Casablanca, the Hassan II Mosque

Financed partly by the Moroccan people within a national framework subscription and inaugurated in August 30, 1993, the Hassan II mosque (conceived by the French architect Michel Pinseau), is an architectural masterpiece.




Symbol of an Islam open to the world and science, according to the wish of Hassan II and built partly on water, in the extreme point of Maghreb! It perpetuates, on the Pharaonic way, the tradition of architectural research and technical innovation which marked the white city since its creation. This gigantic complex is highly impressing: interminable arcs, cyclopean gates, crushing mass of the minaret (which launches its laser beam to nearly 30 km in direction of Mecque).

The religious
building is designed to receive 25 000 person inside and 80 000 on the esplanade which prolongs it.

The realisation of this masterpiece needed the effort of 35 000 craftsmen from Safi, Marrakech and Fez and six years of work of the Bouygues group, which ensured its realization. The site covers 22,24 a, of which two thirds were gained on the sea. In addition to the mosque itself, extends a vast complex of buildings intended to shelter coranic libraries, schools and conference centres, and which remain in the state of project.

Where to sleep in Casablanca?

Inside the building, all is imposing and monumental; the decoration luxury and refinement exalt the Moroccan artisan know-how: frescos and Zellige, painted and carved wood, stuccos with inextricable drawings, arabesques, luminous colours, all testify to the talent and innovative spirit of the Moroccan artists. After having crossed one of the 25 brass and titanium gates, you enter the immense prayer room, supported by 78 pillars. Moucharabiehs in cedar, ebony and mahogany, onyx and marble coatings, with profusion of Italian Murano glosses. During hot summer days, the sliding ceiling, a mass of cedar of 1 100 opens the room of prayer to the sky... the roof is covered with green emerald tiles, colour symbol of spiritual plenitude in Islam. The ablution rooms with basins in the shape of lotus are in the basement (occupied also by hammams and Turkish baths).