
Oudayas Museum and Andalusian Gardens, Rabat
The Oudayas Museum, nestled within the historic Kasbah des Oudayas, is a testament to the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Morocco. Originally an Almoravid fort overlooking the Bouregreg estuary, the kasbah was expanded by the Almohads in the 12th century and later by Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century, transforming it into a royal residence and stronghold.
Established in 1915, the Oudayas Museum is one of Morocco’s oldest public museums, alongside the Batha Museum in Fez. It is housed in the former private quarters and reception rooms of Moulay Ismail’s palace, making it a stunning piece of historical Rabat architecture. The museum’s collections offer an insightful journey through Moroccan art and craftsmanship.
The museum showcases manuscripts, coins, astrolabes, weapons, textiles, and carpets from Islamic history. The first room features silver and gold-plated jewelry from Morocco’s regions, while loggias display 19th–20th-century ceramics. Another section highlights traditional city attire and ceremonial gold ornaments.
Adjacent to the museum, the Andalusian Gardens provide a serene retreat. These gardens occupy the site of the former palace gardens, replanted during the French Protectorate in the early 20th century by architect Tranchant De Lunel. Enclosed within ancient walls, the gardens feature vibrant flowers, fragrant roses, fruit-bearing trees, and wide, inviting alleys. The gardens are a favored spot among locals, particularly women, who come to enjoy its beauty and tranquility.
For those seeking an authentic Moroccan experience, a visit to the nearby café is a must. With its breathtaking views of the sea and the Bouregreg River, this charming café is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of mint tea and traditional pastries, offering visitors a taste of Moroccan hospitality.
The Oudayas Museum and Andalusian Gardens together form an essential stop in Rabat’s historical and cultural landscape. Whether exploring the museum’s extensive collection or wandering through the lush gardens, visitors are transported through centuries of Moroccan artistry, history, and natural beauty.
Established in 1915, the Oudayas Museum is one of Morocco’s oldest public museums, alongside the Batha Museum in Fez. It is housed in the former private quarters and reception rooms of Moulay Ismail’s palace, making it a stunning piece of historical Rabat architecture. The museum’s collections offer an insightful journey through Moroccan art and craftsmanship.
The museum showcases manuscripts, coins, astrolabes, weapons, textiles, and carpets from Islamic history. The first room features silver and gold-plated jewelry from Morocco’s regions, while loggias display 19th–20th-century ceramics. Another section highlights traditional city attire and ceremonial gold ornaments.
Adjacent to the museum, the Andalusian Gardens provide a serene retreat. These gardens occupy the site of the former palace gardens, replanted during the French Protectorate in the early 20th century by architect Tranchant De Lunel. Enclosed within ancient walls, the gardens feature vibrant flowers, fragrant roses, fruit-bearing trees, and wide, inviting alleys. The gardens are a favored spot among locals, particularly women, who come to enjoy its beauty and tranquility.
For those seeking an authentic Moroccan experience, a visit to the nearby café is a must. With its breathtaking views of the sea and the Bouregreg River, this charming café is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of mint tea and traditional pastries, offering visitors a taste of Moroccan hospitality.
The Oudayas Museum and Andalusian Gardens together form an essential stop in Rabat’s historical and cultural landscape. Whether exploring the museum’s extensive collection or wandering through the lush gardens, visitors are transported through centuries of Moroccan artistry, history, and natural beauty.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rabat. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Oudayas Museum and Andalusian Gardens on Map
Sight Name: Oudayas Museum and Andalusian Gardens
Sight Location: Rabat, Morocco (See walking tours in Rabat)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: Rabat, Morocco (See walking tours in Rabat)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Walking Tours in Rabat, Morocco
Create Your Own Walk in Rabat
Creating your own self-guided walk in Rabat is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Rabat Introduction Walking Tour
Resting on the shores of the Bouregreg River and Atlantic Ocean, the capital city of Morocco, Rabat, is known for its picturesque natural surroundings, much as for its man-made beauty manifested in a mix of old and new architecture (featuring Islamic and French-colonial styles), abundance of mosques and historic monuments. The Medina (Old City) of Rabat is a World Heritage Site.
Rabat was... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Rabat was... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Rabat Shopping Walk
Rabat is heaven for those who love shopping. Indeed, the abundance of shopping opportunities – traditional markets and shopping streets – in this city gives no reason to doubt that. There you can find all kinds of oriental delights you can possibly think of.
One of Rabat's top shopping destinations is Consuls Street (rue des Consuls). Steeped in a 500-year history, this street houses... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
One of Rabat's top shopping destinations is Consuls Street (rue des Consuls). Steeped in a 500-year history, this street houses... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles