Casablanca (Kasablanca) Travel Guide - Attractions

Hassan II Mosque: this magnificent mosque was commissioned by King Hassan II to provide Casablanca with a single recognisable landmark monument. Work began in 1986 on land reclaimed from a run-down area by the sea, and was due to be completed in time for the king's birthday in 1989.

More than 6,000 Moroccan master craftsmen and artisans worked on the project, but it was not completed until August 1993, at a cost of US$800 million. The materials used in the mosque were mostly sourced from Morocco, except for the granite columns and chandeliers that were brought in from Italy.

The huge minaret, at more than 600 feet high, gives it the status of the tallest religious structure in the world. At night, a laser beam shines from the top of the minaret towards Mecca, in order ‘to point the way to God’. The site covers an area of 22 acres and includes a Koranic school, library, museum, Turkish bath and conference rooms. It is the only mosque in the city open to non-Muslims.

Old Medina: is the original Arab part of the town, which is still partly enclosed by ancient walls. Casablanca is like many other Moroccan cities that comprise of an old part of the city (medina) and a new section that was created when the French ruled (ville nouvelle). Although not as impressive as Marrakech or Fez, it is still an interesting area to explore.

Casablanca Port: is located very close to the Hassan II Mosque. It is the largest and busiest port in the entire Maghreb and North African region and is also the world's largest artificial port. There are many deep water quays, and it can handle up to 35 ships docking at any one time.

Such is the importance of the port to Casablanca, that it generates nearly 40 per cent of the city's total revenue. It's hardly a tourist attraction but there is plenty of good fishing to be had, and a large shopping complex known as Centre 2000 is located here.

The 180-foot tower that flanks the prefecture has some excellent views over the city and port. It also has a siren installed that sounds every evening during Ramadan to signal the end of fasting. There is a large fountain in the middle of the square that has light and music displays after dark. The streets leading from Place Mohamed V have many of the city's top hotels and restaurants.

New Medina: lies just beyond the royal palace in the south-eastern part of Casablanca. It is also known as the quartier des habous, or ‘district of holy men’. It was built by the French in the 1920s because of a housing shortage and also as an attempt to integrate the new residents with the existing population.