Last flagship of the most modern city of the Kingdom, the Hassan II Mosque stands majestically between sea and sky. A divine nave, with a prayer hall with a capacity of 25,000 worshipers and an esplanade of 80,000. This religious jewel is undoubtedly a subtle blend of traditional Moroccan architecture and the most sophisticated technology.
From the twelfth century, historians had spoken about Anfa's port, point of attraction of all the neighboring regions: Chaouia, Rehamnas, Tadla.
Anfa put them in contact with Europe and allowed them to export their surplus production of cereals, wool, hides, beeswax and oil wax. In modern times, while keeping some memories (bazaars, souks, ramparts hiding the ancient Medina, mosques, marabouts, including that of Sidi Abderrahman, the most frequented sanctuary), Casablanca is the image of an entire kingdom which is making great strides on the path of progress and modernism.
The Corniche, who lives in intimacy with the Atlantic, is one of those places where you just quench thirst, soak your feet in water or vibrate to the rhythm of music in one of the many dance halls of luxury. Need we recall that Casablanca was the scene of several historic meetings which influenced the destiny of the world? It was at Casablanca, in fact, in 1943, that the late King Mohammed V, accompanied by His Majesty Hassan II, then young Crown Prince, received the three Heads of State of the free world, Churchill, Roosevelt and De Gaulle on the occasion of the Anfa conference.
Designed by the French architect Michel Pinseau, the Hassan II mosque looks like a majestic ship docked at the gates of the ocean. Completed in 1993, the mosque is the largest religious building in the world after the mosque in Mecca. Just over 100,000 faithful can come to pray (25 000 in the mosque and 80,000 on the vast esplanade). The monument also houses a madrasa, a library, national museum and large rooms conférences.Les best Moroccan craftsmen participated in the splendid interior of the building: frescoes, zelliges, arabesques, stucco and wood carved beautiful testament to the talent these artists! At the top of the minaret of 200 meters, two lasers with a range of 30 km are continuously directed toward Mecca. To finance this masterpiece of Islamic art, the government made a national appeal; happy donor received in return a diploma!
It is located within walking distance of the place of the United Nations. Sheltered in the shade of sober ramparts, streaked with winding streets mingling onlookers and artisans, the old medina offers a surprising contrast with the architecture of the new town nearby. During the walk, we discover the shrines, mosques without forgetting the Spanish church Buenaventura, the sqala, and the charming square of Sidi Bou Smara with the marabout and his graves aligned under a banyan tree. The district is visiting day, the night can be the occasion of bad meetings!
Warning ! Only the Tourism basin is accessible. To visit the other sites, permission of the Maritime District is necessary.
Near the Royal Palace is the former Muslim court and reception room of the Pasha of Casablanca. Completed in 1952, the building has more than sixty rooms decorated with carved wooden ceilings, stucco, glazed tiles and wrought iron gates. Today is the seat of one of seven prefectures of the "Great Casa".New Medina, commonly known neighborhood Habbous, was born of the planning undertaken by General Lyautey map in the 20s First for accommodating the rural population came to get a job in Casablanca, the new medina was quickly taken assault by wealthy families of the city attracted by the charms of a successful combination of tradition and modern urban planning. It is true that with its picturesque streets, small squares, stone archways and traditional shops, the new medina is a very authentic place. It is in this area that we find the famous pastry Bennis, known for its delicious treats!
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