Discover the Hassan II Mosque of Casablanca
The Hassan II Mosque rises proudly in Casablanca, Morocco, directly above the Atlantic Ocean. It ranks as the third-largest mosque in the world and the largest in Africa. Its minaret reaches 210 meters (689 feet), making it the second-tallest minaret on Earth. From its summit, a laser beam points toward Mecca, symbolically guiding worshippers.
Architect Michel Pinseau designed the mosque, and the engineering group Bouygues carried out its construction. The mosque opened in 1993 and immediately became Casablanca’s most iconic landmark. The prayer hall accommodates 25,000 worshippers, while the vast esplanade outside welcomes up to 80,000 more, allowing a total capacity of 105,000 people.
Craftsmen carved the walls by hand from marble, and engineers designed a retractable roof that opens to the sky. Worshippers pray above the ocean itself, standing on solid ground that extends over the water. Although the mosque sits above the Atlantic, the structure does not include a glass floor.
History of the Hassan II Mosque
The story of the Hassan II Mosque began in 1961, after the death of King Mohammed V. King Hassan II called upon the finest craftsmen in Morocco to submit designs for a mausoleum worthy of honoring his father. He wanted a monument that reflected deep respect, devotion, and national pride.
In 1980, during his birthday celebration, King Hassan II publicly announced his vision for Casablanca:
“I want Casablanca to have a great, beautiful building of which it can be proud forever. Because God’s throne rests upon the water, I want to build this mosque on the water, so that those who come to pray may look upon God’s sky and ocean.”
King Hassan II envisioned the most ambitious architectural project Morocco had ever seen. Construction began on July 12, 1986. At peak activity, 1,400 workers labored during the day and 1,100 workers worked through the night. More than 10,000 artisans and craftspeople contributed to carving, tiling, woodwork, and decoration.
The original plan aimed for completion by 1989, the king’s 60th birthday. Delays extended the timeline, and the mosque officially opened on August 30, 1993, the 11th of Rabi’ al-Awwal 1414 in the Islamic calendar. The opening coincided with the eve of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, and Moroccans presented the mosque to the king as a national gift.
Architecture and Design
The Hassan II Mosque blends Islamic architecture with traditional Moroccan craftsmanship, Moorish influences, and a bold urban scale. The design draws inspiration from several historic monuments:
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The unfinished Hassan Mosque in Rabat
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The Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakesh
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The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem
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The Great Mosques of Medina, Damascus, Kairouan, and Córdoba
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The Al Quaraouiyine Mosque in Fez
The layout follows a basilican plan, which differs from the typical T-shaped design found in many North African mosques. The qibla wall stands perpendicular to the naves, an uncommon arrangement that creates deep rows of worshippers extending backward rather than wide rows spreading outward.
This architectural choice reflects a balance between tradition and modernity. Many observers see the mosque as a symbol of King Hassan II himself—a ruler rooted in aristocratic heritage while simultaneously focused on modernization, commerce, and national development.
Why Visit the Hassan II Mosque?
The Hassan II Mosque represents more than a place of worship. It showcases Moroccan artistry at its highest level and stands as a symbol of faith, ambition, and national identity. Its oceanfront setting, monumental scale, and intricate details leave a lasting impression on every visitor.
Most Morocco tours of 8 days include Casablanca and highlight this mosque as a must-see attraction. Travelers combining imperial cities often add it to their viajes a Marrakech itinerary, linking Morocco’s spiritual, historical, and modern faces in one journey.
A visit to the Hassan II Mosque offers a powerful introduction to Morocco—where tradition, architecture, and the Atlantic horizon meet.
