ART DECO TO MOORISH REVIVAL : CASABLANCA ’ S ARCHITECTURAL GEMS
BY DUANE WELLS
Casablanca .
The mere mention of the city ’ s name evokes all manner of romantic imagery . Casablanca ’ s architecture is a fascinating marriage of history and modernity , reflecting the city ’ s often turbulent and complicated past . It is a living canvas that blends Moorish , Art Deco , and modern Islamic styles , offering visitors a unique glimpse into Morocco ’ s rich cultural heritage . From grand mosques and palaces to charming colonial-era buildings and modern landmarks , Casablanca weaves a historic tale interlaced with a fable of innovation and modernity that is truly captivating .
The Royal Palace of Casablanca is an imposing symbol of Moroccan royalty and a tribute to the blend of Moroccan traditions with the sophistication of French architectural prowess that occurred during the 1920s when Morocco was still under French rule . Built in traditional Moorish style , the palace — which is one of the many homes of the country ’ s current monarch , King Mohammed VI — is particularly notable for its sense of regal elegance , intricately detailed archways and beautifully carved wooden doors behind which lie centuries of royal heritage .
The Mahkama du Pacha , the city court , reflects a fusion of Moroccan and French architectural styles . Completed in the 1950s , it is famous for its hand-carved wooden ceilings , intricately sculpted stucco , and meticulously laid Zellige tile work . The structure is a destination for architecturally savvy tourists captivated by history and Moroccan artisanship .
The splendid arches of the Quartier Habous are also among the architectural wonders of Casablanca . Like the Royal Palace and the Mahkama du Pacha , the arches symbolize a harmonious fusion of the old and the new . They lend a vibrancy and sense of place to the neighborhood while welcoming visitors into intimate shops selling unique local crafts , bakeries offering traditional Moroccan sweets , and cafés where locals and tourists mingle in their shadow .
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Credit : imagoDens
Elsewhere in the city , the Cathedrale du Sacré-Coeur , also a remnant of Casablanca ’ s French colonial past , dominates the skyline in the Quartier Gauthier . A striking example of Art Deco architecture blended with Moroccan motifs , the glaringly white structure , with its two monumental towers , angular buttresses , high ceilings , and stainedglass windows , was built in the 1930s to serve the city ’ s Catholic community . The building was deconsecrated in tandem with Morocco gaining independence from France . It is now operating as a cultural center , highlighting the city ’ s colonial history and cultural fusion .
Mohammed V Square is a stunning display of French colonial architecture infused with Moroccan touches in the heart of Casablanca . Inaugurated in 1930 , the square is flanked by a collection of government buildings that reflect a mix of Art Deco elements and Hispano-Muslim , Andalusian , and Moorish influences . The recently completed Grand Theatre of Casablanca — designed by French architect Christian de Portzamparc — comprises several pavilions reminiscent of an ancient medina .
Towering over the Atlantic Ocean , the awe-inspiring Hassan II Mosque is not only one of the largest mosques in Africa but also one of the largest in the world . The mosque is a marvel of modern Islamic architecture . Over six years , more than 10,000 artisans and craftsmen across Morocco were brought together to complete the project . The result is a veritable showcase of the best Moroccan artistry , highlighted by intricate Zellige tile work , hand-carved stone , elaborate wood carving , and stucco moldings .
Casablanca ’ s architecture is a testament to the city ’ s evolution at the crossroads of civilizations . From the grandeur of its royal palace to the arches of its neighborhoods to the intricate details of its religious and governmental buildings , Casablanca is a city where architectural styles collide and intertwine , creating a unique urban landscape that reflects the history of the ages and a multicultural identity .
GETTING THERE
Dulles International ( IAD ) is 1 of 3 markets in the US with nonstop service to Morocco ’ s Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport ( CMN ) via Royal Air Maroc , which operates the service year-round , with peak service operating daily in the winter .
The Hassan II Mosque
Credit : Taras Grebinets
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