Hassan II Mosque

Hassan II Mosque is a major religious landmark in Casablanca, Morocco, notable for its large scale and seafront location; its minaret reaches 210 metres. It is one of the largest mosques in the country and was completed in the early 1990s.

The complex includes an expansive prayer hall finished with traditional Moroccan materials and craftsmanship, large exterior courtyards and a minaret that serves as a navigational landmark along the Atlantic coast. Parts of the mosque are built out over the ocean with design features intended to reference both modern engineering and traditional forms.

The mosque was commissioned by King Hassan II and constructed with Moroccan artisanship, modern building techniques and extensive funding and labour to create a national monument and active place of worship. Since completion it has been a focal point for religious services and a visitor attraction for its architecture.

The mosque sits on the Corniche at the edge of Casablanca, projecting onto the Atlantic shoreline and visible from roads and viewpoints along the seafront.

• Completion date: Completed in 1993 after construction that began in the late 1980s and commissioned by King Hassan II, financed in part by public subscription and state funds.
• Visitor access: Non-Muslim visitors can join guided tours of the mosque outside prayer times; check visiting hours and dress requirements before arrival.

What to See #

• Prayer hall: The main prayer hall, an ornate space finished with marble, carved wood and zellij (Moroccan tile), designed to accommodate tens of thousands of worshippers.
• Minaret: The minaret, rising to 210 metres, which is the mosque's most prominent external feature and a visible landmark along Casablanca's coastline.
• Seafront setting: The mosque's seafront setting includes a partially open floor over the Atlantic Ocean and external courtyards used by worshippers and visitors.