One of the main green areas in the middle of Casablanca is the Arab League Park. This large area is the green lung of the Moroccan city and has some interesting features. This article provides some information about the Arab League Park in Casablanca and the must-sees.
The centre of Casablanca does not have large open green spaces that provide a respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. The design of both the Medina and the neighbourhoods that grew around it did not enable parks and green areas to be developed until the current Arab League Park.
Today, the 30-hectare Arab League Park is one of the most emblematic areas in the centre of Casablanca.
- History of the Arab League Park
- Why visit the Arab League Park?
- Casablanca’s oasis
- Other attractions in the area
- Hotels in Casablanca
History of the Arab League Park
The urban growth experienced by Casablanca during the French Protectorate enabled new areas to be built under a much more modern urban planning mentality, clearly influenced by the French. The Arab League Park was designed in 1916 by French architect Albert Laprade.
It was originally called Lyautey Park, after Hubert Lyautey, the then French Resident-General in Morocco, i.e. the highest representative of the French government during the Protectorate. The site was renamed the Arab League Park after Morocco’s independence.
The park was recently renovated, between 2016 and 2019, with a cost of around 10 million euros.
Why visit the Arab League Park?
With its more than 100 years of history, the Arab League Park has a place in the Casablanca inhabitants’ heart, a genuine green lung in the middle of a saturated city. Inside you will see several interesting attractions while strolling around in a relaxed way.
One of the park’s most striking features are its plant species, from the large palm trees, that run the length of the park from north to south providing shade and freshness, to exotic plants.
You should also see the old arches of Anfa prison, which were moved there during the original design of the park.
In addition to the plant species and fountains, the park has other interesting facilities such as the Spanish Consulate, the Grand Theatre of Casablanca, the former Sacré-Coeur Cathedral, the Casablanca Tennis Club and a skate park.
Casablanca’s oasis
The Arab League Park is an oasis in the centre of Casablanca. The recent renovation recovered areas and updated the park to the 21st century, protecting and preserving the tree species and adding new leisure facilities.
This large green space is an area of peace and tranquillity, ideal for strolling, relaxing, picnicking, reading a book or enjoying a coffee on one of its many terraces, so you can escape the city’s chaos.
It is also a good place for sports. Running, skating, playing tennis or exercising are some of the sports that can be carried out at the park.
Other attractions in the area
The Arab League Park is located in the centre of Casablanca’s new area, between the old part and the new Medina. In the surrounding area you will find landmarks such as the United Nations Square, Mohammed V Square, the Grand Theatre of Casablanca and the Villa Des Arts, all located just a few minutes’ walk from the park.
The Grand Theatre of Casablanca, located at the northern end of the park bordering Mohammed V Square, is an architectural icon. Designed by French architect Christian de Portzamparc and built by a Spanish engineering firm, it opened in 2018 and has a main hall with 1,800 seats.
For Spaniards, there are two renowned institutions in the vicinity of the park: the Spanish Consulate in Casablanca and its neighbouring Instituto Cervantes.
Hotels in Casablanca
If you are planning your next visit to Casablanca, check out one of the Barceló hotels in the city. Casablanca is also a great place to base yourself for a trip to Morocco thanks to its proximity to other cities such as Fez, Rabat and Meknès.
In the heart of the city centre you will find the Barceló Casablanca and Barceló Anfa Casablanca hotels, two modern establishments perfect for a comfortable stay. Centrally located on Anfa Boulevard, both hotels are ideally situated for getting around the city.
The Barceló Casablanca is a contemporary four-star hotel providing rooms with views of the city and the Hassan II Mosque. The Barceló Anfa Casablanca is a five-star Art Deco hotel with 206 rooms, a swimming pool, gym, spa and restaurants.