Historic Rabat Landmark Reopens: Café des Oudayas Restored to Former Glory

It was in July 2020 that the Café des Oudayas in Rabat, which was in danger of ruin, was partially demolished as part of the rehabilitation and enhancement program of the old medina of Rabat. The demolition had caused controversy, as many had thought that this place steeped in history was about to live its last hours. It is therefore with great joy that the reopening was welcomed.

On this occasion, Abdelkrim Bennani indicated that this is a historic moment. He stressed that the authorities, technicians, historians and archaeologists have all ensured that this magical, mythical and historical place retains its spirit. "We will come here every time, keeping the hope that this place will always be a meeting place for generations, Moroccans and foreigners, as well as a place of memory and future to regenerate history," reports the MAP.

In turn, Alexander Schischlik, UNESCO’s representative in Morocco, congratulated all those who have worked and kept this historical heritage intact. "while respecting the heritage and recovering things as they were in the spirit of everyone." For his part, the vice-president of the Espace les Oudayas Association, Abderrahmane Badraoui, indicated that the renovation of the café now called "Café des Oudayas" has seen the participation of experts and mâalems who have done a great restoration work in order to preserve the authenticity and history of this place. He added that this café has been restored in compliance with standards, in order to preserve its original identity.

During this ceremony, the keys to the large gates of the Oudayas were handed over to UNESCO for its role in the preservation of historical monuments in Morocco, as well as for its contribution to the restoration work of this site.