Located on Morocco's Atlantic coast, this historic city has an active port and industrial zone, while its ancient medina contains traditional mosques and fortifications from the 11th century.
Salé sits across the Bou Regreg river from Morocco's capital Rabat. In its medieval walls, you'll find the geometric patterns of the Abu al-Hasan Madrasa, local artisans working in pottery workshops, and sailors heading out from the Bouregreg Marina. Walk through the narrow streets to discover the 35-foot-tall Bab el-Mrisa gate, a 14th-century aqueduct, and markets where craftspeople sell their work.
Walking Through Salé's Medina
The walled medina stretches for several kilometers near the mouth of the Bou Regreg river. White and beige walls line the narrow streets, where wooden doors display intricate Arabic inscriptions and stone archways frame the pathways. The streets are too narrow for cars, though you might need to step aside for passing scooters. As you explore the maze-like passages, you'll find local bakeries, small workshops, and neighborhood cafes filled with residents chatting over mint tea.
Religious Architecture
The Great Mosque stands in the western section of the medina, next to the Madrasa of Abu al-Hasan from 1342. Inside the madrasa, tiny mosaic tiles cover the floors, pillars, and walls in geometric patterns. Small study rooms surround the central courtyard, where students memorized the Quran until 1920. You can visit the study rooms and see the detailed tilework up close.
Maritime History
The Bab el-Mrisa gate rises 35 feet tall, marking the entrance to the old port. During the 17th century, Salé operated independently under the control of corsairs. Visit the Bastion des Larmes, a former prison overlooking the sea, to see the underground chambers where captured sailors were held. The modern Bouregreg Marina now holds 240 boats, continuing the city's maritime connections.
Artisan Traditions
Head to the Oulja Souk, a 10-minute drive from the medina, to watch local artisans create ceramics in their workshops. In the medina itself, woodworkers craft furniture and decorative items at prices lower than in Rabat. Stop by the Ecole de Broderie to see students learning traditional embroidery techniques.
Getting Around
The Rabat-Salé tramway connects the two cities across the river. Two main train stations, Salé-Tabriquet and Salé-Ville, serve the city. The Rabat-Salé Airport lies within the city limits. Small boats cross the Bou Regreg river for two dirhams per person, taking you directly to Rabat's Kasbah des Oudayas.
