São Paulo – In Arabic, the world Morocco, or better, Maghreb, means "the place of sunset", and knowing this place guarantees living a series of different experiences within the same country. Starting with the federal capital, Rabat, tourists see a clear mixture between the Moroccan and French cultures, as France left strong marks of its occupation of four decades in the Arab country, both with regard to language (French is the second language spoken in Morocco), and in cuisine, with a large number of patisseries around the city.
In the centre of Rabat is the charming Mohammed V Avenue, with large palm trees in the middle, in front of the country’s parliament. A few steps away is the city souk, where tourists find from modern articles, like jeans and T-shirts, to traditional leather articles and many jewellery shops.
Finishing a walk through the market, visitors come up to the enormous Oudayas Kasbah fortress. Built in the 12th century, it is currently one of the main tourist attractions of the city. Houses were built within it, and they now host both Moroccan and foreign residents. Apart from that, the Andalusian garden and the Maure Café, serving traditional tea and a variety of sweets, make the visit to the interior of the monument, which also offers a beautiful sea view, complete.
Hassan tower is another attraction of Rabat. Designed to be the largest tower in the Muslim world, it was not completed, but dozens of columns that surround it, and the mausoleum that houses the bodies of the father and grandfather of the current Moroccan king, Mohammed VI, generate the interest of tourists visiting the city.
Casablanca
Just a half-hour train ride from Rabat is the financial capital of the country, Casablanca. Totally unrelated to the famous movie, which was fully recorded in Hollywood, Casablanca houses the largest mosque in North Africa, Hassan II. It is also the third largest mosque in the world, losing only to those located in Mecca and Medina, in Saudi Arabia. It is also the only one in Morocco in which non-Muslims may enter and take pictures.
Its size and structure also impress. The floor is acclimatised and the ceiling may be opened on hotter days. The administration of the mosque offers monitored visits outside prayer times. Tourists may choose guides who speak English, French, Italian and Spanish.
The garden of the Arab League is another place that is worth visiting. It is a beautiful green area, approved by local residents and tourists for sunny afternoons.
Transport
There is no underground in Morocco, but taxis are cheap and, in general, must be shared with other people. There are two kinds of taxis travelling the cities in Morocco. The "petit taxi" takes up to three people, and the destination is decided by the first person entering the car. The others must go to places close to the destination of the first client, to make use of the route.
The "grand taxi" operates like a bus, with prices and specific departure and arrival points, but they may also be used as "private taxis" by tourists who do not want to share the car with up to five other people, apart from the driver. In this case, however, the price is higher.
From one city to another, the best option is the train. The railway network of the country covers cities from the south to the north, with good prices and comfortable railway cars. For the cities that have no rail network, there are generally buses under public company CTM, which are also renowned for comfort and punctuality.
*Translated by Mark Ament
