The Hassan II Mosque stands on a platform at the edge of the Atlantic, on Casablanca's Corniche. Completed in 1993, it has a minaret of about 210 metres and a prayer hall with a glass floor, so the sea is visible beneath the worshippers. It is one of the few active mosques in Morocco that welcome non-Muslim visitors on guided tours. The walls and ceilings carry zellige tiles, carved wood and stucco, and the outdoor plaza can be visited without a ticket, especially at sunset.
Architecture and materials
The prayer hall has a glass section in its floor, so the sea can be seen below the worshippers. Marble covers large areas of the interior, and the walls and ceilings carry zellige tiles, carved wood, stucco and mosaics. The ceilings include muqarnas vaulting, and large chandeliers hang in the hall.
The courtyard has a roof that opens in fine weather, turning the space into an open terrace. The floor of the prayer area is centrally heated, and the doors are electric.
Building the mosque
King Hassan II ordered the mosque built on the coast, and work ran from 1986 to 1993. The French architect Michel Pinseau designed it. Parts of the building stand on land and parts over the water, on a rocky promontory.
The mosque was inaugurated on 30 August 1993. Its minaret, about 210 metres tall, is among the tallest in the world, and its tip carries lasers aimed toward Mecca. The minaret is visible from much of the city.
Inside a guided visit
Non-Muslim visitors can enter through guided tours, which run in several languages. Tours are grouped by spoken language, and most last about 40 minutes to an hour. Guides explain the history of the building and the way the mosque is used for prayer.
The museum sits next to the ticket office and is included in the entry price. A guided visit has been listed at 140 MAD with museum access. Prices can change, so confirm the current fee on the official site.
The main ticket kiosk sells tickets for hourly tours, with the first tour at 09:00.
Sunset and the plaza
The outdoor plaza is open to the public and can be walked without a ticket, especially at sunset. Local people spend time in this space in the evening, and the sea wind is strongest and most pleasant at that hour.
At sunset the call to prayer sounds, and after dark the lights of the building come on. Many visitors wait for this change, so arrive before the light fades to watch the sky and the mosque together.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
Yes. A guided visit has been listed at 140 MAD, which includes the museum. Check the official website for current prices.
How long does a visit take?
A guided tour usually lasts about 40 minutes to an hour. Allow one to two hours to include the museum and the outdoor plaza.
Can non-Muslims go inside the mosque?
Yes, through guided tours. The tours run in several languages, and the mosque is one of the few in Morocco that welcome non-Muslim visitors this way.
Do I need to book ahead?
Advance tickets are recommended. Tours run hourly from the main ticket kiosk, starting at 09:00, so check the website for the timetable.
When is the best time to visit?
Late afternoon is the best time, so you can see the mosque in daylight, in the golden hour and after the lights come on.
