Saint Pierre Cathedral, Rabat

Saint Pierre Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Rabat) stands as an architectural landmark in Morocco’s capital, blending Art Deco elegance with historical significance. Situated at Golan Square (Place du Golan) in downtown Rabat, the cathedral serves as the ecclesiastical seat of the Archdiocese of Rabat and remains an active place of worship.

Commissioned during the era of the French Protectorate, construction of the cathedral began in 1919 under the direction of French architect Adrien Laforgue. It was inaugurated in 1921 by Resident General Hubert Lyautey. The cathedral’s Art Deco design was a deliberate departure from the traditional Moroccan architecture seen in the city’s mosques, reinforcing its European influence. In the 1930s, two striking towers were added, incorporating Gothic and Moorish elements, making the structure even more distinctive.

The cathedral continues to function as a Roman Catholic place of worship, offering regular Mass services, often conducted in French with live choral performances. While primarily serving Rabat’s Christian community, the cathedral is open to all visitors, regardless of religious affiliation. The old rectory of the cathedral now houses L'Institut Français, further embedding the site into Rabat’s cultural landscape.

With its bright white façade, Saint Pierre Cathedral serves as a useful visual landmark when navigating Rabat’s modern district. Its twin towers, a rare sight in Morocco, stand out against the city’s skyline, offering a unique contrast to the historic Hassan Tower, located nearby.