The basilical plan of the mosque justifies this layout of the boulevard. Over 6,000 Moroccan masters and artisans were employed to work these local materials into the intricate decorations that embellish the entire structure. There is no fee to wander the exterior of the Mosque. [22] It has a laser beam fitted at the top, which is electronically operated in the evening. The most distinctive feature of the Hassan II Mosque is its spectacular location on a platform above the Atlantic. [9] A temporary pier 800 metres (2,600ft) in length had to be erected to protect the foundations of the pillars from the sea during the construction period. The Hassan II Mosque is open to all Muslims during daily prayer times and for special Friday services. This was built 5 metres (16ft) below the highest water level. Capped with a spotlight that shines east towards Mecca, the minaret is 210m tall, towering above the Atlantic Ocean. The earlier tours tend to be the quieter ones, so its best to go on the 9am tour before the busloads of tourists arrive. I'm an over 50s budget traveller who's always wrangling unfashionably frizzy hair while in comfortable shoes. If you find out, can you let me know? If no, where do we get the tickets? Experience the breathtaking beauty and spiritual magnificence of Casablanca's most iconic landmark, the Hassan II Mosque, with a guided visit that includes convenient hotel pickup. Just a 20 minute walk from Casablanca Mosque is this modern and stylish aparthotel. The market is not confined to the old walls either, its absolutely vast and starts just a few minutes walk from the Hassan II Mosque. Including how to get there, where to stay and other things to do nearby. All of the granite, plaster, marble, wood and other materials used in the construction, were extracted from around Morocco, with the exception of some Italian white granite columns and 56 glass chandeliers. There is also a museum on site which costs 30dh for a standalone ticket or an additional 10dh to enter when combined with a tour ticket. To make the life of the guides easier, please respect the hours and stay in your group while visiting. Today, the Hassan II Mosque is famous for being the largest Mosque in Morocco, the second largest mosque in Africa and the fifth (or third, or seventh, opinions vary) largest in the world! Friday: 9AM and 10 AM in the early hours and 2 PM. One of the lesser known features of the Hassan II Mosque are the vast public hammams they house. New Opening Hours - Review of Hassan II Mosque - Tripadvisor Therefore, the faithful who go there to pray, to praise the creator on firm soil, can contemplate God's sky and ocean. Its surrounded by some of the citys most important official buildings and the architecture is lovely to look at. "[12] In 1980, during his birthday celebrations, Hassan II had made his ambitions very clear for creating a single landmark monument in Casablanca by stating:[3]. The concrete quantity poured involved 100,000 cubic metres (3,500,000cuft) of non-reinforced bulk concrete and 10,000 cubic metres (350,000cuft) of high-strength concrete. During the most intense period of construction, 1400 men worked during the day and another 1100 during the night. Guided tours cost 120 DH or about 11 or 12.50 US $. Theres a lot of misinformation about Muslims and I wanted the facts. The tours are conducted in English, French, German or Spanish and you have to indicate in which language you want the tour. A maximum of 105,000 worshippers can gather together for prayer: 25,000 inside the Casablanca mosque hall and another 80,000 on the mosques outside ground. So the believers of Casablanca can actually look at the sky and ocean of God as per Hassan's wishes. You will quite literally find anything you want (and plenty you dont) in this market. 1/3 of the Hassan II mosque is actually over the Atlantic sea, a feature inspired by a verse in the Quran which says the throne of God was upon the water. Great mosque in heart of Tehran historical area - Tripadvisor Apart from theCasablanca mosque, other structures in the area are a madrasa (Islamic school), hammams (bathhouses), a museum on Moroccan history, conference halls, and a very large library said to be the most comprehensive in the Islamic world.The 41 fountainsin the courtyard ofCasablanca mosqueare all well decorated. The minaret of Casablanca mosque is the world's tallest minaret at 210 metres (689 ft). All the marble, wood carvings, andmosaicswill make any photographers heart skip a beat. How Long Do You Need to Visit Hassan II Mosque? Ive saved you site nd Im including you RSS feeds to my Google accont. Most of the other hotels are focused around the city centre a kilometer or so away from the coast. I am not 100% sure sorry! Other elements come from the Tour Hassan Mosque, the Dome of the Rock (also known as Qubbat al Sakhra 688692 AD), the Great Mosque of Madina (705710 AD), Kairouan Mosque in Tunisia (663 AD), the Great Mosque of Damascus (705715 AD), the Great Mosque of Cordoba (785786 AD), Quarawiyyin Mosque (956 and 1135 AD) in Morocco, the Great Mosque of Tlemcen (1136), and Djamaa el Kebir (1096). I recommend reserving another 30-45 minutes, in addition to the interior tour, to wander around the exterior limits of the Mosque and take in the Mosques views from the boardwalk. Non-Muslim visitors can enter the mosque on tours that are held in English several times a day. I recommend negotiating a price prior to leaving your car for how long youd like to park there and for how much. