Custom Walk in Casablanca, Morocco by raschieltz_f42dd created on 2025-02-03

Guide Location: Morocco » Casablanca
Guide Type: Custom Walk
# of Sights: 11
Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 9.3 Km or 5.8 Miles
Share Key: 6E7M6

How It Works


Please retrieve this walk in the GPSmyCity app. Once done, the app will guide you from one tour stop to the next as if you had a personal tour guide. If you created the walk on this website or come to the page via a link, please follow the instructions below to retrieve the walk in the app.

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Step 1. Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" on Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Step 2. In the GPSmyCity app, download(or launch) the guide "Casablanca Map and Walking Tours".

Step 3. Tap the menu button located at upper right corner of the "Walks" screen and select "Retrieve custom walk". Enter the share key: 6E7M6

1
Casablanca Twin Center

1) Casablanca Twin Center

The Casablanca Twin Center, prominently situated in the heart of Casablanca’s Maarif district, stands as a striking feature of modern Moroccan architecture and a central hub for both commerce and leisure. Designed by renowned architect Ricardo Bofill, with Moroccan Elie Mouyal as the associate architect, this complex showcases a blend of high-tech modernism and traditional Moroccan materials like marble, plaster, and ceramic tiles.

This architectural marvel consists of two identical 28-story skyscrapers, the West Tower and the East Tower, which rise to 115 meters (377 feet), making them the tallest buildings in Morocco and the broader Maghreb region. The two towers, connected at the lower levels by a sprawling shopping center, create a dramatic gateway to the city’s western residential districts. The complex is strategically located at the intersection of Zerktouni Boulevard and Boulevard Al Massira Al Khadra, on a triangular site that accentuates its unique asymmetrical design.

The Twin Center encompasses a total floor area of 93,000 square meters (1,001,044 square feet) and features a large, landscaped central square set over three terraces, offering expansive views and a welcoming urban space. The shopping center includes five levels with a diverse range of boutiques, designer shops, and a supermarket, underpinning its status as a major retail destination.

Above the retail space, Tower A (West Tower) is primarily dedicated to office use, attracting a host of international businesses due to its prime location and modern facilities. Tower B (East Tower) is distinguished by the luxurious five-star Kenzi Tower Hotel, which houses 210 bedrooms and 27 suites, including the opulent 'Casablanca Royal Suite'.

Since its inauguration in 1998, the Casablanca Twin Center has not only become a pivotal commercial and social node but also a symbol of Casablanca’s urban identity and a landmark in its skyline.
2
Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral (Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral)

2) Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral (Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral)

Modernist, near brutalist slabs of soaring concrete surmounted by a tiny crucifix proclaim Our Lady of Lourdes to a congregation of Catholics. Certainly no other church or former church looks like it, a foreboding, massive household radiator. But go inside and be dazzled by the towering stained glass windows of Gabriel Loire.

Here is more than eight thousand square feet of masterpiece hidden in a plain box. The cathedral is located just north of the Habous Quarter (the New Medina), near the Royal Palace and the mosques of Mohammed V and Moulay Youssef. The windows are cut on a red and blue background like a fine Moroccan carpet. They tell the story of the Virgin Mary.

The interior space is vast, open and airy. Beams of dazzling colored light splash against the opposite side walls. In the yard of the church is a replica of the Grotto of Lourdes where the schoolgirl Bernadette had her visions and revelations of the Virgin Mary.
3
Habous Souq (New Town Market)

3) Habous Souq (New Town Market)

The Habous Souk, or New Town Market, located on the Boulevard Victor Hugo in Casablanca. The area is also known as the New Town which is cleaner, newer and more enticing than the old town. The market is open Monday through Friday from 12:00 am to 11:59 pm. Tours should be booked ahead of time.

The New Town was put together by the French colonizers. It was intended to be a modern, organized neighborhood, cleaner, but a bit French. The New Town Market sells all manner of goods. It has a carpet auction, friendly shops flaunting traditional clothing, shoes, slippers, hand made jewelry. There are book stores and open air cafes, restaurants and bakeries.

The atmosphere of the area is more relaxed, much less pushy than the old town. Deals can still be found and there's always time for tea. Go east on Victor Hugo Boulevard past Mahkamat el-Pasha. Enter through the archway by the Cafe Imperial and voila! The Habous Souk.
4
Mahkamat al-Pasha Building

4) Mahkamat al-Pasha Building (must see)

Mahkamat al-Pasha in Arabic means, "the Pasha's Courthouse." It was built in the early years of World War II, specifically 1941-1942. Since it was wartime, modern building materials were scarfed up by the French government. The courthouse was put together using traditional methods and materials.

