Casablanca (population 5 million), Morocco’s only major city and economic capital, is undoubtedly the country’s most Westernized city. Its charm differs radically from that of imperial cities like Fez or Marrakech. Located on the former site of Anfa, and later a Portuguese and then Spanish trading post, Casablanca was built by the French in the first half of the 20th century. Its Art Deco architecture remains a testament to this period.
The Hassan II Mosque
The Hassan II Mosque: Located on the oceanfront, it is the third largest in the world after those in Medina and Mecca. It is open to visitors, including non-Muslims. Shoes must be removed to visit the interior, which is lined with traditional carpets.
The Medina
Much younger than its counterparts in major Moroccan cities, the Casablanca Medina is located near the train station, the port, and the Hassan II Mosque. Don’t hesitate to haggle over your purchases.
Art Deco House
Moorish and Art Deco styles dominate the entire city center of Casablanca, whose urban planning was designed by the French in the 1930s, giving the city, in addition to its very aesthetically pleasing buildings, a truly remarkable architectural coherence, which certainly warrants a stroll.
The Habous district
Also known as the “new medina,” the Habous district is a medina built around the same time by the French. Very clean and peaceful, it is a far cry from the traditional bustle of Moroccan medinas.
