Chellah Rabat is an archaeological site on the left bank of the Bouregreg River, with the remains of ancient Sala Colonia and a medieval Marinid necropolis. Set about 2 km from Rabat city centre, it makes a worthwhile stop on a city visit. The site is about 2.2 km from Az Hotel Rabat Centre, which offers three-star rooms.
- Site: ramparts and gates, ancient city, Marinid necropolis and Garden of the Towers
- Suggested visit: 1½–2 hours, longer with an audio guide or mediator
- Seasonal hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in winter and 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in summer
- Individual self-entry: 70 DH for adults over 25; age-based rates also apply
What visitors see at Chellah
Chellah brings ancient Roman-era remains and Marinid-era architecture together in one archaeological park. The Rabat tourism board describes the site as built by the Marinids in the 14th century on the ruins of Sala Colonia.
The park covers 7,000 square meters and has visitor information and orientation panels. Its main areas include the ramparts and gates, the ancient city, the Marinid necropolis and the Garden of the Towers.
Look for the octagonal Marinid gate and the old mosque’s minaret, which is decorated with polychrome tiles. The Rabat tourism board also highlights a pool with fish, turtles and eels.
How do you get to Chellah from central Rabat?
You can reach Chellah by taxi. Rabat Ville is the nearest train station, according to the site operator.
If you are arranging a day around central sights, Chellah can be paired with a visit to Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
Parking is available just outside the site.
For a broader sequence of stops, how to plan a one-day Rabat itinerary from the centre can help you organize the day.
How much time should you allow at Chellah?
Allow about 1½–2 hours for a visit, with extra time if you plan to use an audio guide or visit with a mediator. That gives you time to move between the ancient city, necropolis, gates and garden areas at a measured pace.
The grounds combine archaeological remains and landscaped areas, so plan your route around the site’s orientation panels rather than treating the visit as a single monument stop.
What are Chellah’s hours, tickets and access conditions?
Chellah’s regular hours change by season: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from October 1 to March 31, and 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. from April 1 to September 30. Ramadan hours are unclear on the operator’s English pages, which give different closing times. Check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 9:00–20:00
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
For individual self-entry, prices are 70 DH for adults over 25, 50 DH for ages 15–25, 30 DH for ages 7–14, and free for children under 7. Individual tickets with an audio guide cost 120 DH for adults over 25, 100 DH for ages 15–25 and 80 DH for ages 7–14.
Moroccan citizens and foreign residents in Morocco receive a 50% discount on applicable rates. Proof of eligibility is required for reduced or free fares. You can buy tickets online or at the Chellah ticket office; online tickets are non-changeable and non-refundable. The ticket office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Some areas may be inaccessible to visitors with reduced mobility because of heritage-preservation requirements. Special arrangements are available within those constraints, so ask about access needs before your visit.
Are there events at Chellah?
Chellah is associated with Jazz au Chellah, but no recurring schedule or event details are available here. Check the event organiser’s official information for whether a performance is taking place during your visit.
FAQs
What is Chellah in Rabat?
Chellah is an archaeological site containing the remains of ancient Sala Colonia and a medieval Marinid necropolis, on the left bank of the Bouregreg River.
How long does a visit to Chellah take?
A heritage reference suggests 1½–2 hours, with a longer visit if you use an audio guide or mediator.
Can you buy Chellah tickets at the entrance?
Yes. Tickets are available at the Chellah ticket office as well as online.
Is Chellah accessible to visitors with reduced mobility?
Some areas may be inaccessible due to heritage-preservation requirements, though special arrangements are available within those limits.