The very moment we utter Casablanca, instead of vibrant economic and commercial center of Morocco, the timeless masterpiece 1942 movie Casablanca appears before our eyes.
And yes that very movie though entirely shot in Hollywood studio, was inspiration behind my visit to this largest and magnificent Moroccan city .
Casablanca, the third largest port in North Africa( largest in North Africa is Port Said, and Durban is the largest in whole of Africa)is a beautiful coastal city on Atlantic Ocean .
The city was first founded by Berbers in seventh century BC and thereafter settlers of many countries inhabited this city and influenced its culture showing a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity.
Arabs,Portuguese, Spanish , French and British all were behind its rich cultural tapestry and made it so famous and attractive to tourists.
We reached Casablanca by road from Tangier and headed to Old Medina which is the historic area and like all other old walled cities or medinas of Morocco. Medina is full of people and dotted with cafés, restaurants , shops selling leather goods, spices, antiques etc . Remember one needs to be very careful in Casablanca, especially at Medina, as we were cautioned by local people about pickpockets and small thefts.
Then we went to see gorgeous Casablanca cathedral or Church of the Sacred Heart .Now it is a cultural and exhibition center as it has ceased its religious functions since 1956 .This cathedral is example of several “ Art Deco” structures of Casablanca where in middle of last century architects used to blend ancient cultures with geometric shape,luxurious materials and technical advancements.You can easily spend two three hours walking while appreciating several Art Deco buildings like Post office,Palais De Justice ,Cinema Rialto or hotel Guynemer.
Next stop was stunning Notre Dame de Lourdes church which is functional Roman Catholic Church.Stained glass windows and long concrete entrance make this church very famous and we were really awestruck by its modernist architecture.
Then we headed towards two skyscrapers known as Casablanca Twin Center which are 28 floor towers and have shops, offices and a hotel.Twin centers are a modern high tech construction and major theme is Asymmetry.
Now comes main attraction of Casablanca and that is second largest functioning mosque of Africa , Hassan II mosque.
King Hassan II had built this mosque after death of king Mohammad V in 1961 and it was completed in 1993.Its minaret is world’s second tallest minaret at 210 meters.
The building is built partially on the land and partially over Atlantic Ocean and its roof is retractable to allow fresh air inside when climate is clear.
At a time 25000 worshippers can pray inside the mosque and 80000 can on the outside ground.
Mosque visit can happen for tourists till 3 pm and costs 140 MAD . Can be done thru any tour operators including Viator and Get Your guide.
Afterwards we drove along magnificent corniche of Casablanca which is almost 8 kms long pleasant lively seafront promenade where one can play, walk, jog, run and enjoy numerous restaurants, cafés and nightclubs and casinos. Spectacular views of Atlantic Ocean and El Hank lighthouse along with divinely beautiful Hassan II mosque can make anybody fall in love with this beautiful city.
One earnest advice is to stay minimum two nights at Casablanca to enjoy the vibes.
Tours
Casablanca has a very busy airport and Moroccan national railway ( ONCF) connection.One can take day tours to Casablanca from Rabat or Marakkesh or even Tangier and vice versa(only if there is time constraints)
At Casablanca many guided city tours and hop on hop off tour are available .
Where to stay
Budget hotels to 5 star hotels all are there to accommodate any kind of tourists.
Food
Local Moroccan, Korean,continental,Chinese,Indian all types of cuisine are there for you to enjoy,Hotels with permit rooms serve alcohol and other beverages under surreal ambiance.
2 thoughts on “O Casablanca”
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Beautiful explanation and information.