Grand Mosque Hassan 2 of Casablanca
Many adjectives come to mind when remembering the Grand Mosque Hassan 2 of Casablanca: majestic, spectacular, grandiose … It is a real wonder and that is why I decided to dedicate this entry.
The location of the mosque on an artificial peninsula is due to the fact that Hassan II, who had it built, was inspired by a verse of the Koran that speaks of “The throne of God was erected on the waters”. From the outside it has an incredible view, it looks like an island in the middle of the sea. It was designed by the French architect Michel Pinseau, the same who designed the Moroccan pavilion at the Universal Exposition of Seville. Its construction lasted eight years, being inaugurated in 1993 coinciding with the day of the birth of the prophet Mohammed.
Characteristics of the Great Mosque Hassan 2
The Great Mosque Hassan 2 has become a symbol for the city. It rises imposingly over Casablanca and you can see it from anywhere in the city. It is the second largest in the Islamic world, after Mecca in Saudi Arabia. And its quadrangular, green-tiled minaret, which reaches 200 meters, is the highest. At its summit, a laser beam is projected at night to mark the direction to Mecca, with a range of about 30 km.
Already begins to surprise when we approach it and you can understand that in its construction worked about 2,500 workers and 10,000 craftsmen. Arrived from all over Morocco, they developed the decorative elements of the interior using materials such as wood, plaster, marble, and granite.
Hassan 2 mosque from inside
But the greatness of the mosque is inside. In the prayer hall, with a capacity for more than twenty thousand worshippers. 78 pillars support a cedar wood ceiling with an opening system that usually opens in summer, allowing you to see the sky from the inside.
The Lower part of the msoque
In the lower part of the mosque is the ablutions area in which 41 marble fountains and stucco walls stand out. Normally the faithful use the taps on the wall for ablutions before prayer. They use the fountains only on special occasions. The hammam is not open to the public, i.e., it is only to make the tourist visit more complete. Everywhere in the mosque is present the richness of the work of Moroccan craftsmen: carved wood, latticework, tiles, frescoes and mosaics of geometric shapes, stuccoes…
And some more curiosities… In its construction, they used the latest technologies. For example, earthquake resistance, electric doors, the floor is equipped with radiant heating. Besides, the minaret has a fast elevator in which you can reach the top in a minute. It also has loudspeakers to amplify the voice of the magnet that is perfectly integrated into the coffered columns. The impressive Murano glass chandeliers, which hang from the prayer hall, weigh about a thousand kilos and the building has 25 titanium and brass doors.
The complex also has a madrasa, a specialized library, a national museum, several conference rooms, and a subway parking lot.
And after all this, how much do you think it could have cost? Well, yes, an outrageous amount. It was about 505 million euros that were financed by public subscription. The rest of the contribution was by companies, individuals, and the Royal Treasury.
Practical data
As I imagine you know, it is the only mosque in Morocco that is open to non-Muslims. However, it is only possible to visit it by guided tour, book your guided Morocco tour with us here! It is in three languages: English, French, and Spanish. The guides usually speak quite good Spanish and explain not only what we see, but also Ramadan, the separate prayer of men and women and the Koran. You can ask them all the questions you want.
Regarding the schedules, the visits take place every day, except Fridays, at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 and 14:00, and in summer there is another one at 15:00. During Ramadan, they reduce the visits, usually at 9:00 and 11:00.
The entrance fee usually is 120 dirhams (about 11 euros). There are special rates for students, 60 dirhams. But it is necessary to present the International Student Card, and for children under 12 years, 30 dirhams. It is possible to pay by credit card.
Some advice
It is important to remember that it is a temple of great religious significance and it is advisable to show respect at all times. And this extends to clothing: it is advisable to wear closed shoes and long pants. Women do not need to cover their heads.
It is advisable to wear socks, although plastic bags are provided. Because you have to take off your shoes to enter the prayer rooms.
The surroundings are also nice. Nearby there is a replica of Rick’s Café, the cabaret that appears in the movie Casablanca, which, although it took place entirely in Hollywood, everyone thought it was filmed in Morocco.
And just to tell you that it is a visit worth making, the Grand Mosque Hassan 2 is a masterpiece of Arab-Berber-Muslim architecture and, both from the outside and from the inside, offers a spectacular image.
See you in the next post, don’t forget to comment if you want to add anything!
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