The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco, is a breathtaking testament to faith, craftsmanship, and architectural ambition. Commissioned by King Hassan II and completed in 1993, this magnificent structure was built partly over the Atlantic Ocean—paying homage to the Quranic verse that God’s throne rests over water. Its towering 210‑metre minaret, among the tallest in the world, features a laser at the apex directed toward Mecca, symbolizing spiritual connection.
Spanning a 9‑hectare complex, the mosque holds up to 105,000 worshippers—with 25,000 inside and 80,000 in the courtyard. Its prayer hall is both vast and intricately detailed, with a six-storey retractable roof, 78 decorative pillars, Murano-glass chandeliers weighing over a ton each, and a massive hand‑crafted marble floor etched with zellij and cedar carvings by Moroccan artisans.
Built between 1986 and 1993 under the design of French architect Michel Pinseau, the mosque blends Moorish and Andalusian aesthetics enriched by modern engineering. Thousands of Moroccan craftsmen collaborated on its construction using local materials—white marble, cedar, onyx, and mosaic tilework—while notable exceptions like Italian chandeliers add an international flair. The structure includes a museum, hammam, mosque school, and library, enhancing its cultural resonance.
A visit here is more than sightseeing—it’s a deeply sensory and spiritual experience. Step into the grand prayer hall and bask in the light flooding through stained-glass windows. Pause at the ablution halls in the basement, adorned with 41 fountains and 600 taps. Walk around the courtyard where waves crash gently nearby. Whether at sunrise, sunset, or under the evening lights that make the mosque glow against the Atlantic, its grandeur remains unforgettable.
As Morocco’s only mosque open to non‑Muslim visitors, Hassan II Mosque welcomes guests with guided tours that explain its history, artistry, and spiritual symbolism. The experience remains respectful and immersive—guided tours ensure you see highlights like the prayer hall, minaret lift, ablution rooms, and museum, all while adhering to dress codes and prayer-time etiquette.
The Hassan II Mosque is not merely a monument—it’s a contemporary shrine to Moroccan identity, Islamic art, and human vision. It invites visitors to reflect on harmony between tradition and innovation and to experience architecture that elevates both the soul...
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🕌 Hassan II Mosque – A Must-See in Casablanca While spending the day with my family in Casablanca, we were looking for a meaningful place to visit — and the iconic Hassan II Mosque instantly came to mind.
🌍 A Symbol of Moroccan Grandeur The Hassan II Mosque is not only the most iconic architectural masterpiece in Morocco, but also the third-largest mosque in the world. Its location right on the Atlantic Ocean, combined with breathtaking Moroccan and Arabic architectural design, makes it truly unique.
With its vast surface area, massive capacity, and finely detailed craftsmanship, the mosque stands as a perfect fusion of tradition and innovation. From the tallest minaret in the world to the intricate zellige, marble, and woodwork, every corner speaks of Morocco’s rich heritage.
🎧 Guided Visit – Educational and Inspiring We booked a guided tour, which I highly recommend. Multilingual guides (Arabic, French, English, Spanish, etc.) are available to walk you through the mosque’s:
History and purpose
Construction process and timeline
Architectural features and symbolism
Materials used and cultural significance
You’ll gain a deep appreciation for how and why this monument was built, including the impressive engineering that partially places it over the ocean.
🕒 Practical Information To help you plan your visit:
🕰️ Guided tours are available:
Morning before Dhuhr (midday) prayer
Afternoon before Asr (late afternoon) prayer
🎟️ Entry is paid for both Muslims and non-Muslims(not if you are muslim and wanna pray during praying times in the areas designated for that purpose, just to make it clear. the paiement is due when you want to perform a guided visit to the whole mosque)
Locals and foreigners pay different rates, but it's very affordable and absolutely worth it
👗 Dress modestly, especially women — bring something to cover your arms and legs
✅ Final Thoughts Whether you're a local or a tourist, the Hassan II Mosque is a place that deserves a visit at least once in a lifetime. The blend of faith, art, and oceanfront beauty makes it one of Morocco’s most exceptional landmarks.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ —...
Read moreFeeling truly blessed by the supreme soul, Allah. I am a Hindu from India, and even though I couldn’t enter the Hassan II Mosque in the evening because non-Muslims aren’t allowed after 6 PM, I was able to visit in the morning. The experience was incredible! The mosque’s stunning architecture, set against the backdrop of the sea, sky, and sun rays, creates an atmosphere full of high positive energy. Even from the outside, it’s a breathtaking masterpiece that reflects deep spirituality and cultural richness. Highly recommend visiting in the morning to witness this marvel!
The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is one of the most iconic landmarks in Morocco and a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture. Commissioned by King Hassan II, the mosque was completed in 1993 after seven years of construction. Designed by French architect Michel Pinseau, it stands as a testament to Morocco’s rich cultural heritage and architectural ingenuity.  
🕌 Key Facts • Location: Situated on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Casablanca. • Capacity: Accommodates up to 105,000 worshippers—25,000 inside and 80,000 in the surrounding courtyards. • Minaret: At 210 meters (689 feet), it is the tallest minaret in the world and the tallest structure in Morocco. • Materials: Constructed using hand-crafted marble, cedar wood from the Middle Atlas, granite from Tafraoute, and copper. • Design Features: The mosque boasts a retractable roof, intricate mosaics, and a laser atop the minaret that points...
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