> City of Casablanca

With energy, determination and infectious optimism, Casablanca propels Morocco into the future

Architects began designing this model city in 1912, and created a modern city with a visionary charm and phenomenal development. Today, it is the largest metropolis in Maghreb and its architectural beauty continues to astound us.

Therefore, it's no surprise that Casablanca was chosen as the site of the monument designed to mark the end of the century and the dream of an entire nation: the Hassan II Mosque.

It is the city of international business and trade, hi-tech industries, a myriad of grand hotels and international conference centres: Casablanca is the incarnation of modern Morocco.

60% of Morocco's companies are based in Casablanca, including all the hi-tech compaines. It consumes 30% of the country's electricity and is the headquarters of almost every bank: everything happens in Casablanca.

It has always been a progressive city. It knows how to use progress, technology and modern values by enriching them with the best of the Moroccan tradition to create its own style: this is where Casablanca's strength lies.

At the beginning of the century, a plan of urban development was adopted to channel its extraordinary growth. Large avenues radiate from its centre, each lined with elegant buildings that beautifully unite Art Deco and Neo-Moorish styles. It is a contest of domes, belvederes, columns, cedar wood balconies and turrets.

Since its port did not have a natural harbour, the fantastic 3180-metre long Moulay Youssef jetty was built. Therefore, it became Morocco's most important port and the fourth in Africa.

The Mohamed V International airport is the largest in Morocco. It was designed to reflect the city's style. Recently built, its ultra-modern arrival area is a monument to traditional architecture.

And what can we say about the Hassan II Mosque? It's the only thing that can be seen from the air. Built on the edge of the ocean, it seems like a divine creation. But if its divinity comes from heaven, its grandeur and beauty come from the men who gave it all their love, art and technology. The prayer hall can hold 25,000 faithful and the esplanade another 80,000. The traditional Moroccan architecture is united with ultra-sophisticated technology where it reaches its zenith. Over 3,300 craftsmen from every part of the Kingdom worked to build this 2-hectare monument on powerful pillars, to erect the world's tallest minaret (200 meters), install the retractable roof that in three minutes transforms the immense nave into a magnificent patio, and sculpt 10,000 square metres of decorations, 67,000 square meters of plaster, and 53,000 square meters of wood. The Great Mosque of Hassan II is simply amazing.

In Casablanca even the souks have been updated and corrected to keep up with the progress. And what results! Built at the beginning of the century, the Habbous district seems as if it has existed for an eternity. Dotted with attractive shady squares, the narrow streets lined with arcades wind between the souks. Here the coppersmiths forge teapots, cauldrons, candelabras, vases, lanterns and trays..And the famous bazaars are bursting from floor to ceiling with different kinds of merchandise and colours..over there, the curious and fragrant souk of the olives...

Here the pastry shops are piled high with delicious cream doughnuts, "gazelle" croissants and date pastries..And then rows of mechanical sewing machines operated by men dressed in the traditional djellaba...And the strange but marvellous antique shops where each object is fascinating and bewitching....

This is where the Mahkama del Pascià stands, a magnificent building used as a courthouse and reception hall for official occassions. And, a littler further on, the church of Notre Dame de Lourdes, a monumental sculpture from the 1950s made of reinforced concrete, which is illuminated by 800 square meters of magnificent stained-glass windows.

In comparison, the old Medina seems like an extravagant labyrinth happily enclosed within the ramparts. What a pleasure it is to walk through it! Barbers, butchers, grocers, ironmongers with their throng of customers seem to offer each visitor a never-ending spectacle.

If, during the day, Casablanca exudes dynamism, during the evening it exudes the immensity of the open sea on the famous panoramic road, a favourite place for those who enjoy the nightlife with its lidos, beaches, pools, fashionable bars, restaurants and hotels.

The inhabitants of Casablanca only have to travel a few kilometres to enjoy an infinite variety of pleasures. What are you waiting for: relax at the beach, take a walk in the majestic forests or dive into history by visiting the ancient fortified cities nearby.

Sandy beaches stretch 28 km to the north with a casino, luxury hotel, hippodrome, yacht club, 18-hole golf course by the sea shore: this is Mohammedia, Casablanca's favourite seaside resort. Ships from Pisa, Genoa, Venice and Portugal have been landing here since the 14th century and it continues to be one of Morocco's busiest ports.

A little further to the east, Ben Slimane is the place for rural pleasures: trekking or hunting in the magnificent Ziaidas cork-oak forest, or a round of golf on the enchanting 9-hole golf course embellished by a lake teeming with carp and ducks.

On the plain to the south stretches the famous vineyards of Boulaouane which produce the famous "grey" wine. Don't be surprised if you see falcons flying overhead since Boulaouane is not only internationally known for its wine: it is also one of the most famous places for falconry. The falconry farm, built in 1710 by Moulay Ismail, is situated in a spectacular kasbah containing seven ramparts.

On the coast, a hundred kilometres or so to the south, are the fortified citadels, former Portuguese trading posts.

Azemmour is surrounded by ochre-coloured ramparts. A small platform overlooks the reddish waters of the Oum er-Rrbia, famous for its delicious allis shad, the local culinary speciality. The medina is superb with its white square houses, enlivened by bougainvillea pergolas that stretch between the olives and pomegranate trees.

Reputed to be the best haven on the entire Atlantic coast, El Jadida was harshly contested by the Portuguese, who were forced to leave in 1769. Today, its walls offer a splendid panoramic walk and a beautiful view can be admired from each of its five ramparts: the port, the moat and the brick houses..Don't miss the 110 square meter Portuguese cistern where the water and light sublimely highlight the stunning gothic architecture. This wonderful setting was used by film-makers: Orson Welles used it for his version of Othello.

The central market of Casablanca is a feast for the eyes and nose. If you are staying in a hotel you will regret not being able to cook since the products on display seem so beautiful and appetising. Fish and seafood straight out of the ocean, pyramids of fruit and vegetables, armfuls of coloured flowers...

A visit to Marabout.
A few kilometres from "home" on a rocky islet that can only be reached at low tide, stands the koubba of Marabout de Sidi Abderrahmane, which is truly magnificent at sunset. This holy man was said to have miraculous powers. And maybe his tomb still conserves them since many sick people come here with the hope of being healed.

The magical Mohamed V square.
By day, there is so much to admire in the Mohamed V square: a truly magnificent piece of architecture! The Post office, Courthouse, Prefecture, French Consulate, and Bank of Morocco all parade around the central fountain.But at sunset, the water and lights come together to put on a fantastic show consisting of a magnificent, delicate and enchanting game.

The oysters of Oualidia.
They are so tasty that, on their own, they merit a visit to Oualidia. Take a digestive walk along the enchanting beach to a cove that the islets protect against the strong ocean waves. If, on your return to Casablanca you are still hungry, just remember that there are many restaurants to choose from in the port or along the panoramic road.