Sights in The Atlantic Coast
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Art Deco Buildings
If you can see past the traffic, fumes and general chaos of central Casablanca you'll discover the city's rich architectural heritage, a blend of French-colonial design and traditional Moroccan style known as Mauresque architecture. Developed in the 1930s and heavily influenced by the Art Deco movement, it embraced decorative details such as intricate carved friezes, beautiful tile work and ornate wrought-iron balconies.
Although some of the era's gems have been beautifully restored, others lie in shameful disrepair. Pl Mohammed V is the grand centrepiece of the French regeneration scheme. Impressive facades and colonial buildings line Rue Indriss Lahrizi, Rue Tahar Sebti…
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Skala de la Ville
The dramatic, wave-lashed ramparts that surround the medina are a great place to get an overview of the labyrinth of streets. The ramparts were famously used in the opening scene of Orson Welles' Othello for a panoramic shot where Iago is suspended in a cage above the rocks and sea. The easiest place to access the ramparts is at Skala de la Ville, the impressive sea bastion built along the cliffs. A collection of European brass cannons from the 18th and 19th centuries line the walkway here and you'll also get great views out to sea and wonderful sunsets.
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Skala du Port
Down by the harbour, the Skala du Port offers cannons and picturesque views over the fishing port and the Île de Mogador. Looking back at the walled medina from here, through a curtain of swirling seagulls, you’ll get the same evocative picture that is used on nearly all official literature.
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Hassan II Mosque
The brainchild and crowning achievement of King Hassan II, this phenomenal building is the world's third-largest mosque. It was built to commemorate the former king's 60th birthday and opened in 1993 giving Casablanca the heart and landmark it so sorely missed.
The mosque rises above the ocean on a rocky outcrop reclaimed from the sea; taking literally the verse from the Quran that states that God's throne was built upon the water. It's a vast building that can hold 25,000 worshippers and accommodate a further 80,000 in the courtyards and squares around it. The mosque was designed by the French architect Michel Pinseau and is topped by a soaring 210m-tall minaret, which s…
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Place Mohammed V
Place Mohammed V is the grand centrepiece of the French regeneration scheme. The vast square is surrounded by an impressive array of august administrative buildings, mostly designed by Henri Prost and Robert Marrast. The ancienne préfecture (old police headquarters), dating from 1930, dominates the south side of the square and is topped by a modernist clock tower.
The nearby Palais de Justice (law courts) was built in 1925. The huge main door and entrance was inspired by the Persian iwan, a vaulted hall that usually opens into the central court of the medersa (theological college) of a mosque. Stroll across the grand square and admire the 1918 main post office, a wonderf…
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Quartier Habous
The Quartier Habous, or nouvelle medina, is Morocco-lite - an idealised, almost toy-town, version of a traditional medina with neat little rows of streets and shop stalls. The district was built by the French in the 1930s as an attempted solution to the ongoing housing shortage. It marries the best of traditional Moroccan architecture with modern facilities and French ideals - even the mosque fronts onto a strip of grassy lawn just like a village church.
For fans of the bustle and chaos of traditional markets, it may feel too sanitised to be authentic, but if you fancy some Moroccan character without the associated smells and hassle, it's got a decent selection of bazaars…
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Raissouli's Palace
This building in Asilah still stands as a testament to the sumptuous life that scoundrel Moulay Ahmed ben Mohammed er-Raissouli (or Raisuni) led at the height of his power. He was a feared bandit, kidnapper and general troublemaker who went from petty crime to murder. The Spaniards eventually forced Er-Raissouli to flee Asilah after WWI, but he continued to wreak havoc in the Rif hinterland until 1925, when the Rif rebel Abd al-Krim arrested him and accused him of being too closely linked with the Spanish.
The building includes a main reception room with a glass-fronted terrace overlooking the sea, from where Er-Raissouli forced convicted murderers to jump to their deaths…
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Parc de la Ligue Arabe
Casa's biggest open space is the Parc de la Ligue Arabe. It's a good place for games and walks, has a choice of small cafés and the Yasmina amusement park.
Parc de la Ligue Arabe, has an essentially French layout, although the flora is more faithful to its location in Africa. Cathédrale du Sacré Coeur, built in 1930, is a somewhat neglected former cathedral. It's also an unexpected sight in the heart of a Muslim city and is symbolic of modern Casablanca's essentially European genesis. Sitting on the edge of the Parc de la Ligue Arabe, it reflects the best of the more adventurous architectural products of the Art Deco era. Deconsecrated some time ago, it has been conver…
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Ancienne Medina
Casablanca's modest medina gives an idea of just how small the city was before the French embarked on their massive building programme. Even though it's the oldest part of the city, most of the buildings date from the 19th century and it lacks the medieval character of other city medinas.
Enter the medina from the northeast corner of the Pl des Nations Unies near the restored clock tower. The narrow lanes to the east are piled high with cheap shoes, high-sheen synthetic underwear and household goods, while the rest of the medina remains largely residential. On the north side of the medina, facing the port, you'll see the last remains of Casablanca's 18th-century fortifica…
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Beaches
The affluent suburb of Aïn Diab runs along the Atlantic beachfront west of the centre and is home to the happening Blvd de la Corniche. Lined with beach clubs, upmarket hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs it is the entertainment hub of Casablanca and the place for young, chic professionals to see and be seen.
