The ancient ruins of Chellah (also called Shalla) are a historic walled necropolis and archaeological site located in Rabat, Morocco, on the south bank of the Bou Regreg estuary.

The ancient ruins of Chellah (also called Shalla) are a historic walled necropolis and archaeological site located in Rabat, Morocco, on the south bank of the Bou Regreg estuary.

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It is a unique site that layers thousands of years of history, combining ancient Phoenician roots, a major Roman port city, and a medieval Islamic dynastic burial ground. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012.

Site archéologique de Chellah
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Key Historical Eras
Phoenician & Carthaginian Era (1st Millennium BC): The natural harbor along the river began as a trading post or emporium for early Mediterranean seafarers.

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Roman City of Sala Colonia (40 AD–250 AD): Annexed by Rome under Emperor Claudius, it became a thriving naval port and civic center on the edge of the province of Mauretania Tingitana. It was eventually abandoned around 1154 as residents moved across the river to Salé.

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Marinid Necropolis (13th–14th Century): The Marinid dynasty transformed the abandoned ruins into a walled royal sanctuary and spiritual burial ground, adding Islamic monuments and decorative ramparts.

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Main Features and Ruins
Roman Ruins (Sala Colonia)
The Forum & Capitol: The central public square and the ruins of a rectangular temple dedicated to the Capitoline triad.
Triumphal Arch & Decumanus Maximus: Remnants of the main Roman thoroughfare and a multi-bayed monumental arch.
Public Buildings: Foundations of a basilica, a curia (senate house), thermal baths with mosaic floors, Mauritanian-era temples, and an octagonal nymphaeum (water basin).

Site archéologique de Chellah
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Marinid Islamic Architecture
The Almohad Gate: An ornate, monumental main entrance gate built around 1339 that leads into the walled compound.
Mosque & Minaret: The ruined walls of a medieval mosque topped by a famous tiled minaret, which is now a favorite nesting site for storks.
Royal Mausoleums: Ornate brick-and-tile tombs housing Marinid rulers, including Sultan Abu al-Hasan (the "Black Sultan") and his family.
Madrasa & Eel Pool (Bassin aux Anguilles): Ruins of a Quranic school and a sacred pool where locals traditionally fed eels as part of folk spiritual practices.

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Modern Status
Gardens & Wildlife: The enclosed 7-hectare site features quiet, landscaped gardens filled with fruit trees, flowers, and large colonies of storks nesting atop the ancient stone towers.
Cultural Events: The grounds periodically host open-air cultural gatherings and music events, such as the annual Jazz au Chellah festival