Each city has its symbol, which is recognizable to many people, and it is often printed on postcards and stamps. In Rabat, this is the Hassan Tower, an ancient minaret that is one of the three most beautiful minarets of Islam in the world.

In the XII century, Sultan Yaqub al-Mansur decided to build in his city the largest and most beautiful mosque that can be imagined. He dreamed that not only civilians but also his numerous army could pray in this mosque. The project was ambitious, but unfortunately, it was not possible to implement it.

Work was started: 360 columns were erected to support the huge roof covering an area of 140 to 183 meters. A 44 meter high minaret was built. But the Sultan died. And his successor decided that this dream was too luxurious to spend so much money on. Therefore, the columns were left standing just like that, but the minaret was completed to the end. However, initially, it was planned that it would be even higher, 60 meters, but the new ruler stopped at what was already there.

The highest minaret at that time was decorated to make other Muslim cities envious. It is made of one color stone of a pleasant pink hue and adorned with the most elegant decorative bas reliefs and pointed arches.

In 1755, a terrible earthquake occurred in the city. Surprisingly, it destroyed almost all the columns, but the minaret remained standing. It was higher, it should have collapsed, but it didn't happen. The inhabitants of the city decided that this was divine protection. And, therefore, by protecting the minaret, God protects the entire city.

Slowly, after the earthquake, the area around the minaret was put in order. Those columns that survived were restored, and what was finally lost was removed from the territory of the complex. And from that moment on, they became more attentive and careful about this sacred place.

And in 1956, the Hassan Tower (this beautiful and imposing minaret) was recognized as a national Shrine of Morocco.