However, the promenade packed with walkers and joggers is really a potholed pavement and in between the busy beach clubs, the view is spoiled by abandoned pleasure grounds and concrete swimming pools filled with construction rubbish. The beach is still extremely popular though, and the easiest way to find an empty strip of sand is to visit one of the beach clubs. Bu…
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Kasbah
The ruined old Kasbah, on a hill 7km to the northwest of the town, commands good views over the port. It was built in 1540 by the Saadian Sultan Mohammed ech-Cheikh, and restored and regarrisoned in 1752 by the Alawite Sultan Moulay Abdallah, who was responsible for the demise of Agadir as a trade depot. Abandoned to the inhabitants of Agadir, the garrison provided housing for nearly 300 people, and traces of these dwellings can still be made out.
The grassy area below the kasbah, Ancienne Talborjt, covers the remains of Agadir's medina and constitutes a mass grave for all those who died in the 1960 earthquake. The walk up to the kasbah is long and hot - get a taxi up and…
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Île de Mogador
Just off the coast to the southwest is the Île de Mogador, which has some interesting structures. It's actually two islands and several tiny islets - also known as the famed Îles Purpuraires (Purple Isles) of antiquity. The uninhabited islands are a sanctuary for Eleanora's falcons, which can also be easily seen through binoculars from Essaouira beach.
It is possible to arrange a private boat trip to the islands outside the breeding season, but you need to obtain a permit (free) from the port office; with that in hand, head for the small fishing boats to negotiate the trip out there. If you want to stay a few hours, fix a time for the boat to come and pick you up.
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Casablanca's Neighbourhoods
Casablanca is Morocco's commercial hub and is more interested in big international business than the tourist dollar. For the traveller it can be a pretty workaday place to visit and for its size has a dearth of traditional tourist attractions. Apart from the incredible Hassan II Mosque, the city's main appeal is in strolling around its neighbourhoods: the Art Deco style of the city centre, the gentrified market district of the Quartier Habous and the beachfront views of the Corniche.
You'll appreciate Casablanca more if you've seen other parts of Morocco first and can compare its cosmopolitan vibe to life in the rest of the country.
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Jewish Museum
Set in a beautiful villa surrounded by lush gardens, this is Casablanca’s only museum and the only Jewish museum in the Islamic world. It relates the history of the once-thriving Jewish community and its influence on modern Moroccan society, with more than 1500 historical artefacts including documents, traditional clothing, ceremonial items and a vast collection of photographs. The museum is in the suburb of Oasis, a 15-minute taxi ride (Dh20) from the city centre.
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La Médina D’agadir
Four kilometres south, on the Inezgane road, Coco Polizzi, a Rabat-born Italian architect, has created the La Médina d’Agadir, an idealised Berber village, built using traditional techniques and materials, with workshops for 30 independent artisans. A café-restaurant provides refreshments. Shuttle buses (adult/child costs Dh60/30) drive out to La Médina d’Agadir from the kiosk on Blvd du 20 Août, picking up at several hotels on the way.
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Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum
Essaouira’s beautifully refurbished museum in an old riad, has a small but interesting collection of jewellery, costumes, weapons, amazing musical instruments and carpets of the region. There’s a section explaining the signs and symbols used by local craftspeople and some interesting photographs of Essaouira at the turn of the century. Note also the Roman and Phoenician objects found in the bay.
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Cathédrale du Sacré Coeur
On the northwest edge of the Parc de la Ligue Arabe you can't miss the imposing Cathédrale du Sacré Coeur, a massive white church that gracefully blends European style and traditional Moroccan influences. The cathedral was designed by Paul Tornon in 1930 and has been used as a school, theatre and cultural centre. It is due to be restored and its rundown interior is only open for special events.
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Musée du Patrimoine Amazigh
The small Musée du Patrimoine Amazigh has an excellent display of Berber artefacts, especially strong on jewellery. Inspired by Bert Flint, the Dutch owner of the Maison Tiskiwin in Marrakesh, this is a great place to learn about the traditional life and culture of the Berber people of the region. A free guided tour can be arranged on request (a tip is welcome).
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Twin Center
Southwest of the Parc de la Ligue Arabe is the city’s business centre and the place to head for international designer brands. At the time of research, the Twin Center – marking the high-end of the chic shopping area – was about to open a shopping mall, luxury hotel and office spaces.
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Mémoire D’agadir
In the southwest corner of Jardin de Olhão, there’s Mémoire d’Agadir, a small museum dedicated to the 1960 earthquake. Displays include interesting photos of Agadir since the 1920s, while others show the effects of the quake.
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Paradise Beach
For peace and quiet head to this glorious beach, a gorgeous, pristine spot that really does live up to its name. It's a pleasant walk along the coast or, alternatively, you could hop on one of the horse-drawn carriages that ply this route in summer.
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Vallée des Oiseaux
Near the Musée du Patrimoine Amazigh is the Vallée des Oiseaux, a shaded children’s playground, with an aviary and small zoo, created in the dry riverbed that runs down from Blvd Hassan II south to Blvd du 20 Août.
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Mahakma du Pasha
To the south of the Quartier Habous (Nouvelle Medina) is the old Mahakma du Pasha, which has more than 60 rooms decorated with sculpted wooden ceilings, stuccowork, wrought-iron railings and earthenware floors.
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Main Beach
This beach is flanked by campgrounds and hotels and stretches north from town. It's a wide sweep of golden sand and, although pleasant in low season, the crowds and noise from the nearby road make it less appealing in summer.
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Sunset Beach
The main beach is mostly hassle-free, but single females or families will have a more relaxed time at one of the private beaches such as Sunset Beach - which also has showers, toilets and a kids' play area.
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