Situated on the Atlantic Ocean in Western Morocco, is the country’s largest city and major port, Casablanca, which also happens to be the largest city in the Maghreb. It is the economic center of Morocco and one of the biggest manmade ports in the world. It is the Spaniards who named the city Casablanca, which means ‘White House’, but it is believed that they adapted the name from the Portuguese word Casa Branca.
Casablanca’s main sights include the New Town, which was built during the French rule by Henri Prost, a French architect. This attractive part of the city comprises of Hispano-Moresque and Art Deco style of architecture with earlier administrative buildings blending with new architecture in the form of modern luxury hotels. Another important structure is the Hassan II Mosque also built by a French architect, Michel Pinseau. Its 210 meters high minaret is the tallest in the world while the mosque itself is the third largest in the world and the biggest in North Africa.
The Old Medina can also be visited though it does not attract as many tourists as the medinas of Fes and Marrakech. The Parc de la Ligue Arabe is the largest public park in the city. If you looking to exploring nature then the Bouskoura forest on the way to the airport is a place to visit. The Catholic Cathedral of Sacred Heart although no longer in use, is a reflection of Moresque architecture. The Casablanca Technopark and Twin Center are also worth seeing.
Casablanca has two airports, the Casablanca-Anfa Airport, which serves domestic flights and the Mohammad V International Airport, which is the city’s main airport and the country’s busiest, serving flights to various international destinations. The city is also connected by trains and coaches while inside the city one can use the taxis, metro and tram for traveling. Casablanca has a mild climate due to the cool currents coming in from the Atlantic Ocean, which makes it possible to visit the city anytime of the year.
Photo by Kobi Zilberstein provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by SocVoro provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by SocVoro provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by yakupbayram provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by SocVoro provided courtesy of Panoramio.com