Apr
01
2012
Jun
15
2012
Apr
01
2013
Jun
15
2013
Apr
01
2014
Jun
15
2014
Apr
01
2015
Jun
15
2015
Apr
01
2016
Jun
15
2016
Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca: The Largest Mosque in Morocco
Published by Patricia Gorman, Writer
Country: Morocco 
The Experience
The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is literally built on the Atlantic Ocean, with more than half of the Mosque jutting out over the sea. A passage in the Koran states that God’s throne was built on the sea, and King Hassan II, the Mosque’s creator and namesake, made this an architectural requirement.
Inaugurated in 1993, the King Hassan Mosque was completed in six years, a remarkable feat. Artisans and labourers worked around the clock, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to complete the masterpiece; and funds were raised from “donations” from the Moroccan people. The government literally went door-to-door requesting economic support. This raised some international criticism, but in general, local Moroccans do not seem offended by either the fundraising tactic or the magnitude of the investment.
The massive Hassan II Mosque can accommodate up to 120,000 worshippers: 20,000 inside, and another 100,000 on the courtyard. On a typical Friday lunchtime prayer, you can expect up to 18,000 people. During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the Mosque has been close to capacity.
Mustafa, our talkative and personable tour guide, rattled off statistic after statistic telling us that most of the raw materials for the mosque’s construction came from Morocco. This includes cedar wood from the Atlas Mountains that’s been intricately carved, and beautiful marbles carefully selected from southern Morocco. He also pointed out some of the Mosque’s modern features, like an automated sliding roof, which is opened frequently to bring fresh air into the King Hassan Mosque; and electric doors to allow for the easy opening and closing of the enormous titanium doors, which weigh an astonishing ten tons. A crew of 300 people tends to the maintenance and upkeep of the Mosque on a daily basis. While we were taking our tour, I noticed a man vacuuming the never-ending carpet, and imagined that it was probably his sole responsibility.
The Hassan II Mosque is the largest Mosque in Morocco and the fifth largest worldwide. Its minaret is the world’s largest, measuring a staggering 689 feet, and boasts a laser beam at its top, pointing the way to Mecca. As the tour ended and I walked back into the blazing sun, my eyes slowly accustomed to the daylight again. I was already thinking about my next set of American visitors, and bringing them here to experience the delights that this Hassan II Mosque has to offer. It should certainly be included on the itinerary of any stay, long or short, in Casablanca.
Looking up at the huge minaret, where the blues of its mosaic design matched perfectly with the backdrop of the clear blue Casablanca sky, and the Atlantic’s waves crashed rhythmically all around me, I was again reminded why I have made Casablanca my home.
Inaugurated in 1993, the King Hassan Mosque was completed in six years, a remarkable feat. Artisans and labourers worked around the clock, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to complete the masterpiece; and funds were raised from “donations” from the Moroccan people. The government literally went door-to-door requesting economic support. This raised some international criticism, but in general, local Moroccans do not seem offended by either the fundraising tactic or the magnitude of the investment.
The massive Hassan II Mosque can accommodate up to 120,000 worshippers: 20,000 inside, and another 100,000 on the courtyard. On a typical Friday lunchtime prayer, you can expect up to 18,000 people. During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the Mosque has been close to capacity.
Mustafa, our talkative and personable tour guide, rattled off statistic after statistic telling us that most of the raw materials for the mosque’s construction came from Morocco. This includes cedar wood from the Atlas Mountains that’s been intricately carved, and beautiful marbles carefully selected from southern Morocco. He also pointed out some of the Mosque’s modern features, like an automated sliding roof, which is opened frequently to bring fresh air into the King Hassan Mosque; and electric doors to allow for the easy opening and closing of the enormous titanium doors, which weigh an astonishing ten tons. A crew of 300 people tends to the maintenance and upkeep of the Mosque on a daily basis. While we were taking our tour, I noticed a man vacuuming the never-ending carpet, and imagined that it was probably his sole responsibility.
The Hassan II Mosque is the largest Mosque in Morocco and the fifth largest worldwide. Its minaret is the world’s largest, measuring a staggering 689 feet, and boasts a laser beam at its top, pointing the way to Mecca. As the tour ended and I walked back into the blazing sun, my eyes slowly accustomed to the daylight again. I was already thinking about my next set of American visitors, and bringing them here to experience the delights that this Hassan II Mosque has to offer. It should certainly be included on the itinerary of any stay, long or short, in Casablanca.
Looking up at the huge minaret, where the blues of its mosaic design matched perfectly with the backdrop of the clear blue Casablanca sky, and the Atlantic’s waves crashed rhythmically all around me, I was again reminded why I have made Casablanca my home.
When to Go to Hassan Ii Mosque
The best time to visit the Hassan II Mosque in Morocco is truly anytime. To avoid soaring heat temperatures, visiting during the spring or fall is recommended. The Mosque is open all year, with guided tours every day except Friday.
Odds n' Ends
Non-Muslim visitors are allowed entrance to the Mosque only as part of guided tours. Tours are available every day (except Friday) at 10 p.m., 11 p.m., and 2 p.m., costing 120 dhs (or about $14 USD) for adults, 60 dhs for students, and 30 dhs for children.
Visitors should dress modestly, with women wearing pants or a long skirt. Head coverings are not required.
Visitors should dress modestly, with women wearing pants or a long skirt. Head coverings are not required.
Places to Eat
- La Sqala
- After a tour of the Hassan II Mosque, if you are in the mood for a glass of sweet mint tea and Moroccan pastries, follow the coastal road (Blvd des Almohades) towards the port and stop at La Sqala Built in the remains of an old fortress, with lovely gardens, it’s the perfect place for a quick pick me up. 05 22 26 09 60.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
The Casablanca Appart'hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Casablanca.All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in ... 0 miles away
$534 MAD+
The Oum Palace hotel remains devoted to your satisfaction, at your arrival you will appreciate the warmth and natural conviviality of our services, rooms, restaurants ... 0 miles away
$549 MAD+
+ 23 others. Show all.
More Experiences Nearby
- Follow the Roman Ghosts of Volubilis
- Walking the dry, empty streets of the ancient Roman town of Volubilis, your feet will kick up dust and ghosts. Volubilis, once a Carthaginian trading post and then a remote outpost of the Roman Empire, has been abandoned for more than 1,700 years. The ruined city was been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site to safeguard its amazing structures — some of the best preserved in North Africa — and especially its stunningly well preserved mosaics. Once the administrative centre of a Roman province called Mauretania Tingitana, Volubilis may have once been home to as many as 18,000 to 20,000 ...124 miles away.
Books and DVDs
Elsewhere on the Web
Travel Insurance. Simple & Flexible.
Language Guides
French 
,
Spanish
are some of the languages spoken in Morocco. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!
Discussion
Experienced this and have something to share? Experienced something like this somewhere else? Looking for advise or travel companions? Use this space to leave your mark. Our writers and editors are more than happy to help answer your questions.
Recent Tweets
Listed below are the most recent comments made on Twitter for "hassan II mosque":
