The Congolese daily newspaper INFOS27appearing in Kinshasa, published an article on Tuesday under the title “Le Chellah: A thousand-year-old jewel in the heart of Rabat”signed by his Special Envoy in the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco, Pitshou Mulumba, which we reproduce below:
A setting of mysteries and history, the Chellah stands out as an archaeological jewel in the heart of Rabat. Majestically overlooking the Bouregreg River, this legendary site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bears witness to centuries of intertwined civilizations, from the Phoenicians to the Merinids, including Roman times. Between ruins imbued with sacredness and lush gardens, Chellah offers visitors a captivating dive into the cultural and spiritual heritage of Morocco, while resonating as a sanctuary of peace and timeless enchantment.
Much more than an archaeological site, Chellah is a living testimony to the history, art and culture of Morocco through the ages. According to historians and archaeologists, the site of Chellah was undoubtedly the oldest human settlement at the mouth of the Bouregreg. This is evidenced by the numerous trading posts founded on the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts by the Phoenicians and Carthaginians.
Planted on a hill overlooking the river, the Chellah necropolis is a magical place surrounded by a thousand mysteries. Barely through the large octagonal Marinid gate, the visitor is immersed in a magical world where the remains of the Roman and Marinid empires coexist wonderfully. A long and pleasant paved path, lined with various trees and fragrant flowers welcome the visitor.
It is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Morocco. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, it constitutes a rich testimony to the history of the region, mixing Roman and medieval Islamic remains in an enchanting natural setting.
Roman origins: Chellah, known in Roman times as Sala Colonia, was an important trading post and river port in the Roman province of Mauretania Tingitane. After the site was abandoned by the Romans, it was rediscovered and transformed by Muslim dynasties. The Marinids in the 14th century, in particular Sultan Abu al-Hassan, made it a royal necropolis, building mosques, sanctuaries, and marabouts.
You can admire fragments of columns, water basins, and Latin inscriptions. These remains bear witness to the role of Sala Colonia as an urban and administrative center. An imposing stone wall, with a majestic entrance gate, surrounds the site. This fortification reflects typical Marinid architecture. The site contains tombs of Marinid sultans and local saints, often decorated with calligraphic inscriptions and geometric designs.
Chellah is a haven of peace, famous for its lush gardens, bougainvillea and orange trees.
The site regularly hosts cultural events, such as music concerts during the Mawazine Festival, where its unique ambiance offers an exceptional experience. / Par : Pitshou Mumbai