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information. [9], Work commenced on July 12, 1986,[13] and was conducted over a seven-year period. To buy a ticket, stop at the Hassan II Mosque Museum. So you will need to carefully check when you are going to be in Casablanca to figure out when you can visit the mosque! This makes a visit to Hassan II Mosque a valuable experience for non-Muslims to learn more about Moroccan history and culture as well as Islamic history and culture. Tickets for Hassan ii Mosque tours sell like hot cakes, make your deal fast! Combined with many other attractions, these tours offer you great deals and bargains. The prayer hall is also characterized by its removable roof, covering an area of 3,400 m, which is able to open in only five minutes. Tomb of Daniel. In the fourth phase, new exterior protection works were built using high-strength concrete with 2205 (conforming to UNS S 32205 EN 1.442 standards) stainless steel rods as reinforcements for effective erosion control. Capturing a bit of one of the arches in your photo to frame the minaret adds depth. Encompassing both female and male areas, the combined space of the Casablanca Mosque hammam covers a gigantic 6,000 square metres. Youll pay on the spot in cash, or before you leave. Its an awesome place to get an alternative view of the Hassan II Mosque and a birds eye perspective on the city. The Prayer Hall can accommodate up to 25,000 people and there is space for 80,000 people to pray outside the mosque on the courtyard! The guided tours cost 120 DH which is about 11 or $12.50 US. I love Morocco. As someone who has visited the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca several times, here in this article I will tell you all you need to know about visiting this beautiful building. This is the tour to visit Hassan the second mosque in Casablanca. I've visited 101 countries in 6 continents over 30 years of travelling. Its layout is known as the basilican plan, which is different from the common practice of a T shaped plan adopted in many North African countries. It leads directly into Mohammed V which boasts a large fountain surrounded by hundreds of pigeons beware of the odd grifter trying to shift bags of feed and take photos for a fee. Although, I havent gone to Casablanca yet. I grew up in a fairly regular Church-going Christian family, so I figured college was a good time to expand my knowledge. United Nations Square is just outside the Medina walls and is surrounded by lots of shops, cheap restaurants and international fast food joints like McDonalds & KFC. The Moroccan public contributed by public subscription or donation. All about the citys fascinating history, how to get there, where to stay, top places to eat, plus the best things to do in Taroudant Morocco. The historical context of the mosque began with the death of King Mohammed V in 1961. The adoption of this plan has been described as "a conflict between King Hassan II the ancient aristocrat and King Hassan II the contemporary leader who must develop commerce and industry in order meet the needs of his country. The best way to get around the mosque is to opt for the hour long guided tour. They sourced just two features from elsewhere. Generally, there are several tours in the morning and a couple of tours in the afternoon. AFFILIATE INFO | COOKIE POLICYPRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE, 2023 Charge The Globe.Website by Geek Queen, History behind the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. The Hassan II mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world with a capacity of 25.000 worshippers. Improve this listing To make the life of the guides easier, please respect the hours and stay in your group while visiting. Visiting Hassan II Casablanca Mosque - Everything You Need to Know The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is usually opened to Muslims during each daily prayer times and also for special Friday prayers/services. Casablanca mosque is Completed in 1993, it was designed by Michel Pinseau and . The target for the completion of The Mosque was the 60th birthday of King Hassan II in 1989 but it was not completed until August 30, 1993. Lake Matheson Walk: The Mirror Lake Matheson In New Zealand! Thisis one of Moroccos best restaurants so make sure to visit here if you have the chance! Read the sites full Privacy/Disclosure policy by clicking here. Youre also not allowed to smoke, eat or drink during your visit to the mosque. It is not required for women to cover their hair whilst entering the mosque, however you may wish to as a sign of respect. While is has such great value as a spiritual centre, its also amazing just for it's architectural presence. Hassan II Mosque