Chellah Archaeological Site Rabat

## From ancient Sala to medieval Chellah Chellah occupies a site above the Bouregreg River near the historic centre of Rabat. Its archaeology brings together several periods of settlement, including the ancient city of Sala and the Roman settlement known as Sala Colonia. Foundations of buildings and urban spaces survive alongside later medieval structures. Under the Marinid dynasty, part of the location was transformed into a religious complex and dynastic burial ground. Chellah is included in the UNESCO World Heritage property Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage, inscribed in 2012. ## The ancient city Archaeological remains preserve evidence of streets, public and private buildings, masonry and successive patterns of settlement. Finds and building layers help researchers examine the city's relationship with the Bouregreg valley and commercial networks in North Africa and the Mediterranean. The material record spans several centuries and invites distinctions between confirmed evidence and later interpretations of how individual spaces were used. ## The Marinid necropolis A monumental gateway and fortified enclosure lead toward the remains of the medieval religious and funerary complex. The mosque, minaret, tombs and associated spaces document the political and religious functions of the site under the Marinids. Trees, gardens and nesting storks are now familiar elements of its landscape. Archaeological and conservation measures remain essential in protecting both exposed remains and buried material. ## Planning a visit The visitor route includes interpretation panels and orientation signs, with options for audio or guided visits according to availability. The official site lists winter opening from 9 am to 6 pm between 1 October and 31 March, and summer opening from 9 am to 8 pm; Ramadan arrangements may differ. Check ticket conditions and accessible areas. Other Rabat sites: [Museum of History and Civilisations](/en/institutions/musee-histoire-civilisations-rabat), [Royal Theatre of Rabat](/en/institutions/theatre-royal-rabat) and [Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art](/en/institutions/musee-mohammed-vi). ### Sources and photograph credit Source: [managing institution or UNESCO](https://www.chellah.site/en/visit-chellah/the-site/). Photograph: [JasmineartGallery](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Roman_s_Ruins_in_Chellah_Rabat_Morocco.jpg), CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, no reported alterations.