The Pasha of Casablanca at the time was Al-Tayyib Al-Moqri, number two son of Grand Vizier Muhammed al-Muqri. The second son desired a courthouse to be built in the Habous, a neighborhood of the city traditionally dedicated to charitable and cultural interests. The building was to be a complex serving as residence, courthouse and jail.

The decision to build was made in January 1930. The design was by architect Auguste Cadet. Cadet was deeply involved in the planning and building of Casablanca. Like most other of Cadet's projects in the city, the complex shows typical Moorish-Andalusian architectural elements: ZeleeJ tiles, stucco, carved cedar and green tile roofing.
5
Royal Palace

5) Royal Palace

Kings and presidents often promise things and do not deliver. The Royal Palace of Casablanca is one of the official royal palaces in Morocco. With the Casablanca palace one may look but not enter. Unless, of course the curious tourist is himself or herself an important invited personage, then it's different. Oh, it's good to be the king.

The Royal Palace is watched over by uniformed palace guards. There are no tours. Beyond the tiled and carved entrance gates of the facade are elegant waterworks, fountains and groves of fruit tress. In front of the Palace is a vast open square with fountains. It's a convenient place to stop and admire the royal exteriors.

The King sometimes stops by the palace when he's in town, but of course he has other digs. This one is much like the Alhambra in Spain. It has all the usual courtyards, gardens, fountains, flowers, trees, galleries, stucco, whatever. No need to see inside. Perhaps with a tour? One wonders. Oh, yes. No tours inside.
6
United Nations Square

6) United Nations Square

Central to its history of modern Casablanca is United Nations Square. It was once simply the Souq Kbir, a market square. Of the European powers, France, in particular, liked Casablanca very much and in 1908 France came to call.

The French commander, Charles Marechal Joseph Dessigny, said hello with an artillery barrage and an invasion. This was a tad rude, but now France had arrived in Morocco. To drive home the point, Dessigny ordered a clock tower built in what ultimately was to become United Nations Square.

The old Souq Kbir immediately was renamed "Square of the Clock." The name soon changed again to the more assertive, "Square of France." This gave everyone assurance of permanence. A planing group led by General Hubert Lyautey and architect Henri Prost soon gave the square and the town a thorough re-do.

At the south end of the square, Hippolyte Delaporte and August Perret erected their Magazins Paris-Moroc in 1914. Hubert Lyautey opened the new State Bank of Morocco on the northeastern side of the Square. The Bank is currently named Bank al-Maghrib. The neo-Moorish Hotel Exchelsior went up in 1916.

The clock tower was replaced by a copy tower in 1993. Several buildings on the square were demolished to make way for the Avenue of the Royal Armed Forces created by planner Michel Ecochard. Architect Jean-Francois Zevaco designed Kora Ardia, a remodeling of the square including a geodesic dome.
7
Exposition Nationale d'Artisanat (National Craft Exhibition)

7) Exposition Nationale d'Artisanat (National Craft Exhibition)

The National Craft Exhibition in Casablanca stands as a premier destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Moroccan craftsmanship without the usual haggling found in traditional markets. This expansive, government-run emporium is conveniently located in the heart of Casablanca, making it a central stop for tourists and locals looking to acquire authentic Moroccan goods.

Spanning three floors, the exposition showcases an impressive array of local specialties. Visitors can explore a diverse selection of items including fine carpets, particularly silk and Berber tribal rugs that highlight the originality of Moroccan and Berber art. Additionally, the venue offers exquisite leather goods, beautifully crafted jewelry, and a variety of brass work and ceramics like tagines. Each product is sourced from various regions across Morocco, ensuring a comprehensive representation of the nation's artisanal diversity.

One of the key features of the National Craft Exhibition is its fixed pricing policy. This aspect makes it an ideal shopping venue for those who prefer a straightforward purchasing experience without the need to negotiate prices. The fixed prices ensure that all items are sold at a fair value, reflecting their quality and craftsmanship.

This boutique-like setting not only serves as a shopping paradise but also as a cultural exhibit, showcasing unique souvenirs and crafts that embody Moroccan tradition and artistry. It is an excellent spot for buying distinctive and high-quality gifts, from luxurious fabrics to unique craft items, making it a must-visit for anyone eager to bring home a piece of Morocco's rich cultural heritage.
8
Place Mohammed V (Mohammed V Square)

8) Place Mohammed V (Mohammed V Square) (must see)

Mohammed V Square in Casablanca is popularly referred to as "Pigeons' Square." It seems literally carpeted with pigeons. They never go away. Are they waiting for something?

