Casablanca – As Time Goes By

Casablanca is not only about history, architecture and religion; The city is the gateway to the discovery of a magical Morocco, full of exoticism and diversity.

Driven by the 7th art, the city of Casablanca (also known as Dar-el-Beida) to the present day retains an aura of mysticism and romance. This intriguing city is the largest city in Morocco and dictates the new trends of the Kingdom. Located on the Atlantic coast, Casablanca has one of the largest artificial harbours of the world and is an important centre of commerce and industry.

Casablanca offers visitors a mix of architectural styles ranging from the colonial art-déco, the Arabic, the Andalusian and Mediterranean.

While in the city it is essential to visit the Hassan II Mosque, monument which boasts the world's tallest minaret, rising to 200 meters and whose construction was almost entirely built on the sea, based on the belief that the Islamic throne of God rests on the waters. This huge mosque can accommodate up to 25,000 faithful in its interior decorated with beautiful marble, granite and glass, and from which can be highlighted its gigantic painted wood ceiling that can open up, allowing to see the reflection of the sky in the tranquil waters of its yard.

If the adventure of losing yourself among the alleys does not appeal to you, and sauntering through the old Medina seems confusing, Casablanca offers alternatives for all tastes. The ensemble of the 20s, at the United Nations Square, the Art-Deco buildings of Avenues Hassan II, Meskini, and Mohamed V, a walk along the Corniche, a visit to the bustling neighbourhood of Habous with handicraft shopping and  the almost unknown Sacré-Coeur cathedral, neo-gothic legacy of French Catholicism and wich now operates as a place for fairs and exhibitions.

Set out on the discovery of the Imperial cities, impress yourself with the vastness of the desert, relax on the beaches of warm waters, feel like a modern conqueror of the kasbahs, and why not, elect Morocco as your next snow destination? Surprised? Indeed, Morocco has superb mountain massifs with itineraries for lovers of this activity. Some of the resorts offer 6 months of snow annually, with altitudes ranging between 1550 and 4165 meters.

While no other attributes would be necessary to delight us with this Kingdom of the Maghreb, it would be unfair not to highlight the cuisine of this country. Delicacies such as couscous, the tajine, the shebbakia or the famous mint tea, can carry us into another world of colours, sounds, smells and tastes ... a real JOURNEY of the senses.