Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca (Maroc) was built on the site of the former municipal swimming pool. It is a masterpiece of Arab architecture, founded in 1987, with construction lasting six years. On August 30, 1993, the mosque was inaugurated for the first time. It is a unique structure, distinguished by its dimensions and its traditional yet modern architecture. Part of the mosque faces the sea, and boats sailing on the ocean can observe it from afar. Hassan II Mosque spans nine hectares, a gigantic cultural complex that includes a prayer hall, an ablution hall, baths, a Quranic school (medersa), a library, and a museum. 

Hassan II Mosque by the Numbers

The mosque can accommodate a total of 105,000 worshippers, making it the tallest religious building in the world. Its minaret soars to 200 meters in height, equipped with a laser beam with a range of 30 kilometers oriented toward Mecca. Visitors cannot fail to admire this famous mosque, whether by day or night.

It was King Hassan II who oversaw the construction, and he was determined that the religious building be situated near the water, in reference to this verse from the Quran : "The throne of God was upon the water". French architects (Michelle Pinseau's firm) participated in developing the mosque's plans. Nearly 2,500 Moroccan workers labored on the monument's construction during these six years, representing thousands of hours of work. The building is composed entirely of Moroccan materials. It required 300,000 cubic meters of concrete, 40,000 tons of steel, 250,000 square meters of granite marble, 10,000 square meters of tile, 53,000 square meters of cedar wood, 67,000 square meters of plaster, 10,000 square meters of zellige, and finally 10,000 square meters of tadelakt to construct the monument.

Hassan II Mosque Architecture

The prayer hall spans two hectares, constructed on two levels, with the ground floor divided into three symmetrical naves. This space is reserved for men and can accommodate 20,000 people. The mezzanines are reserved for women, with each floor measuring 3,500 square meters and a capacity of 2,500 people. 

The entire hall is equipped with underfloor heating, with approximately 50 chandeliers illuminating the space. The doors are made of titanium and brass, numbering 18 in total. The retractable roof of the hall weighs 1,100 tons, yet it can open quickly thanks to a highly sophisticated automatic system. 

Hassan II Mosque is a skillful blend of technology and artistic creations. The ceiling is covered with carved and painted cedar. The granite columns, situated on either side of the central nave, contain inscriptions engraved in gilded letters, tracing the genealogical tree of King Hassan II. 

Located in the eastern part of the prayer hall is the mihrab, crafted in white marble, zellige, and plaster. The Imam uses it to perform the five daily prayers. Also found in this section is the minbar, made of mahogany decorated with ivory, used as the prayer pulpit on Fridays.

The ablution hall is where worshippers purify themselves. They begin by washing their hands, mouth, nose, face, head, ears, and feet. The hall covers an area of 4,800 square meters. It features 41 fountains, including three large ones. They are designed as lotus flowers. The copper chandeliers that illuminate the space were crafted in Fès.

The Hammam comprises three rooms: a tepid room, a hot room, and a very hot room, where temperatures can reach 47°C! This space is also decorated with magnificent tadelakt and zellige. The steam hammam features a heated pool, with water temperatures reaching a maximum of 38°C.

The Quranic school, called the Medersa, is located on the eastern side of the mosque. On the plaza facing the religious building, two identical structures face each other on opposite flanks of the mosque—these are the library and museum.

Visiting Hassan II Mosque

Visits are available daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., except on Fridays, when advance reservations are required. 

Certain rules must be respected before visiting Hassan II Mosque. As it is a place of worship, visitors must wear decent attire. If not, your guide may refuse to include you in the group. Smoking and eating are prohibited during the visit. Before entering the prayer hall, you must remove your shoes. To respect worshippers who come to pray, silence is required during the visit. Barriers have been placed around the Séguia; do not cross them for safety reasons. It is also important to note that cameras, video cameras, mobile phones, and similar devices are prohibited during the visit.

Hassan II Mosque is a modern monument that respects the traditional construction methods of Arab-Muslim mosques while incorporating innovation, such as the light beam that projects toward Mecca at night. The extraordinary height of the minaret makes this monument unique in the world. The interior of the building has been tastefully decorated, and its materials, all originating from Maroc, pay homage to the natural riches of this beautiful country.

Travel Tip

After visiting the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, take a stroll through Arab League Park, located in the heart of downtown Casablanca. You will be enchanted by oriental fragrances and admire the flora unique to Casablanca.