Sale, Morocco Attractions
Facing Rabat, directly across the Bou Regreg River on its left bank, lies the town of Salé. Rabat and Salé are sister cities spanned by a bridge across the river which was constructed in 1957. Their combined population of around two million makes Rabat/Salé the second-largest urban center in Morocco after Casablanca.
Salé is an important port with numerous industries including fish canning, cork processing, ceramics, flour milling and carpet weaving.
According to some traditions, Salé was founded by Moulay Idris I at the end of the eighth century. Other traditions have it that the settlement was started by Moulay Idris II at the beginning of the ninth century. However, most historians believe that Salé was most likely established as a tiny short-lived principality of the Berber Bani Ifrans tribe led by Amir Abou Al Kemal Temin which, within a few years was overrun and destroyed by the Almoravids.
For centuries Rabat and Salé were rival principalities but eventually Rabat began to dominate the area and Salé's power was ultimately eclipsed altogether by its larger neighbor.
Salé is an important port with numerous industries including fish canning, cork processing, ceramics, flour milling and carpet weaving.
According to some traditions, Salé was founded by Moulay Idris I at the end of the eighth century. Other traditions have it that the settlement was started by Moulay Idris II at the beginning of the ninth century. However, most historians believe that Salé was most likely established as a tiny short-lived principality of the Berber Bani Ifrans tribe led by Amir Abou Al Kemal Temin which, within a few years was overrun and destroyed by the Almoravids.
For centuries Rabat and Salé were rival principalities but eventually Rabat began to dominate the area and Salé's power was ultimately eclipsed altogether by its larger neighbor.
Festivals
During the Mouloud, the anniversary of the birth of the prophet Mohamed, important festivals take place in Salé, particularly the festival of the candles held in May, when there is a great procession of boatmen and carriers of delightfully decorated multicolored candles. The many artisans of Salé are well known for their skills in keeping up traditions in the most varied areas: pottery, maraca leather ware, ironware, carpet weaving, embroidery, drapery and rush matting.
Khemisset - Souk, Morocco
(Near Sale)
The Khemisset souk is held on Tuesdays.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | |
| Close |
Sidi Abdellah Ben Hassoun
If Rabat is the city of gardens, Salé is the city of sanctuaries. The most venerable is the one dedicated to the patron saint of the city: Sidi Abdellah Ben Hassoun. It is also the most picturesque with its curious dome and exterior polychrome gallery.
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