Casablanca, Dar -el- Beida

Other interesting structures in Casa

The Cathedral Notre Dames de Lourdes,

constructed in 1930, ceased to function as a church in 1956,

after the Moroccan Independence.

A wonderful example of the "artdeco"architecture

for which Casablanca has become reknown.

Another picture of the Cathedrale.

More buildings exhibiting the "artdeco" style.
Sorry I don't know the names of these buildings..the pictures were taken by a friend.

A wee bit of history concerning the achitecture"artdeco".

During the years known in French as les "années folles",

the roaring twenties in English,

in order to provide for the growing population in Casablanca,

the General Lyautey decided to construct a "new city."

the idea was to combine modern and traditionnal architecture.

From 1920-1935 under the vigilant eye of French urbanist, Henri Proust,

a multitude of new buildings and villas , a mixture of the styles "artdeco" and "neo mauresque", were born.

Today one can still admire the superbe facades, colonades, and balconies.

The next time I go to Casablanca, I want to get names and dates for the different

buildings...do a real reportage.

Mosquée Hassan II, Casablanca

Visit to the Mosque, Hassan II, Casablanca

The Mosque, Hassan II , stands on a promotory looking out over the Atalantic Ocean.

It's the third largest mosque in the world and boasts the tallest mineret, 210 meters,

which is 689 feet.

Part of the floor is glass so worshippers can kneel directly over the sea.

The mosque can hold 25, 000 faithful, with room for 80,000 more

on the surrounding grounds;

The construction of the mosque was inspired by the verse in the Coran( Cur'an)

that states " the throne of God was built on waters"

Work on this great mosque began the 12th of July 1986,

and was completed for the 60th birthday of the former Moroccan king,

Hassan II, in 1989.

However, it was not innaugurated until 1993.

We didn't take the tour of the inside of the mosque, but tours are given regularly.

Want to read and learn more?

Wikipedia is the place to go!

The majestic mosque rising on the horizon.

Mina and me in front of the mosque.


From the very top of the mineret, a laser beam shines at night, pointing in the direction of Mecca.




A close up of one of the MANY intricate mosaic designs that embellish the mineret


The mosque displays a strong Moorish influence with an architecture
similar to the Alhambra and the Great Mosque of Cordoba in Spain.

Sculptured horseshoe arches and columes, of which there are many!

Arches and one of the main entrances

More arches, and sculpted walls..

Another main entrance

Tammy in awe.

And with reason!!