The square is named for Mohammed V, celebrated former King of Morocco. It has had other names: Main Square, Square of France, Square of Victory, Administrative Square and Marshal Lyautey Square. The square is just south of the the old city, in an area once occupied by the barracks of French Colonial Troops.

The plan to build a square was formed by Henri Prost and Joseph Marrast in 1916. It was destined to be part of the new "European City." Hubert Lyautey, the Resident General, was dreaming of Place Stanislaus in his native city of Nancy, France. He wanted the Mohammed V Square to be like that.

New buildings went up around the square in the style of Moorish Revival so liked by architect Henri Proust. On the sides are: the Court House built in 1923; the Military Circle built in 1925; the Bank Al-Maghrib built in 1937; the Central Post Office built in 1920; the Wilaya Building built in 1937; and the French Consulate-General built in 1922.

The Grand Theatre of Casablanca by Christian de Portzamparc was built in 2020 and the large circular fountain, the "Pigeons' Fountain", was repositioned as the square was renovated and repaved.
9
Parc de la Ligue Arabe (Arab League Park)

9) Parc de la Ligue Arabe (Arab League Park)

Arab League Park is near the city center, west of Hassan II Boulevard, east of Roudani Boulevard and just south of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Casablanca Cathedral). The park is the largest park in town, covering 30 acres of land. In 1913, French architect Albert Laprade was commissioned to redesign the central city park.

The park was redone under the general supervision of Henri Prost. The name selected for the park was Lyautey Park, in honor of the Resident General of Morocco. Some arches from the old Portuguese prison, the Prison of Anfa, were moved by order of Lyautey to the park to provide support for a pergola.

The park is a huge green oasis in the middle of a bustling city. Palm trees run north and south the length of the park. It has recently emerged from an extensive reconstruction that has lasted almost two years. It has a large pond featuring water lilies and many exotic plants.

By the intersection of Moulay Youssef Avenue and Hassan II Avenue by the Arab League Square are more than a few cafes with terraces where one can rest after exploring the Park.
10
Casablanca Cathedral

10) Casablanca Cathedral (must see)

As long as the French ran the show in Morocco, a Catholic cathedral in Casablanca was not inconceivable. The cathedral was not officially a cathedral anyway. It was never the seat of a bishop. Although it certainly was big enough. So, it was officially a church, properly known as the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

After independence in Morocco, the Cathedral ceased to be a church. It was converted to use as a school and then as a cultural center. It is a tourist attraction not dedicated to any particular use. But it is huge. It has been described as "breathtaking."

The style is Art Deco with neo-Gothic and Moorish touches, especially in the two great bell towers flanking the entrance. Architect Paul Tournon started his project in 1930. Money was in short supply, so he built section by section from the altar out. He planned on ten bays, or sections. He completed three. The full cathedral was finished in 1952.

The Church of the sacred Heart has five naves separated by columns. This is novel. Most European cathedrals have three naves. This was reminiscent of early Christian architecture in Africa. It was the intention of Tournon that the cathedral should tower over all the mosques.

Without the religious function, the vast empty cathedral seems anachronous. The Cathedral can be found by the Arab League Park, the biggest park in the city.
11
Hassan II Mosque

11) Hassan II Mosque (must see)

Not all the New City architecture of French Casablanca survived independence. One amazing structure that was torn down to make way for an equally amazing mosque was the Orthlieb Pool. Named for Georges Orthelieb, a municipal dignitary of Casablanca, the pool was a sea water pool with a giant spiral slide built on the rocks along the shore.

The pool was designed by architect Maurice L'Herbier. It opened in 1934 but fell into disrepair after Independence. It was demolished in 1981 to be replaced by the great Hassan II Mosque. The Hassan II Mosque is the second largest operating mosque in Africa and the seventh largest in the world.

The mosque was designed by French architect Michel Pinseau as directed by King Hassan II. Artisans from all over the kingdom took part in its construction. Its minaret looks out over the sea from a height of 689 feet. It is topped by a laser which directs light beams in the direction of Mecca. The walls are marble. The roof is retractable.

The basic plan of the building is a basilica rather than the more common T plan. The Qibia is perpendicular to the naves. The prayer hall is on the ground floor. The central hall features underwater views of the Atlantic Ocean. Also in the hall are domes with hanging glass chandeliers. The minaret is ocean green and turquoise blue.

The mosque can accommodate as many as 105,000 souls; 25,000 inside and 80,000 outside. It is east of the El Hank lighthouse, on a promontory overlooking the sea. In his birthday remarks in 1980, the king said, he wanted to build the mosque on the water so that the faithful, "... can contemplate God's sky and ocean." The king got his wish.
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