Tickets and Tours 3,028 Reviews With its regal cliff-top perch overlooking the ocean and a soaring 210-meter high minaret (the world's highest) that shines a beam toward Mecca during the evening hours, everything about the Hassan II Mosque is grandiose. On his birthday, July 9, 1980, the Moroccan king (King Hassan II) declared that the great Hassan II Mosque was to be commissioned and built giving Casablanca a unique monument. Now that it is build however, Moroccans seem really proud of their memorial. The opening hours seem to vary a lot. [23] Green tiles decorate the minaret for one third of the height from the top, and then changes colour to deep green or turquoise blue; it is said that in the Hassan II minaret, the designer had used his sea-foam green and God's blue to celebrate the life of a king. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey there, Im Kendal. Earlier in this article, under "Architecture and Fittings" it is said that the whole building is 200 m long. Shorts and short shirts are forbidden. I obviously learned a lot about Islam and Muslim culture in that course. There are many nice cafes and beach bars along the way for you to stop and enjoy a delicious Moroccan mint tea! Children below 6 years of age have free entrance. Unusually, the dress code for the Hassan II Casablanca Mosque is relatively relaxed. Its about a 15 minute walk from the mosque. No smoking, eating or drinking while visiting the mosque please. All about the ferry from Algeciras to Tangier, including sailing times, buying tickets, onboard facilities, required documents and customs info. Basic entry to the Hassan II Mosque hammam is just 50dh, while there are additional treatments that you can pay for on top. It took over seven years and 10,000 craftsman recruited in all the cities of the kingdom that carved 53,000 m2 of wood and assembled more than 10,000 m2 of zellige (ceramics) for the place of worship. Best restaurants in Tangier for traditional Moroccan food, plus the pick of the bunch when it comes to cafes in Tangier with awesome views. What will you be seeing in the guided tour? Indulge in a traditional Moroccan tagine and of course, finish it off with some Moroccan mint tea. New Opening Hours Review of Hassan II Mosque Reviewed October 5, 2015 via mobile I fully agree with all the great reviews and instead of adding to the hundreds, I rather give you some useful info - Sat-Thu: 10am, 11am, 12am, 3pm, 4pm (there used to be a 2pm tour but not anymore) - Fri: same as above except 12am - Admission: 120DH/ 60DH reduced From the nearest train station at Casa-Port it is about a 20-minute walk to the mosque. [22] The concrete used for the minaret was a special high-grade type, which could perform well under severe conditions of a combined action of strong wind and seismicity. Preferably in loose clothing that isnt skin tight. So even though Casablanca doesnt deserve a prime spot on your to-do list, the mosque is a sight by itself and one of the few mosques in Morocco you can visit as a tourist! These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This is one of the most magnificent religious buildings in Iran. Your email address will not be published. Youll also take off your shoes to explore the Mosque. Check out where to stay in Casablanca and book an accommodation of your choice. Groups of more than 100 people receive a 50% discount on admission to the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. The mosque is a La Mosque Hassan II is a place of place of worship,meditation and prayer. The minaret is said to enhance the visual alignment of the boulevard. The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca was completed in 1993 and is majestic not only in size but in the quality of the buildling. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The smallest contribution was 5DH. Remember to haggle for your products by at least half the price as they will put the price up drastically for tourists! My college mandated a religion course for all students. These tours run several times a day in English. The roof opens in just 3 seconds and shuts in only 2 and was installed instead of air conditioning for hotter days when the mosque is full. [21] This was explained as being due to exposure to the salt water of the Atlantic Ocean, into which nearly half of the mosque's foundation projects. Maybe you can call the number on the leaflet on the picture above and ask? Absolutely yes! This is the only point of entry into the Mosque. This estimate includes 10 minutes to park and walk to the ticket booth, 30 minutes to wait before the tour, 45 minutes for the tour, 15 minutes for photos after the tour, and 45 minutes to walk to the beachfront and take photos from the boardwalk. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. So there is an error, somewhere. Hassan Ii Mosque Address: Blvd Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah, Casablanca, Morocco, Hassan Ii Mosque Timing: 09:00 am - 02:00 pm, Best time to visit Hassan Ii Mosque(preferred time): 09:00 am - 02:00 pm, Time required to visit Hassan Ii Mosque: 02:00 Hrs. I wandered around the exterior complex for a while witnessing as the waves crashed against the Mosques cliffside, local children played soccer on the neighboring boardwalk, and families played in the rocky shoreline below. [11] Six thousand traditional Moroccan artisans worked for five years to create the abundant and beautiful mosaics, stone and marble floors and columns, sculpted plaster moldings, and carved and painted wood ceilings. They are all available to people of all ages and some are often discounted for close or last minute departures. If youre looking for a drink or bite to eat with a touch of luxury and the best aerial view of the city, Sky 28 is undoubtedly the place to go. [16] It is ornamented with pale blue marble and Zellige tilework. A "triptyich marble partition with open work and central window flanked by two smaller sized windows" are built on the wall of the faade. I do this to be able to finance and maintain this blog. Afternoon Hours - 3 pm and 4 pm During Ramadan - tours only at 9 am, 10 am and 11 am Fridays - tours are only at 9 am and 10 am, and 3 pm and 4 pm Come 30 minutes early to buy your tickets at the ticket office. Hassan II Mosque is one of the most beautiful and largest mosques in the world and is an absolute must visit on any trip to Morocco. Your email address will not be published. 83.55% of people who visit Casablanca include Hassan Ii Mosque in their plan, 93.93% of people start their Hassan Ii Mosque visit around 09 AM - 10 AM, People usually take around 2 Hrs to see Hassan Ii Mosque, 89.93% of people prefer to travel by car while visiting Hassan Ii Mosque. Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca - Attraction | Frommer's The formal inauguration was subsequently chosen to be the 11th Rabi' al-Awwal of the year 1414 of the Hijra, corresponding to 30 August 1993, which also marked the eve of the anniversary of Prophet Muhammads birth. The building was commissioned by King Hassan II to be the most ambitious structure ever built in Morocco. The Hassan II Mosque is one of the few mosques that is open to Non-Muslims, and the inside of the mosque is just as beautiful as the outside so it is really worth a visit! The prayer hall can accommodate 25,000 faithful with a total area of 20,000 m2. [12] It displays elements found in other Moroccan buildings such as the unfinished mosque in Rabat and the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakesh. Apart from seeing the mosque, tourists can often leave Casablanca, Moroccos largest city feeling a bit unimpressed. I recommend bringing socks to cover your feet while walking on bare ground. 30 Second Advice No 16: Dont Leave Home Without Medications, What to See and Do In Kathmandu | A Travelers Guide, Shopping In Vietnam: What to Buy in Vietnam and Where, Best Marrakech to Fes Desert Tours (2023), Best Kota Kinabalu Day Trips (2023): A Guide, National Parks in Malaysian Borneo: A Guide to Borneos Best Natural Wonders, Children under 12 and Moroccan students pay 30 MAD, Children under 6 years (accompanied by their parents) free entry, VIP Tour (private tour for more than 20 people) 2200 MAD. This site is not official and not affiliated with any government entity, hassan2-mosque-casablanca.com. The tour times for the Hassan II Mosque are as follows:Saturday to Thursday: 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 15:00Friday: 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 15:00, Apartment | Mosquee & Sea View Casablanca. How Long Do You Need to Visit Hassan II Mosque? Cigarettes and drinks are forbidden during the visit. First, there are a lot of similarities between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam than I ever thought. To be able to observe the grandeur of the Mosque and all the tiny artisan details is definitely worth it. Shah Abdol-Azim shrine. Definitely the best place to spend an evening in Casablanca if you only have one day here! A visit to Moroccos largest city would not be complete without a tour of the Hassan II Casablanca Mosque. The tour cost 120 DH per person at the time of my visit in May 2022. Carved or painted marble or shaped wood are used for these elegant designs, which highlight Islamic art forms. The building was designed to be earthquake-proof and has underfloor heating and electric doors. However, guided tours are the only way for non-Muslims to enter the mosque at certain times. The marble, wood carvings, and mosaics are very impressive, especially after rain when they glisten in the sunlight. (13th century) and comprises of several rooms and halls beautifully adorned with plaster-works. From the top floor of the tallest building in North Africa, youre afforded 360 degree panoramic views out across Casablanca. You must bring a long skirt or trousers with you as your knees must be covered. The minaret is 60 stories high topped by a laser. TheCasablanca mosquestands on a promontory looking out to the Atlantic Ocean; inCasablanca mosqueworshippers can pray over the sea but there is no glass floor looking into the sea. The Hassan II Mosque is open to all Muslims during daily prayer times and for special Friday services. Two large breakwaters were