Standing proudly on the Atlantic coastline, Hassan II Mosque ranks as the largest mosque in Africa and boasts the world’s tallest minaret at 210 meters. This architectural masterpiece, partly built over water, represents Morocco’s rich cultural heritage and architectural prowess.
The mosque welcomes visitors of all faiths, offering a unique opportunity to experience one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims. Whether you’re drawn to its intricate Moroccan craftsmanship, stunning coastal views, or cultural significance, this guide provides everything you need to know for a memorable visit to Hassan II Mosque in 2024.
This comprehensive guide covers essential visitor information, planning tips, interior highlights, and practical advice to help you make the most of your visit to this magnificent religious monument.
Before planning your visit to Hassan II Mosque, familiarize yourself with these essential details to ensure a smooth experience.
The mosque operates guided tours at specific times throughout the day. Regular tour times run Saturday through Thursday at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM 1. On Fridays, tours are limited to 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 3:00 PM 1. During Ramadan, tours only operate in the morning hours 2.
For the best experience, arrive at least 30 minutes before your intended tour time to purchase tickets and prepare for the visit 1. Early morning tours, particularly at sunrise, offer stunning views as the sun’s rays play across the white granite columns and glass windows 3.
Current ticket prices for the mosque tours are as follows:
| Visitor Category | Price (MAD) |
|---|---|
| Foreign Adults | 140 1 |
| Moroccan Residents & Foreign Students | 70 1 |
| Children (6+ years) & Moroccan Students | 30 1 |
| Children under 6 | Free 1 |
Tickets must be purchased on-site at the mosque’s ticket office, as online booking isn’t available directly through the mosque 2. The guided tours last approximately 45 minutes 2.
The mosque maintains strict dress code requirements for all visitors:
Important Etiquette Rules: Smoking, eating, and drinking are prohibited inside the mosque 1. Video recording isn’t allowed, though photography is permitted in designated areas 4. Visitors should maintain respectful behavior throughout their visit, keeping voices low and following the guide’s instructions.
Remember to arrive prepared with appropriate clothing and a respectful attitude to make the most of your visit to this magnificent religious site.
Getting to Hassan II Mosque is straightforward with several convenient options available. Here’s everything you need to know about planning your visit.
The mosque is conveniently located just 2 km from Casa Port train station 5. For transportation, you can choose from:
| Transport Method | Duration | Cost (MAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi from Casa Port | 5 mins | 30-40 5 |
| Taxi from Airport | 45 mins | 250 6 |
| Walking from City Center | 25 mins | Free 6 |
For parking, the mosque offers a covered facility spanning 5 hectares with space for approximately 800 vehicles 7. The parking fee is 5 MAD per 2 hours 5. Pro tip: Street parking is available along Rue de Doukkala, but be sure to negotiate the price with parking attendants beforehand 8.
Tours are conducted in multiple languages including English, French, German, and Spanish 9. The experience is divided into four main sections:
Important: You cannot pre-book tickets at the mosque for future times – tickets must be purchased at the office just before your intended tour 9. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes 10.
The mosque maintains strict security measures for visitor safety. All visitors must pass through metal detectors and empty their pockets before entering 6.
Essential items to bring:
The mosque provides several amenities including:
Remember: Video recording devices and other noisy electronic equipment are not permitted inside the mosque 11. Photography is allowed in designated areas, making it perfect for capturing the mosque’s stunning architecture.
Stepping into Hassan II Mosque reveals an interior that masterfully combines traditional Moroccan craftsmanship with modern engineering marvels. The mosque’s grand spaces showcase centuries-old artistic techniques alongside contemporary innovations.
The rectangular prayer hall stands as a testament to architectural brilliance, spanning 200 meters in length and 100 meters in width 12. This colossal space accommodates 25,000 worshippers 13, making it one of the world’s largest prayer halls.
