Art Deco geometric patterns, setting it apart from traditional church designs.
Contact
Phone: 05 37 72 23 01