also built, to protect the mosque from the erosive action of the ocean waves, which can be up to 10 metres (33ft) in height. You cannot buy tickets online, so arrive with plenty of time before a tour; I recommend at least 30 minutes. A standard adult ticket to visit the Hassan II Mosque costs 130dh (10.50GBP, $12.50USD). Or can you only go in with a tour guide? Next to this mosque, there is a high school. Women don't have to cover their hair. There are a few that only take in the mosque but there are also some who do a half or full day in Casablanca which includes the mosque. The ten-lane boulevard with shopping avenues is at the southern facade of the mosque and extends to the gates of the Palace Oued el Makhazine in the middle of the city. There are a number of units available, each with their own kitchen and bathroom. This is inclusive of the tour which lasts roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour. [5] The 9-hectare (22-acre) complex nestles between the harbor and the El Hank lighthouse. Uponentering the mosque, you will be required to remove your shoes (but they will give you a bag to carry them in), so if you do not want to walk barefoot make sure to wear socks. Hassan II Mosque Casablanca, Morocco Our Rating Neighborhood Bd. Fatima Masumeh Shrine. If youre on a tight schedule, coming to Casablanca specifically to visit the Hassan II Mosque, or simply not a fan of waiting in long lines in the sweltering heat, then this is by far and away the best option. Geometrically shaped polychromatic zellji with carved plaster are noted with floral and geometric designs with epigraphy. I did love the tour though, as we learned a lot and were pointed to the details we would not have found by ourselves (even if it were allowed to go in by ourselves). Capturing some of the sea in one of your photos also makes for a different photo especially if youre arrived too late and the courtyard is full of people! Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. How much does a tour of the Hassan II Mosque cost? A standard adult ticket to visit the Hassan II Mosque costs 130dh (10.50GBP, $12.50USD). Excellent read! The mosque is a La Mosque Hassan II is a place of place of worship,meditation and prayer. [21], Minaret's reflection on the Atlantic water, A view of the mosque from the adjacent promenade. If you want to keep up to date with news and important events concerning the Hassan II mosque foundation, Boulevard Moulay Youssef Casablanca 20000, Maroc, Moroccans, residents and foreign students, Visit VIP (private visit (10 pers and less.). That said, an enterprising expat from the U.S. decided to bring a bit of the movie magic to town by recreating the famous gin joint, Ricks Cafe, in its real life location. [17] A particular feature in the mosque is that all structures are made of reinforced cement concrete and all decorations are of traditional Moroccan design. The story around the Hassan II Mosque is quite impressive. Your email address will not be published. Unfortunately, this wonderful feature is primarily intended for royal use and is not accessible to visitors. With a capacity to accommodate over 25,000 worshippers within the walls of the mosque and 80,000 outside, the minaret of the mosque stands tall 690 feet from the ground. The formal inauguration was subsequently chosen to be the 11th Rabi' al-Awwal of the year 1414 of the Hijra, corresponding to 30 August 1993, which also marked the eve of the anniversary of Prophet Muhammads birth. I also lingered behind the group in some spots to take more photos. I wandered around for at least 20 minutes looking for the entrance, only to ask a security guard who pointed to an entrance so far that it wasnt even distinguishable by the bare eye. Awesome your blog and intersting to know about Morocco. King Hassan II had requested for the best of the country's artisans to come forward and submit plans for a mausoleum to honor the departed king; it should "reflect the fervor and veneration with which this illustrious man was regarded". There are stitches of roudani tracetine on a 100,000 MP surface. Moroccan residents and foreign students pay half price. You cant purchase tickets online beforehand, only from the ticket office at the mosque! [10] Its environmental advantage is that it is free of noise and pollution and receives a fresh breeze from the sea.[4]. In addition to public donations and those from business establishments as well as other countries, western countries provided construction loans, which Morocco repaid.[4]. [9] The smallest contribution was 5 DH. It is only possible to visit the mosque through guided tour outside of prayer times. 15 Days.From Casablanca to Marrakesh$1260 USD. Tours are usually open from Saturday to Thursday in the mornings and one tour in afternoon: Saturday Thursday: at 9AM, 10 AM, 11 AM and 2 PM in the afternoon. It's not until you get close to the mosque that you realize just how impressive it is in both size and quality. Friday: 9AM and 10 AM in the morning and 3 PM and 4 PM local time. Twelve million people donated to the cause, with a receipt and certificate given to every donor.