Kasbah Ouadaya

Rabat is named after the ribit or fortified monastery built there in the 11C to defend against expected Norman attacks which did not materialise. Now all that is left of the ribit are a few  archaeological remains.

The later Kasbah was built on the same site,a raised promontary controlling both the sea approaches and the entrance to the Bouregreg river. In 1195 Yacoub el Mansour inserted a great monumental gate into the walls. It is really impressive Almohad architecture with darj w ktarf patterning.