20 Casablanca attractions worth visiting

20 Casablanca attractions worth visiting

20 Casablanca attractions worth visiting: Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city, spreading out on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Its appearance has been influenced by both long traditions and the country’s colonial past. Some of Casablanca’s attractions have an Arabian flavor, some are French-influenced, and the architectural heritage of the colonial regime adds a twist to Oriental exoticism.

Hassan II Mosque

The Great Mosque of Hassan II in Casablanca, Morocco is the largest in Morocco and the tallest religious building on the planet – its minaret rises 210 meters! The capacity of the mosque, erected on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, is 25 thousand people. Another 80 thousand believers can pray on the square, which is adjacent to the mosque. The author of this grandiose project was French architect Michel Pinsot. The first stone in the foundation of the future mosque was laid in 1986 by King Hassan II of Morocco. The construction, which was carried out entirely on donations, was completed in 1989, but until 1993 the finishing of the premises continued. More than 10,000 craftsmen, artisans, and artists labored to create marble floors, stone columns, mosaics, and other interior decorations. This project embodied many technological innovations: the roof of the mosque can be slid, the floors are heated, and the building is earthquake resistant. In the upper part of the minaret, there is a laser spotlight directed towards Mecca. At a distance of 30 km, its beam is discernible in the dark. Address: Hassan II Mosque, Boulevard Corniche, Casablanca, Morocco.

Habous Quarter

20 Casablanca attractions worth visiting: The Habous Quarter is a new medina located in the south of Casablanca, built entirely on the traditional model. The neighborhood dates back to the 1930s, during the French protectorate, so it has a unique atmosphere that is both Arab and French. The Habous Quarter is like an Arab city in its idealized representation – with labyrinths of narrow streets, tidy houses, a mass of souvenir stores, and craftsmen’s stores. Moroccan exoticism makes walking through this neighborhood surprisingly pleasant. The Habous Quarter is interesting for its architectural monuments and sights. Among them are the Royal Palace, the Notre Dame de Lourdes Church, the Mahkama du Pacha Palace of Justice, and the Copper Market, which sells high-quality copper, brass, and silverware.

Palace of Mahkama du Pacha

This magnificent palace is like being transported to Casablanca from an old oriental fairy tale. The Mahkama du Pacha is actually an administrative building that appeared in the Habous neighborhood in the 1940s. It was created by French architect Auguste Cadet and blended European design cues with Moroccan architectural details and Moorish influences. The palace of Mahkama du Pacha has been perfectly preserved to this day. It is not very easy to get inside the palace, because this municipal building is still used for its intended purpose. Those tourists who manage to do so are very impressed because the modest exterior design of this building is characterized by a luxurious interior decoration, which was worked on by the most skillful local craftsmen. All 64 halls of the palace are decorated with elegant finishes, fine wood and stone carvings, stucco, and ornaments. The rooms are decorated with marble, cedar wood, and multicolored mosaics.

Casablanca’s Medina neighborhood

The old medina, the oldest section of the city, has a history that reaches back to the Middle Ages. Back then, Casablanca was considered a wealthy city and was called Anfa. Traders and sailors lived here from ancient times, but after the Portuguese conquered the city and the devastating earthquake, there was almost nothing left of the medina. The oldest homes in the area now are less than 200 years old because the community had to be reconstructed. Casablanca’s Medina does not look like a typical tourist destination. This neighborhood is not rich, not very clean, and sometimes unsafe. However, it is here that tourists seek Moroccan exoticism and true Arabian flavor. Here reigns a special atmosphere, which can not be found in popular tourist destinations. The life of local inhabitants goes on without any regard for tourists, and this is what makes it interesting. In the medina, you can see chaotic buildings, labyrinths of narrow streets that often end in dead ends, and a lot of original graffiti on the walls.

Arab League Park

Casablanca’s largest park was laid out in the city center back in 1913. Its highlight is the landscape, which is luxurious in an oriental way and well-maintained in a European way. The park is a real oasis with beautiful flower beds, wide alleys, emerald lawns, fan palms, ficus, and date trees. In the Arab League Park locals like to relax, and tourists usually pause here in their sightseeing program. There are cafes and restaurants, decorative ponds and fountains, and children’s attractions. Address: Arab League Park, Casablanca, Morocco.

