The highlight of your tour, however, is a visit to the hassan ii mosque, the largest religious monument in the world after mecca. New opening hours hassan ii mosque, casablanca traveller. The only reason why you should visit casablanca hassan. King hassan ii of morocco died on 23 july, having ruled since 3 march 1961, a period of almost 40 years. In the words of the authors of the book morocco country study guide, the hassan ii mosque undeniably marks the continuity of a modernized ancestral art and bears the sign of innovations that are due not only to technical reasons but also to a fertile exploration of new aesthetic possibilities.
The mosques historical architecture was inspired by moorish designs. Landmark hassan ii mosque will open its hammams to the public. Two of the most ambitious religious edifices of the 20th century are the our lady of peace basilica in the west african country of the ivory coast and the hassan ii mosque in morocco. History of the hassan 2 mosque history of the hassa mosque the hassan ii mosque masjid alhassan aththani is a mosque located in casablanca morocco. It was built in 1156 to commemorate the founder of the almohad dynasty, mohamed ibn tumart. Thirteen years later, he inaugurated the hassan ii mosque. It was designed by the french architect michel pinseau. Capped with a spotlight that shines east towards mecca, the minaret is 700feet tall, towering above the atlantic ocean. Hassan ii mosque was built between 1986 and 1993 for the 60th birthday of former moroccan king hassan ii.
With its grand, famous hassan ii mosque, neo gothic christian cathedral and famous french district, casablanca is a unique cultural and religious blend attracting travellers from all backgrounds. In moroccos first constitution of 1963, hassan ii reaffirmed moroccos choice of a multiparty political system, the only one in the maghreb at that. I am indebted to elaine combsschilling for h e r interpretation of the opening ceremony of t h e mosque. This opulent mosque, built at enormous expense, is set on an outcrop jutting over the ocean with a 210mtall minaret thats a city landmark. It all started in the mid1980s when the king of morocco, hassan ii, acknowledged the important lack of. Located along the atlantic, about a half an hour walk from the casa port train station or a 1520 dirham petit taxi ride. After 7 years of sustained work, the hassan ii mosque was inaugurated by his majesty king hassan ii and other african leaders on august 30, 1993, the 11 th rabi ii. Start with a visit to the hassan ii mosque, the largest in. The hassan ii mosque or grande mosquee hassan ii arabic.
Media in category hassan ii mosque the following 26 files are in this category, out of 26 total. It is the largest mosque in morocco and the th largest in the world. Visiting the hassan ii mosque in casablanca opening. The hassan ii mosque in 2020 mosque, morocco travel, morocco. It is the largest mosque in the world but has the tallest minaret in the world. In the words of the authors of the book morocco country study guide, the hassan ii. Discover hassan ii mosque of casablanca private morocco. The secretary general of the hassan ii mosque foundation announced that the hammams of the hassan ii mosque will open to the public this month. Although it is only the 7th largest mosque in the world, hassan ii claims the title of having the largest minaret in the world. The hassan ii mosque the massive hassan ii mosque in casab. Hassan, after taking a law degree at bordeaux, france, was appointed commander of the royal armed forces 1955 and deputy premier 1960 and. The hassan ii mosque or grande mosquee hassan ii is a mosque in. Note the ruled though a constitutional monarch his tenure of power was absolutist to a degree probably unique in the present century. This is the footage from inside the famous mosque of casablanca.
The first, on 10 july 1971, was a coup detat attempt allegedly supported by libya, organized by general mohamed medbouh and colonel mhamed ababou and carried out by cadets during a diplomatic function at the kings summer palace in rabat during his fortysecond birthday party. One of the largest mosques in the world, hassan ii mosque is an impressive place of worship and a symbolic landmark of the city. Towering over the ocean, this magnificent structure is easily seen from miles away. The tin mal mosque is a mosque located in the high atlas mountains of north africa. Check out the best tours and activities to experience hassan ii mosque. Built in just seven years during the reign of king hassan ii to be the most. The hassan ii mosque is located in casablanca morocco. I highly recommend making the stop in casablanca to experience the absolute wonder and splendor of the hassan ii mosque. It is the largest mosque in morocco and the third largest mosque in the world after i the masjid alharam grand mosque of mecca and ii the almasjid alnabawi prophets mosque in medina. The hassan ii mosque a bit of history it all started in the mid1980s when the king of morocco, hassan ii, acknowledged the important lack of architectural and historical landmarks in casablanca. The grand mosque of hassan ii, casablanca, morocco youtube. The massive hassan ii mosque in casablanca, with the tallest minaret in the world. Visit hassan ii mosque the only mosque in morocco open to nonmuslims enjoy a walk on the cornish of casablanca full of modern cafes, clubs, and restaurants stop by the cathedral of the sacred heart and witness its gothic revival architecture walk into the old medina of casablanca walk to the openair market of habous, also known as.
