Casablanca is Morocco’s largest and most fashionable metropolis affectionately known as “Casa” by the locals. This multicultural metropolis is the enterprise capital of the nation; a number of home and worldwide corporations have primarily based their headquarters right here, however except for enterprise, there’s additionally a thriving artwork scene right here. Artwork Deco structure might be noticed all through town and you’ll simply uncover extra in regards to the tradition of Morocco by visiting Casa’s many museums.
Hassan Mosque II
This spectacular mosque is among the largest on this planet. Its architectural design was created by French architect, Michel Pinseau. The development of this magnificent construction took round 8 years to construct with the assistance of over 6,000 artisans from across the nation. This mosque has the world’s second tallest minaret that reaches in direction of the heavens at a powerful 650 ft. excessive.
The inside is a world all its personal with beautiful décor of excessive ceilings that intensify gigantic chandeliers, grand arches, marble columns, and fountains add to the serenity that lies inside. This spiritual and cultural advanced features a prayer corridor that may accommodate as much as 25,000 worshippers at one time! There are additionally baths, an ablution room, a library, a museum, and a koranic college.
Distinctive options are the retractable ceiling that may speak in confidence to the heavens and the glass flooring of the prayer corridor so worshippers can see the ocean and pray with the rhythm of the waves. A guided tour is really useful to be taught much more and have a deeper understanding of this divine sanctuary.
Quartier Habous
The “new medina” this quarter of town was constructed by the French within the Nineteen Thirties and its architectural type merges conventional Moroccan type with fashionable French. This space is extra relaxed to wander round and store in comparison with the outdated medina. There’s extra of a European ambiance right here due largely partially to all of the sidewalk cafes.
Acquired a candy tooth? Undoubtedly go to the well-known patisserie, Bennis Habous and bask in conventional Moroccan pastries which can be merely wonderful. This a part of town is a good place to start out your day and choose up genuine souvenirs.
Ancienne Medina
What would a visit to any metropolis be with out wandering by way of its very coronary heart and soul, its outdated medina. Float and grow to be part of the gang as you drift alongside the ocean of locals. Right here you’ll find artisanal leather-based items, fruit stalls, vintage shops, and spices amongst different conventional Moroccan items. Likelihood is you’ll uncover outlets which were in enterprise for generations and treasure is sure to be found. There are additionally many outside cafes that line the slender streets for when the time comes for a tea break.
The Corniche
One main benefit of Casablanca is its shut proximity and easy accessibility to the ocean. Stroll alongside the boardwalk to get a really feel for a unique facet of town and break from the chaos. This sandy seashore will transport you a world away so you may regain your sanity after working across the metropolis. Who doesn’t love a meal with an ocean view? You’ll be able to take your choose of one of many many eating places right here, then go dance the night time away at one of many nightclubs that line the seashore.
Abderrahman Slaoui Museum
This spectacular, private assortment of Moroccan businessman, Abderrahman Slaoui, takes up three and features a short-term exhibition room for modern works. There’s additionally a café on the highest flooring. On show are a plethora of inventive heirlooms: Moroccan jewellery, ceramics, work, and orientalist posters. It is a nice alternative to be taught extra information about Morocco’s tradition. The museum additionally provides artwork workshops open to the general public. Attempt your hand at weaving, images, or calligraphy.
Rick’s Café
To expertise the vibe of the traditional 1942 Hollywood movie, Casablanca, be sure to e-book a dinner reservation right here. Situated within the outdated medina, this copy of the movie set of actor Humphrey Bogart’s character, Rick Blaine’s bar captures the spirit of the movie. A enjoyable truth: the unique film was filmed on a Hollywood set, not in Morocco. Opened in 2004 in a standard Moroccan mansion, the inside of the bar/restaurant mirrors the Hollywood model.
Curved arches, vintage brass flooring, balconies, a sculpted bar, lamps with beaded lampshades, with genuine tile and woodwork intently resemble that within the movie. One other draw is the pianist who performs standard tunes from the ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s. Seize a cocktail and absorb outdated Hollywood nostalgia.
Go to Notre Dame de Lourdes
Though the easy façade of this Catholic church could also be deceiving, the inside is phenomenal. Stained glass masterpieces home windows rework the peculiar and create a kaleidoscopic, ethereal ambiance. Designed by French glassmaker, Gabriel Loire, these gorgeous home windows run flooring to ceiling providing an inventive transcendental expertise. The doorway is free and the church is open each day.
Villa Des Artes de Casablanca
Casablanca is residence to many conventional and modern artwork galleries so it’s not shocking town boasts implausible artwork and cultural heart. Housed in a 1934 Artwork Deco villa, this cultural basis helps modern Moroccan and worldwide artists, provides seminars, lectures, music performances, and academic workshops. Its doorways opened in 1999 and are managed by the ONA, an industrial holding firm.
The Museum of Moroccan Judaism
Situated within the residential Oasis neighborhood, this museum is the one museum dedicated to Judaism within the Arab World. An enormous assortment of cultural and ritual artifacts and photographic documentation of Morocco’s Jewish heritage. Ritual artifacts embody conventional jewellery, costumes, scriptures, and books. There’s additionally a everlasting assortment and a library. Established by the Jewish group in 1997, this museum is an intimate look right into a tradition inside a tradition.
Discover Artwork Deco
Casablanca’s architectural heritage is spectacular and eclectic. Artwork Deco might be discovered throughout town as there are a number of historic websites with hanging structure on this type. Artwork Deco and Artwork Nouveau had been dominant types in the course of the mid- 20th century and the French undoubtedly influenced the creation of those buildings. These buildings mirror the luxurious in Morocco then and now.
Though Casablanca isn’t as standard with vacationers as different Moroccan cities, this North African metropolis’s cosmopolitan vibe entices with wonderful ocean views, numerous architectural types, and historic hidden gems that aren’t to be missed.
