Visiting Chellah
Chellah is far from an ordinary site. It is actually the oldest human settlement visible at the mouth of the Bou Regreg, a Moroccan river. Brilliant civilizations, such as the Phoenicians and Carthaginians, likely inhabited the area, as their people established several trading posts throughout the rest of the modern-day kingdom. However, the ruins we see today belong to a Roman city. Excavations have unearthed the remains of a significant ancient town. It is likely the city referred to as Sala by Ptolemy and Sala Colonia in the Antonine Itinerary. Proof of this distant past remains tangible, with the discovery of the original main road, a forum, a triumphal arch, and a Christian basilica.
Witnesses to an Ancient Past
As centuries passed, this space located on the outskirts of an Almohad city served as a necropolis for the ruling Merinid dynasty of the 13th century. Once shrouded in a somewhat macabre reputation, Chellah was not always considered an attractive destination by locals or authorities, who took considerable time to develop the site. Having finally recognized its cultural and tourism potential, officials have turned it into a protected area accessible to small groups of visitors. Travelers can explore these historical remnants by walking along a pleasant path lined with majestic trees and fragrant flowers. At night, Chellah takes on a mystical quality, as the site is deeply connected to numerous local myths and legends.
Opening hours
*Information subject to change
Very old and well-preserved site. If you are interested in old stones, come here with a guide to learn a lot about the history of the region.