Ain Diab Beach

20 Casablanca attractions worth visiting: Ain Diab is the main city beach of Casablanca. The place is bustling with beach life, and during the high season, it seems that almost the whole city gathers. It is the center of entertainment, family recreation and the main attraction point for tourists and locals. Entrance to Ain Diab Beach is free. There is an opportunity to rent umbrellas, sunbeds, and even tables if you plan to have lunch. You can bring your own food or order local dishes from cafes and eateries located nearby. On the beach, vacationers can play volleyball, ride camels and horses, and surf, as there are often big waves.

Cape El Hank Lighthouse

This lighthouse, built on the rocky cape of El Hank over 100 years ago, is named after its namesake. Its white tower, decorated with a Moroccan-style carved cornice, is one of the symbols of the seaside town. Casablanca’s largest lighthouse can be seen from afar – it towers 50 meters high and its light is visible from a distance of 53 km. El Khank can be visited with a guided tour. If you want to climb to the top of the tower, you will have to climb 256 steps up a spiral staircase. The observation deck offers a picturesque view of the Atlantic Ocean, city neighborhoods, and colorful fishermen’s slums.

Corniche Waterfront

The Corniche Promenade is located in one of Casablanca’s most prestigious neighborhoods. The surrounding area is built up with luxury villas and expensive hotels, and the promenade itself is always perfectly clean. Almost all beaches in this area – are private or belonging to hotels. There are also small public areas with minimal service. A distinctive feature of the Corniche promenade is the abundance of greenery and flowers. This is the main walking place of Casablanca, where nightlife begins at nightfall. There are many restaurants, discos, bars and nightclubs.

Corniche Quay

The Corniche Promenade is located in one of Casablanca’s most prestigious neighborhoods. The surrounding area is built up with luxury villas and expensive hotels, and the promenade itself is always perfectly clean. Almost all beaches in this area – are private or belonging to hotels. There are also small public areas with minimal service. A distinctive feature of the Corniche promenade is the abundance of greenery and flowers. This is the main walking place of Casablanca, where nightlife begins at nightfall. There are many restaurants, discos, bars and nightclubs.

Tamaris Water Park

This water park is the largest in Morocco. It is located 25 km from Casablanca and occupies an area of more than 7 hectares. In the entertainment complex, there are attractions, and for those who are hungry, numerous cafes offer a varied menu: from traditional Moroccan cuisine to Italian pizza and American fast food. Tamaris Water Park has several zones. In the children’s part, there are rides for kids, extreme fans choose the highest slides, and tourists who want to relax – a leisurely walk along the artificial river. There is also a beach area, its own zoo, and even elephants that show a real show.

The tomb of Sidi Bou Abderrahman.

This shrine is located in a small village that sits on a cliff in the Atlantic Ocean. Previously, the village could only be accessed by land by waiting for low tide. Nowadays, a stone bridge has been built to connect the island to the town. This mausoleum is a revered and sacred place for Muslims. There is a special atmosphere here and there are always a lot of pilgrims who come by bus, car, or walk from Casablanca along the ocean shore.

20 Casablanca attractions worth visiting: Museum of Moroccan Judaism

In earlier years, the Jewish community played a prominent role in Casablanca, and Jewish culture added much to the life of the city. The Museum of Moroccan Judaism, the only one of its kind in the Arab world, is a reminder of this. Founded in 1997, this museum attracts the attention of foreign tourists, confirming the loyalty and tolerance of Moroccans. Of the five thousand Jews in Morocco, two thousand live in Casablanca. There are Jewish schools and working synagogues here. The exposition of the Museum of Moroccan Judaism includes exhibits testifying to the rich history and culture of the country’s Jewish community. Among them are documents, household items, tools, religious items, clothing, and even a small jewelry workshop. A separate hall is reserved for temporary exhibitions. In the media center, there is a demonstration of documentary films.

Church of St. John the Evangelist

The Church of St. John the Evangelist was erected in 1906 on the outskirts of Casablanca, practically in a clear field. This historic structure witnessed the French colonization of Morocco and was later destroyed and looted by Berber tribes. The restored building served as a shelter for Allied soldiers during World War II. Since the temple was built, the city has grown so much that today the Church of St. John the Evangelist is located in the center of Casablanca. This small temple is a working temple. The building is surrounded by a cozy garden and the walls of the church are covered with ivy.

