Here is the program description of our tour:
Begin your visit to Casablanca by driving to the (Habous Quarter) -- the new medina. This is a modern development in traditional style, where you will view the outside of the magnificent Royal Palace and the Regional Law Courts. On the way, you will briefly visit the Notre Dame de Lourdes Church.
Step inside the Hassan II Mosque (the Great Mosque), completed in 1993. This is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world, and its construction was such a massive financial undertaking that it had a marked effect on Morocco's economy for many years.
Return to the coach and set out along the coastal road, passing the golden beaches of the Ain Diab Resort while enjoying a refreshing beverage.
Before returning to the ship, enjoy some free time at the famous United Nations Square.
Please note: Modest attire is required; knees, shoulders and midriffs must be covered. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Shade is limited; please dress accordingly. Bring a hat and wear sunscreen. Do not take photos of military personnel without their consent.
Casablanca is a large port city. It is the third largest port in Africa. The city has 3.35 million population with over 6.8 million in the surrounding area. It is not the capital of Morocco, but it is considered to be the economic and business center of the country.
The Great Mosque. It is the tallest minaret (210 meters) in the world. It was started in 1987 and finished in 1993, working 24/7 for six years. Why? Because the king Hassan II wanted it completed before his death. He died in 1999. Depending on who is telling the story, 6,000 to 10,000 craftsmen worked around the clock to finish the work.
It is an amazing building. The main worship hall is 200 meters long and 60 meters wide. It can accommodate 25,000 worshipers inside and an additional 80,000 in the outside courtyard. There is an underground parking lot which will permit 11,000 vehicles. It is only second to Mecca and Medina in its capacity. There is a light at the very top of the minaret which casts out a beacon after dark each day to show the direction to Mecca so worshipers know which direction to face during prayers.
https://www.mosquee-hassan2.com/en/
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| Our local Berber guide, Najat |
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| We were a few minutes early, but it did not stop her from pounding on the door. |
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| Motorized sliding roof used for ventilation. Can open/close in 5 minutes |
The imperial door where the king enters.
The mosque is "earthquake proof" with expansion joints to absorb shocks.
The roof of the main hall opens to permit ventilation.
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| Mihrab (pointing toward Mecca) and Minbar |
This door in made of titanium and stainless steel to resist the salt air. It weighs over 10 tons and does not swing open but slides up.
Prior to worship, all must "bath". Below the worshiping floor, there is a floor with 40+ fountains in which to bath...that's 40+ for men and another 40+ for women.
The ten ton titanium door from the outside.
The square. Library on the right and museum on the left.
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| Light house |
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| The King |
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| Papal visited the country recently. Here he is with the royal family EXCEPT for the King's wife! Interesting! |
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We had spiced tea and sweets at a local cafe.
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They also have McDonalds, Pizza Hut and Burger King
The beach is very dangerous to swim in. There are private swimming pools all along the beach, along with bars and restaurants.
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| The Anfa Hotel where the 1943 Casablanca Conference was held |
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| Royal Golf Course (9 hole with putting green) |
Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church in Casablanca, Morocco, was built between 1953 and 1956. It has beautiful Venetian windows which can only be appreciated from the inside.
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| Security outside the Cathedral |
There are three main languages in Casablanca: French, Arabic and Berber. Our guide Najat said that English and Spanish are also spoken by about 75% of the population. Until they gained independence in 1956, the country was a protectorate under both France and Spain.
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| One the side of the City Hall, the three main languages, Arabic, Berber and French |
We next visited the Royal Palace. We were not allowed inside and only allowed to approach the main door.
The King does not live here but in the city of Rabat. He visits the Casablanca palace twice per year (it is cleaned twice weekly). During one of his visits, he mounts his white stallion and rides through the palace door below to the acclamation of his adoring subjects, hence securing for himself one more year as King.
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| Royal Palace |
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| UN Square |
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| Fresh Swordfish |
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| OYSTERS!!! |
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| Horse meat for sale, but no camel |
In the evening, we witnessed the beacon put out by the mosque. Supposedly, it can be seen for 36 km and points to way to Mecca so that worshipers know which way to face during prayers at night.
Tomorrow is Tangier.
