The romantic air that comes with thoughts of the 1942 Hollywood movie which took the city’s name might not be immediately obvious on arrival into today’s Casablanca. However, those that leave Casablanca straight after landing at the international airport miss a city whose rich array of cultures and diverse ethnicities lie just below the surface of the modern cityscape.
Chief among Casablanca’s attractions is the immense Hassan II Mosque, situated among the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The only mosque non-Muslims are able to formally visit anywhere in Morocco, the Hassan II Mosque is an impressive introduction to how the kingdom sees itself in the twenty-first century.
Built in 1993 in a much older style, it is one of the largest religious structures in the world, capable of hosting 105,000 worshippers at any one time. As impressive as it is holy, its minaret tower rises the equivalent of 60 stories in height, and emits a laser beam pointing to Mecca from dusk.
The architecture from the French period of rule over Morocco in the early 1900s can be seen in and around UN Square, while Arab League Park provides some green respite from streets packed with stores, market stalls and locals going about their lives.
Although it’s not open to the public, the Royal Palace of Casablanca, the King of Morocco’s main residence, is also worth a look, if only to admire its impressive entrance. This mimics the medina gateways of Morocco’s ancient Imperial Cities: Rabat, Fez, Marrakesh, and Meknes, at least some of which are sure to feature on your Morocco itinerary.
Morocco Travel Guide
Morocco Tours & Travel / Morocco FAQ / Morocco Weather / Morocco Accommodations
Top Morocco Travel Destinations
Chefchaouen / Essaouira / Fez / Marrakesh / Merzouga / Rabat / Tangier