Sacred Heart Cathedral (Casablanca Cathedral)

This majestic cathedral was built in the center of Casablanca in 1930 when most of Morocco was under French protectorate. The cathedral was to become the main church of the city’s Catholic community, which was quite numerous at that time. The author of the project was the famous French architect Paul Tournon. The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart was erected in the Art Deco style with elements of neo-Gothic and traditional Moroccan architecture. The facades of the snow-white temple are decorated with openwork carvings, and the interior decoration is stunning with luxurious finishes, magnificent mosaics, and ornate stained glass. Since 1956, after Morocco gained its independence, the cathedral has not been used for religious services. Today the cathedral serves as a cultural center, which is open to the public. It hosts art exhibitions, fashion shows, and concerts of music of various genres. One of the towers of the Shrine of the Sacred Heart has an observation deck that offers beautiful views of Casablanca.

Mohammed V Square

The largest square in Casablanca is also one of the most beautiful. It combines Moroccan architecture with Andalusian architecture. Among the interesting buildings facing Mohammed V Square are the prefecture, the Supreme Court, the post office, the bank, and the clock tower. Many of these buildings date back a century. This place is a green oasis, with well-maintained lawns and plantings, and a large park and public garden adjoining the square. In the center of Mohammed V Square is a musical fountain, which is especially popular in the evenings. As dusk falls, it attracts light and music effects, and the architectural landmarks around the square are beautifully illuminated.

United Nations Square

The modern look of this square began to take shape a century ago on the spot where the city’s market used to bustle. It divides the city into two parts: the old and the modern. The square is surrounded by Old Town neighborhoods with colonial architecture and souvenir stores, as well as new office buildings, banks, hotels, cinemas, stores, and restaurants. Today, the United Nations Square is one of the busiest squares in Casablanca, popular with tourists and residents. At its center is a large hemisphere with intertwining metal ribbons, and at the northeast end is a clock tower. The old tower, erected here in 1910, was a symbol of the colonizers’ rule, and for this reason, it was demolished in 1948. In 1993, the Casablanca authorities decided that the tower was an integral part of the city’s history and it was restored to its former appearance.

Twin Towers

Two towering skyscrapers are current landmarks in Casablanca, reminding you that this city is one of the most modern in terms of lifestyle in Morocco. The 28-story buildings, located in the heart of the business districts, rise 115 meters high. They represent the Casablanca Twin Center complex and are one of the new symbols of the city. The presentable twin towers were erected in Casablanca by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill in 1998. You can see them from the outside as well as inside. There are stores and boutiques, banks and company offices, restaurants and bars, shopping centers, and a 5-star hotel. It is here that you can buy high-quality national costumes that will make a wonderful souvenir.

Art Villa

20 Casablanca attractions worth visiting: The Villa of Arts is the name given to the Casablanca Art Museum. It is located in a two-story white-washed building, built in the Art Deco style and surrounded by a picturesque garden. This gallery is not only an exposition, but also one of the cultural centers of the city. It hosts social events, teaches art to schoolchildren and students, and offers daily group tours to visitors. The collection of art works presented in the exposition was created in the 30s of the XX century. In the spacious exhibition halls of the gallery, you can see sculptures, paintings, and decorative panels created by Moroccan and foreign masters. The entrance is free.

Temple of Bet El

There are more than 30 synagogues in Casablanca, but it is Beth El that attracts the most attention of tourists. Erected in the center of the Jewish community, it is considered the oldest in the country. Temple Beth-El serves as both a religious and cultural center. There is a children’s Sunday school, and social events are held in the spacious prayer hall. The synagogue building is built in the best traditions of Art Deco. It is decorated with skillfully executed stained glass windows, narrow high windows, elegant black domes with gilding, and massive carved wood doors. The interior furnishings include handmade furniture and original decorative elements. Next to the synagogue is a beautiful large park with playgrounds and attractions.

Morocco Mall

20 Casablanca attractions worth visiting: For tourists who prefer modern attractions, there is also something to see in Casablanca. Morocco Mall is the largest shopping center not only in the country but also on the entire African continent. The area of this beautiful three-story building is 200 thousand square meters. meters. It is surrounded by a landscaped garden with exotic plants, flowers, fountains, and waterfalls. Morocco Mall opened in December 2011, and since then it has won several prestigious awards: for design, architecture, most innovative concept, and best retail and leisure development in Morocco and Africa. It houses more than 350 stores and boutiques, catering, and services. In the middle of the shopping center is a huge cylindrical aquarium with a volume of 1 million liters. It is home to over 40 species of fish, and visitors can observe their life from the inside by riding through the center of the aquarium in a special elevator with a circular view or diving with a professional instructor. Morocco Mall has an ice skating rink, a children’s entertainment center with rides, a cinema, and many cafes and restaurants.