Hassan II Mosque: Casablanca’s symbol
Hassan II Mosque: Casablanca’s symbol
The Hassan II Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Hassan II, is the largest mosque in Morocco and the third largest mosque in the world.
The Hassan II Mosque is Casablanca’s city symbol, the place where is located, and a must-see for its undeniable architectural beauty and for being a good way of getting to know the Muslim culture. It is the only mosque in the world that allows access to everyone, regardless of their religion. However, the only option for visiting the mosque is a guided tour.
Hassan II Mosque’s history
In 1986 began the Hassan II Mosque building process by the instigation of the Moroccan king, who was given the same name as the temple.The construction project was prompted by the death of King Hassan II's father, who wanted to build a mausoleum to honour the recently deceased king.
It took eight years to build and was inaugurated in 1993. The mosque is the highlight of a large spiritual complex of more than 10 hectares. In addition to the temple, a Koranic school, a hammam, a public library and a large green area were built around it.
The building is considered a masterpiece of contemporary Arab-Muslim architecture and is a cultural icon of international renown.
Hassan II Mosque, a Moroccan architectural jewel
The Hassan II Mosque, designed by French architect Michel Pinseau, stands on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Its incredible glass floor allows worshippers to pray over the sea, while hand-crafted marble walls add splendor to the structure. Another marvel of the temple is its retractable roof, which provides the opportunity to gaze at the stars.
The mosque is a tribute to the talents of Moroccan craftsmen with its exquisite carved woodwork, latticework, tiles, frescoes and geometric mosaics. Most of the materials used to build the mosque come from Morocco, except for the white granite columns and glass chandeliers imported from Murano, near Venice.
Its minaret or tower is the tallest structure in Morocco and the tallest in the world. Minarets are raised above buildings in cities in order to make it easier for the entire population to hear the prayer’s call. The Hassan II Mosque invites the faithful to attend prayer every day: its prayer hall can hold up to 25,000 people and its esplanade can accommodate up to 80,000.
Accommodation near the Hassan II Mosque
The JM Suites Hotel is located in the heart of the city of Casablanca, close to museums, elegant restaurants and other interesting sites. The Hassan II Mosque is a 5-minute drive or a half-hour walk away, making it an ideal location for visiting the temple.
The Hassan II Mosque is Casablanca’s city symbol, the place where is located, and a must-see for its undeniable architectural beauty and for being a good way of getting to know the Muslim culture. It is the only mosque in the world that allows access to everyone, regardless of their religion. However, the only option for visiting the mosque is a guided tour.
Hassan II Mosque’s history
In 1986 began the Hassan II Mosque building process by the instigation of the Moroccan king, who was given the same name as the temple.The construction project was prompted by the death of King Hassan II's father, who wanted to build a mausoleum to honour the recently deceased king.
It took eight years to build and was inaugurated in 1993. The mosque is the highlight of a large spiritual complex of more than 10 hectares. In addition to the temple, a Koranic school, a hammam, a public library and a large green area were built around it.
The building is considered a masterpiece of contemporary Arab-Muslim architecture and is a cultural icon of international renown.
Hassan II Mosque, a Moroccan architectural jewel
The Hassan II Mosque, designed by French architect Michel Pinseau, stands on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Its incredible glass floor allows worshippers to pray over the sea, while hand-crafted marble walls add splendor to the structure. Another marvel of the temple is its retractable roof, which provides the opportunity to gaze at the stars.
The mosque is a tribute to the talents of Moroccan craftsmen with its exquisite carved woodwork, latticework, tiles, frescoes and geometric mosaics. Most of the materials used to build the mosque come from Morocco, except for the white granite columns and glass chandeliers imported from Murano, near Venice.
Its minaret or tower is the tallest structure in Morocco and the tallest in the world. Minarets are raised above buildings in cities in order to make it easier for the entire population to hear the prayer’s call. The Hassan II Mosque invites the faithful to attend prayer every day: its prayer hall can hold up to 25,000 people and its esplanade can accommodate up to 80,000.
Accommodation near the Hassan II Mosque
The JM Suites Hotel is located in the heart of the city of Casablanca, close to museums, elegant restaurants and other interesting sites. The Hassan II Mosque is a 5-minute drive or a half-hour walk away, making it an ideal location for visiting the temple.