Kelly Robertson
There are no doubts Casablanca is one of the more spectacular cities in North Africa, offering quite a scenery and culture to tourists. The different settings, from desert to oasis, along with specific traditions and customs ensure memorable experiences from your trip. Here are 5 sight you simply must see while in Casablanca.
1. Mohammed V square
The Mohammed V square is the vast square with a fountain situated in the center surrounded by an array of administrative buildings. The ancient prefecture (old police headquarters) dominates the south side of the square and is topped by a modernist clock tower.
2. Quarter Habous
Also known as or “nouvelle medina,” it is described as an idealized, almost toy-town version of a traditional medina with little rows of streets and shop stalls. French built this district in the 1930s to solve the housing shortage. It marries the best of traditional Moroccan architecture with modern facilities and French ideals.
3. Hassan II Mosque
Hassan II Mosque is the largest mosque in Morocco and the 7th largest mosque in the world, with the world’s tallest minaret (210 m / 689 ft). It can host up to 105,000 worshippers simultaneously, 25,000 of which can get inside the mosque and another 80,000 on the mosque’s ground outside. Inaugurated in 1993, it stands on a promontory looking out to the Atlantic Ocean.
4. Ancient Medina
To get an impression just how small the city was before the French embarked on their massive building programme, visit the Ancient Medina, which is the oldest part of the city. Here you’ll be able to buy cheap shoes, high-sheen synthetic underwear and household goods, as well as see the last remains of Casablanca’s 18th-century fortifications.
5. Parc de la Ligue Arabe and Casablanca Cathedral
Formally called Lyautey, Parc de la Ligue Arabe is the city’s largest public park that hosts the Casablanca Cathedral (Cathédrale Sacré-Coeur) on its end. Since 1956, the cathedral is no longer in use for religious purposes and is open to visitors, serving as a splendid example of Mauresque architecture. It was designed by French architect Paul Tournon, using the Neo-Gothic style.
And that’s just a start. You’ll want to walk the city as much as possible and check out other things like La Corniche area, Palais Royal, Jardine Majorelle and Hammam Ziani, all of which have a story of their own to tell.
