As if braving the everlasting Atlantic, literally looming over its waters, a huge building marks the eastern end of Casablanca’s long La Corniche promenade. This is the Hassan II Mosque, one of the city’s undisputed icons, and a true gem of Morocco’s artistic and architectural heritage.
There’s no doubt that visiting this imposing temple is an excellent way of getting to know the rich culture of this north African country, from its deep religiousness to the incomparable work of its craftsmen, reflected in the delicate work that can be seen in every square inch of the mosque itself. In any case, it’s a must-see for anyone visiting the bustling Casablanca.
- Historia de la Mezquita de Hassan II. Un regalo real
- Visitar la Mezquita de Hassan II (la única abierta no-musulmanes en Marruecos)
- Información de interés
- Dónde alojarse en Casablanca
History of the Hassan II Mosque. A royal gift
Considered a masterpiece of contemporary Arab-Muslim architecture, the Hassan II Mosque was a project initiated by the Moroccan ruler to whom it owes its name, King Hassan II (father of the current Alawite monarch, Mohammed VI). It was a major monumental project designed to give the city of Casablanca a major spiritual centre and a world-famous cultural icon.
And so, on 11 July 1986, Hassan II himself laid the first stone of what was to be a large complex covering over ten hectares, which would include a madrasa (Quranic school), a 6,000 m2 hammam (baths), a public library, a large esplanade, green areas and, of course, the new mosque, designed to be a building that would reflect both the features of traditional Moroccan architecture and its openness to the latest technological innovations of the time. It’s crowned by an impressive 200-metre-high minaret (once the tallest in the Islamic world) topped by a laser that projects over 30 km in the direction of Mecca.
After seven years of construction, involving some 12,500 workers, including some of Morocco’s finest craftsmen, who worked on all kinds of arabesques, geometric zelliges, stuccoes, carved wooden pieces, among other elements, the huge temple opened its doors on 30 August 1993. Its large outdoor esplanade can accommodate some 80,000 people and the prayer hall another 25,000, and it has a spectacular retractable roof, underfloor heating, and 50 Murano glass chandeliers weighing some 1,200 kg each. In addition, the ablution hall has 41 fountains and 600 taps, while the hammam has a capacity for 1,400 people. It is a true display of the talent of Moroccan craftsmen and, of course, a cultural symbol of the highest order.
Visit the Hassan II Mosque (the only mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslims)
In fact, the Hassan II Mosque is the only mosque in the whole of Morocco that’s open to non-Muslim visitors, although admission is only permitted through guided tours. The service can be booked directly at the temple itself, but you must always bear in mind the timetables in place depending on the time of year and the restrictions during the holy month of Ramadan.
Due to the nature of the building visitors must, of course, observe certain rules, both in terms how they behave (keeping quiet, not eating or smoking inside, etc.) and how they dress (shorts are forbidden, shoulders must be covered, etc.). The usual tour includes a visit to the prayer room, the minaret, and the ablution hall.
In addition to the interior of the Hassan II Mosque, inside the complex you can also visit the museum, a space covering over 3,000 m2 that features samples of the materials used in the construction of the building. This is present alongside a collection of treasures handmade by renowned Moroccan master craftsmen that also serves as a preamble to the visit of the temple itself, offering an insight into the origins of this imposing mosque.
Useful information:
How to get there: The Hassan II Mosque is located at the eastern end of La Corniche and can be reached on foot or by car (the complex has a large underground car park) via the Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Moulay Youssef, and Sour Jdid boulevards, as well as via the main entrance to the mosque’s esplanade on Rue de Tiznit.
Since then, several local and international agencies and tour operators have included a visit to the Hassan II Mosque in their tourist itineraries (group and/or private), as well as other highlights of Casablanca, such as the old medina, the Royal Palace, and the former Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.
Since then, several local and international agencies and tour operators have included a visit to the Hassan II Mosque in their tourist itineraries (group and/or private), as well as other highlights of Casablanca, such as the old medina, the Royal Palace, and the former Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.
Prices: A guided tour of the Hassan II Mosque currently costs 130 Moroccan dirhams per person (around €12) for adult foreign visitors (children under six are free and the price for those over six is 30 dirhams (around €3)). In any case, you can find up-to-date prices on the website of the Fondation de la Mosquée Hassan II de Casablanca (https://www.fmh2.ma/en), which is responsible for the management, conservation, and maintenance of the entire complex.
Admission to the museum is separate and costs 30 Dhs for foreign adults and 5 Dhs for children and students. Combined Mosque + Museum tickets are also available, as well as VIP and group options.
Opening Hours: Visiting hours for the Hassan II Mosque vary according to the time of year*:
- Between 16 September and 14 March:
- Saturday to Thursday: 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, and 15:00.
- Fridays: 09:00, 10:00, and 15:00.
- Between 15 March and 15 September:
- Saturday to Thursday: 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 15:00, and 16:00.
- Fridays: 9:00, 10:00, 15:00, and 16:00.
During the holy month of Ramadan, visits take place from Saturday to Thursday at 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, and 14:00, and on Fridays at 09:00, 10:00, and 14:00.
*This information is subject to change, so you should always check prices and opening times before visiting any tourist attraction.
Where to stay in Casablanca
For an exceptional stay in Casablanca, there’s nothing better than the two options offered by the Barceló Group in the city: the Barceló Casablanca hotel , a modern four-star hotel located in the city centre, with spectacular views of the city and the Hassan II Mosque, and, not far from this establishment, the Barceló Anfa Casablanca hotel , an extraordinary five-star hotel with an Art Deco design.
They are both hotels with modern design and fully equipped rooms, reflecting Casablanca’s cosmopolitan flair, without neglecting typical elements of the destination in which they are located, such as the substance of the service and the extraordinary Moroccan gastronomy. All of this is within a stone’s throw of the city’s main attractions, from its modern shopping areas and old souks to the Hassan II Mosque, the Beth-El Synagogue and the old Cathedral, among many others.