The hall’s most striking feature is its retractable roof, which can open in just five minutes to create a stunning courtyard effect 12. Above, 50 Murano glass chandeliers illuminate the space, each weighing an impressive 1,200 kg 12. The craftsmanship throughout the hall represents the work of 6,000 master artisans who created:
Below the main prayer hall, the ablution areas feature 41 marble fountains carved in lotus flower shapes 3. The space is divided into separate sections for men and women, with the women’s prayer areas connected by four staircases to their ablution rooms 12.
The hammams occupy a vast 6,000 m² area 14, designed to accommodate 1,400 people with equal space allocation between men and women. Each hammam section includes:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Entry | Grand staircase with green marble columns |
| Layout | Three traditional bathrooms with domed ceilings |
| Facilities | Heated swimming pools for therapeutic use |
| Design | Traditional Moroccan architecture with modern amenities |
Photography is permitted inside the mosque, though with specific guidelines. Visitors can capture the mosque’s architectural splendor while respecting these rules:
The best photo opportunities include the central hall’s cedar ceiling, the intricate zellige patterns, and the dramatic play of light through the Murano chandeliers. The glass floor offering views of the Atlantic Ocean below creates particularly unique photo opportunities 15.
Making the most of your visit to Hassan II Mosque requires smart planning and timing. Here’s what seasoned visitors recommend for an optimal experience.
The ideal months to visit are March through June or September through December when temperatures are mild and crowds are smaller 6. To dodge the busiest periods:
A complete visit typically requires 2.5 hours for the full experience 17. Here’s a typical time breakdown:
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Parking and Entry | 10 minutes |
| Pre-tour Wait | 30 minutes |
| Guided Tour | 45 minutes |
| Interior Photos | 15 minutes |
| Exterior & Boardwalk | 45 minutes |
Photography enthusiasts or those preferring a leisurely pace should allocate up to 3 hours for their visit 17. During Ramadan, consider adjusting your schedule as tour times may be limited 6.
The mosque complex offers various amenities to enhance your visit:
The museum adjacent to the ticket office provides:
Inside the mosque, you’ll find:
Pro Tips: Arrive 30 minutes before your intended tour time to handle ticket purchases and security checks 17. If visiting by motorhome, there’s a designated parking area near the main entry with fixed prices displayed 16. The museum makes an excellent starting point, offering context for your visit while providing a comfortable place to wait for your tour time.
Remember that while the mosque has modern amenities, it’s primarily a place of worship. The retractable roof and sophisticated climate control systems enhance your comfort while maintaining the sacred atmosphere of this architectural marvel 18.
Make your visit to Hassan II Mosque part of a broader exploration of Casablanca’s cultural landscape. The mosque’s prime location allows for easy combination with other notable attractions and dining experiences.
The mosque’s waterfront location puts you within easy reach of several attractions. The Corniche Ain Diab, a lively waterfront promenade, offers cafes and restaurants with spectacular views 2. The historic Mohammed V Square, showcasing beautiful Moorish architecture, is also nearby 2.
Several highly-rated restaurants surround the mosque:
| Restaurant | Distance | Cuisine Type |
|---|---|---|
| Le Gatsby | 0.3 miles | International, Mediterranean 20 |
| Solamo’s | 0.3 miles | Contemporary Moroccan 20 |
| Marina Shopping Center | 0.8 miles | Seafood, International 20 |
Restaurant Tip: For the best mosque views while dining, choose establishments along Boulevard Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah 21.
Morning Explorer
Afternoon Cultural Tour
The mosque is accessible through various transportation methods:
Public Transport:
Taxis:
Walking:
For maximum flexibility, petit taxis offer the best balance of convenience and cost, especially when visiting multiple sites. They operate 24 hours and are readily available at designated taxi ranks 22. If you’re staying near Casa Port, consider walking to the mosque – it’s a pleasant route along the waterfront 4.
Transportation Tip: During rush hours (morning and evening), the tramway often proves faster than taxis due to Casablanca’s traffic patterns 22. For early morning mosque visits, pre-arrange your taxi to ensure timely arrival for your tour.
Remember that the mosque’s location near the waterfront makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Casablanca’s coastal attractions. The well-connected transport network allows you to easily combine your mosque visit with other cultural experiences, creating a rich tapestry of Moroccan heritage and modern city life.
