Casablanca: Morocco’s Largest City

Casablanca is the biggest city in Morocco with over 3 million inhabitants. It is also located on the northwest Atlantic coast of Morocco, Casablanca – or Dar el Beida as it is known in Arabic – is Morocco’s largest city, boasting a population of more than three million people. Casablanca is home to North Africa’s largest port and is the nation’s leading economic center.

Short History of Casablanca

Originally established as an independent kingdom by the Berbers in the 7th century, Casablanca fell under Arab, Almoravids, Merenids, Portuguese and Spanish rule. It was the Portuguese who gave the name Casabranca, or “white house,” to the city. The Spanish equivalent, Casablanca, was later used. The town was destroyed by an earthquake in the mid-1700s, and was reconstructed by the grandson of Moulay Ismael, the second ruler in the Moroccan Alaouite dynasty.

Hassan II Mosque

The Mosque of Hassan II is one of the largest mosques in the world, after those in Mecca and Medina (Saudi Arabia), which are generally off limits to tourists. This might just be one of the most famous among travelers worldwide. It is located right next to the Atlantic Ocean, giving a more certain charm. The minaret of 210 meters is actually the highest in the world. The architectural style is Moorish influences and has strong similarities to the Alhambra and the Great Mosque, both in Cordoba. It's actually one of the few mosques in Morocco which is actually open to non moslims, so definitely worth a visit during the tour around this country in the Maghreb.

Catholic Cathedral

Casablanca Cathedral (Cathédrale Sacré-Coeur) is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Casablanca, Morocco. It was built in 1930. when Morocco was still under the rule of Catholic France. Falling into disuse after Morocco's independence in 1956, the Cathédrale Sacré-Coeur was used as a school and then a culture center. Today, it hosts fairs and exhibitions. The cathedral was designed by French architect Paul Tournon using the Neo-Gothic style.  The huge Casablanca Cathedral  is a surprising sight in the heart of Casablanca. With its unique architecture, the disused church seems both out of place and in harmony with its surroundings all at the same time.

Rialto Cinema

A classic, cavernous, single-screen art-deco cinema. This beautiful Art Deco cinema palace was constructed in 1930. Catch a movie and enjoy the architecture too.

Old Medina

To the north of the Place des Nations Unies There is a small traditional town in the north side of Casablanca. If you are in town is worth a visit, but it's nothing compared to the glories of Fes and Marrakesh.

La Corniche

Not far from the Mosque of Hassan II is La Corniche, an area of ​​rolling on the beach at Ain Diab is popular with locals and tourists. Restaurants, swimming pools and beaches - both public and private - are the main attractions. It 'a great place for a scenic walk at any time of day or night.

Place Mohammad V

Town Square with the large fountain is a favorite hangout for locals. Buildings surrounding the square are especially notable for their architecture: the historic main post office, courthouse, French Consulate, and Banque Prefecture of Morocco.

The Bazaar

The Bazaar of the center is a souk (market) that the locals frequent for the international exchange of money, but the tourists will be attracted by the wide range of souvenirs and functional pieces made ​​of leather, wood, ceramic, metal and more. Moroccan traditional clothes, jewelry, antiques and handmade rugs and carpets are also available.