Famous all around the world for the legendary movie starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergmann, Casablanca has a lot to offer its visitors. It is one of the best travel choices in Morocco, featuring a wide variety of historical sites and tourist attractions. It is also the most cosmopolitan city in the country, as well as its economic center. Enjoy the most famous sights of Casablanca by following the steps of the next self-guided tour.
1) Hassan II Mosque
The Hassan II Mosque (Arabic: مسجد الحسن الثاني), located in Casablanca is the largest mosque in Morocco and the third largest mosque in the world after the Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) of Mecca and the Al-Masjid al-Nabawi (Prophet's Mosque) in Medina. Its minaret is the world's tallest at 210 m (689 ft). All the granite, plaster, marble, wood, and other materials used in its construction were taken from around Morocco, with the sole exceptions of some white granite columns and glass chandeliers, both of which come from Italy. Six thousand traditional Moroccan artisans worked for five years to turn these raw materials into abundant and incredibly beautiful mosaics, stone and marble floors and columns, sculpted plaster moldings and carved and painted wood ceilings.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and S. Youness
Sight description based on wikipedia
2) Chleuh Mosque
Walk along Rue Chakab Arsalane to find another local place of worship - the Chleuh Mosque. Located in one of the most old and authentic areas of Casablanca, Cheluh Mosque is a beautiful building with specific architecture. It is the city's main Friday Mosque.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Alexandre Moreau Photography
3) Cinema Rialto
Cinema Rialto in Casablanca is one of the most famous entertainment spots around. Besides being a well known hang-out place, this establishment is worth seeing for its art-deco architecture. It is a fine building completed in 1930, when the art-deco style was famous. Visitors should not miss the chance to take a look inside and if possible, to go to a movie.
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4) Place Mohammed V
Place Mohammed V is a square situated in the core of Casablanca. It is one of the symbols of the French regeneration era. It is one of the most crowded squares of Casablanca, surrounded by stunning architecture. Pay attention to the Post Office building, the Palace of Justice, the Prefecture, the French Consulate and the Bank of Morocco. The majority of the buildings around are designed in Mauresque and Art-deco styles. The square is magnificent at night, when lit.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Remi Jouan
5) Casablanca Cathedral
This impressive Roman Catholic cathedral dates back to 1930. Casablanca Cathedral is nestled in Parc de la Ligue Arabe. The church was built following the project of Paul Tournon and showcases Neo-Gothic style.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Remi Jouan
6) Parc de la Ligue Arabe
After enjoying the Cathédrale du Sacré Coeur, turn to the Parc de la Ligue Arabe, located closeby. It is the largest green area in Casablanca, established here in 1918. The park consists of alleys of long palm trees and is the best place for a relaxing, romantic walk. It also offers a large variety of cafes and a well known amusement park.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and ulayiti
7) Villa des Arts
Villa des Artes is a multi-cultural centre established to promote contemporary arts, which also makes up Marocan culture. It consists of one of the largest museums in Casablanca, the first private one in the country. The museum features more than 800 artworks in permanent exhibitions, organizing also temporary exhibitions annually by international and local contemporary artists.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and geishaboy500