Visit hassan ii mosque on your trip to casablanca or morocco. History of hassan ii mosque in 1 minute culture trip. History of the hassa mosque the hassan ii mosque masjid alhassan aththani is a mosque located in casablanca morocco. The academy of traditional arts was founded in 2012, as an expansion to the hassan ii mosque complex, which already contained a mosque, a quranic school, a library, and a museum. The only reason why you should visit casablanca hassan ii. The hassan ii mosque is one of them the other is tim mil mosque south of ouirgane.
Hassan ii mosque simple english wikipedia, the free. The new hassan ii mosque, or grand mosquee hassan ii, casablanca, morocco, north africa. Book now curious places of worship outsider architecture. If you book with tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Hassan ii mosque history of the hassan 2 mosque history of the hassa mosque the hassan ii mosque masjid al hassan aththani is a mosque located in casablanca morocco. This is early october 2014 when i had a quick visit to casablanca, marrakesh and rabat. Inside grande the hassan ii of casablanca morocco youtube. In the early 1970s, king hassan survived two assassination attempts.
Casablanca travel guide insiders guide to casablanca. It is also the largest city in the maghreb region, as well as one of the largest and most important cities in africa, both economically and culturally. Designed by french architect michel pinseau, construction of the hassan ii mosque began in july 1986 on land reclaimed without compensation to the former residents from a rundown area near the sea. Hassan ii mosque pilot guides travel, explore, learn. The hassan ii casablanca mosque is the largest mosque in africa paper writers college interesting research topics for high school students, and the 5th largest in the world. Modern time wonder grande mosquee hassan in morocco. Start your visit with a drive around casablancas most important attractions, like the place des nations and the typical moorish architecture habous district.
Hassan ii mosque casablanca, morocco attractions lonely. From his capital of alamut he ruled parts of persia and syria. Read all about the opening hours, costs and tours of the hassan ii mosque. Hassan ii mosque casablanca, morocco sacred destinations. King hassan ii had extended many parliamentary functions citation needed by the early 1990s and released hundreds of political prisoners in 1991. Using these two buildings as case studies, he also investigates questions of national memory, urban.
The great hassan ii mosque was commissioned by its namesake, king hassan ii. Ive been advised to skip casablanca and, despite what people have said, i thought the city deserved at least 1 night and maybe 1 12 days. Partly built on the sea, it is a religious and cultural complex, spread over nine hectares and includes a prayer hall, ablution room, baths, a koranic school madrasa, a library and a museum. Inspired by a quote in the quran stating, his was over the water hud, 11. The amazing grand mosque of hassan ii casablanca youtube.
The hassan ii mosque has space for 25,000 worshipers inside and another 80,000 outside. Built in just seven years during the reign of king hassan ii to be the most ambitious structure ever built in morocco, the hassan ii mosque is one of only two mosques in the country open to nonmuslims. The edifice is one of the two mosques in morocco open to nonmuslims, the other being the hassan ii mosque in casablanca. Built partly on the sea, it is a religious and cultural complex, built on nine acres and includes a prayer room, a room ablutions, baths, a koranic school madrasa, a library and a museum. The hassan ii mosque in casablanca was completed in 1993 after great expense and. Commissioned by king hassan ii on july 9, 1980 and completed on august 30, 1993, the mosque emulates moroccan culture and identity. Acknowledging casablancas lack of historical monuments, king hassan ii stated on his birthday in 1980 his desire for the city to be endowed with a large, fine building of which it can be proud until the end of time. Its minaret is the worlds tallest minaret at 210 metres 689 ft. Also, learn about the history and funfacts of this place, and why it deserves a spot on any moroccan itinerary.
Reserve your spot today and pay when youre ready for thousands of tours on viator. Its minaret is the worlds tallest at 210 metres 689 ft. The creation of the academy was one of the major actions taken by king mohamed vi showing his interest in moroccan heritage and traditional arts. The great hassan ii mosque was commissioned by its namesake, king hassan ii, in part to provide casablanca with a single landmark monument. It is the largest mosque in africa, and the 3rd largest in the world. Dont miss out on great deals for things to do on your trip to casablanca. Hassan ii mosque casablanca, morocco atlas obscura. The hassan ii mosque or grande mosquee hassan ii is a. Hassan ii mosque casablanca, morocco attractions lonely planet. Its minaret is the worlds second tallest minaret at 210 metres 689 ft. Built and partially funded by king hassan ii the remaining funds were gathered through a somewhat controversial public subscription process, the mosque complex was designed by french architect michel pinseau, took six years to build and was completed in 1993. Nnamdi elleh not only provides a substantial architectural and pictorial analysis of the buildings themselves.
