Hassan II Mosque: Casablanca's Most Gorgeous Sight
- bourbonandbluebird
- Oct 26, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: May 29
On the Atlantic coast, one of Moroccan’s most stunning buildings is nestled in amongst the resorts and offices. Finished in 1993, this mosque was the combined work of 10,000 men and boasts both incredible architecture and carefully detailed artwork. It can hold over 100,000 people, of which 25,000 fit in the main building and another 80,000 can participate on the gorgeous grounds.
After the death of Mohammed V, King Hassan ordered the construction of the mosque in order to give the people a beautiful center of worship, as well as help Casablanca prosper as a city of beauty. The King primarily funded the mosque himself, but the project was further supported by public donations. It was designed by Michel Pinseau, a French architect and built by highly skilled artists over the course of seven years. Most of the materials were sourced from Morocco itself, except for the chandeliers, which are made of Venetian glass.
The Hassan II Mosque also happens to be the third largest mosque in the world and the largest in Africa. It also has the tallest minaret at a whopping 210 meters. The total grounds include the mosque itself, as well as a library, madrasa (school), and the visitor center/museum. The mosque is partially built over the ocean, whereas the other buildings remain slightly more inland. When visiting, make sure to stop by all of the buildings, as each are intricately built. The exteriors alone have so much to take in with all the detailed carvings and tile work.
If you want a more in-depth experience, the mosque offers tours in between prayers that are available in an array of languages. Times vary depending on the time of year and day of the week (make sure to check the website for more information). We took our tour early in the morning, which was a great option as the lighting was phenomenal and it wasn’t overly busy. Keep in mind, if you visit the interior, one’s knees and shoulders should be covered, although a headscarf is not necessary. Upon entry, everyone is asked to remove their shoes (bags are provided for safekeeping) and then everyone is divided into their language for the tour.
The first stop in is the prayer hall which is a large space with the front facing towards Mecca. Here is where people will gather to worship, led by the imam. The area is incredibly spacious with heavily detailed pillars and ceilings. The stone is all handcut and featuring Moorish design. The same goes for the cedar, which was chosen due to its natural insect repellent and resistance to the salty ocean air.
In the center of the room are glass floors that provide a glimpse of the absolution rooms. Towards northwestern side, there are picturesque views of the Atlantic. However, one of the most fascinating parts of the mosque is the retractable roof, which opens to allow in fresh ocean air. It is especially helpful during Ramadan when the mosque reaches its highest capacity. This feature is incredibly unique and with any luck, visitors may be able to see it opened.
Underneath the main hall are the absolution rooms, where people wash before prayer. The area is filled with gorgeous tiles and engravings, including some Arabic calligraphy. The marble fountains are especially gorgeous and beautifully designed.
The tour was ended after the visit to the lower level. Overall, I found visiting this mosque an exceptional experience and a great opportunity to understand the religion of Islam and Moroccan design. Our guide was phenomenal and the sights were stunning, creating a definite must-see in the area of Casablanca.
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