Morocco overview morocco map morocco photos morocco books morocco sacred sites. Casablanca travel guide insiders guide to casablanca, morocco. For a more detailed description of the hassan ii mosque, see renata holod and hasanuddin khanos the mosque and the modern world l o n d o n. The idea behind building the mosque began with the death of king mohammed v in 1961. Your expert guides will provide insight into the history and forces that have created the beautiful and complex land that is morocco. We recommend booking hassan ii mosque tours ahead of time to secure your spot. The belowground ticket counter is located at the southern end of the mosque, and there are clean toilets available. The hassan ii mosque or grande mosquee hassan ii is a mosque in casablanca, morocco. The city had covered herself in apartment buildings, offices and headquarters, but had very little cultural life, or anything to offer to a rapidly growing tourism flow. Casablanca, hassan ii mosque tour times rick steves travel. Jun 15, 2007 in the morning october 14th, 2006 i visited the hassan ii mosque, built for the 60th birthday of former moroccan king hassan ii, is the largest religious monument in the world after mecca. Hassan ii mosque there are very few mosques in morocco that nonmuslims are allowed to enter. Hassan ii mosque in casablanca attraction frommers. Footwear is to be taken off once you enter the mosque with your guide plastic bags are provided and respectful dress is required, but nothing too serious cover your shoulders and knees.
The grand mosque of hassan ii casablanca filmmed with glide hd 4000 presenting features of most impressive mosque music solaris navis,when the sun goes d. Since its a working mosque like the blue mosque in istanbul is entry allowed when its not prayer time. Culture, history and progress in morocco ny times journeys. His chief subordinate in syria was rashid addin sinan, the old man of the mountain. Grande mosquee hassan ii is a mosque in casablanca, morocco. Moroccos human rights record has improved modestly, and improved significantly following the death of hassan ii. Completed in 1993, it was designed by michel pinseau and built by bouygues.
The aweinspiring hassan ii mosque, the second biggest religious monument in the world after mecca, was built to commemorate the sixtieth birthday of the former moroccan king, is a mustsee on a visit to casablanca. Partly built on the sea, it is a religious and cultural complex, spread over nine hectares and includes a prayer hall, ablution room, baths, a koranic school. Hassan s rule, one characterized by a poor human rights record that was labelled as appalling and perhaps one of the worst in africa and the world, strengthened the alaouite dynasty. Hassan was considered by pious muslims to be a direct descendant of the prophet muhammad ahl albayt. It is the largest mosque in morocco, the second largest in africa, and the th largest in the world. The 210meter minaret is the tallest in the world and is. The mosque was commissioned by late king hassan ii on july 9, 1989. Pure moroccan architecture at its best and the only mosque in the city that non muslins are allowed visit, it is the largest in africa and 3rd largest in the world after. The minaret is 60 stories high topped by a laser, the light from which is directed towards mecca. The 7th largest mosque in the world, the hassan ii mosque is one of the prime destinations as you visit casablanca. One of the largest mosques in africa, it can hold 105,000 worshippers 25,000 inside, the rest on the outside courtyards. Hassan ii mosque tickets are easily available over the counter, however, as you buy tickets for hassan ii mosque tours, you get to know its history and architecture better. King hassan ii requested for the best of the countrys artisans to come forward and submit plans for a mausoleum to honor the departed king. Nearly 1,000 construction workers and 10,000 artists took nearly seven years to complete this structure, known for its highly decorated interior viewable only as part of a guided tour, rich in islamic artistic motifs, including geometric shapes and sections from.
Hasanuddin khan a u t h e n t i c i t y a n d p o w e r. After 7 years of sustained work, the hassan ii mosque was inaugurated by his majesty king hassan ii and other african leaders on august 30, 1993, the 11 th rabi ii, 1414 in the islamic calendar. Apr 11, 20 but not before he took us through a guided visit of the citys only landmark ricks cafe doesnt count, as it was solely built to fool ignorant tourists, the grandiose hassan ii mosque. If you are traveling to morocco, one of the mustsee places is the hassan ii mosque in casablanca. The hassan ii mosque or masjid hassan tani in arabic is one of the largest mosques in the.
941 732 493 74 620 857 645 1255 865 1063 1384 529 29 447 1032 742 1098 169 530 505 1184 110 1266 64 510 1272 494 84 149 29 144