History Of Hassan II Mosque In 1 Minute

Its minaret soaring 210 metres – or 60 stories – over the Atlantic Ocean, makes the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco the tallest minaret in the world, and the tallest buiding in Morocco. Built in just seven years during the reign of King Hassan II to be the most ambitious structure ever built in Morocco, the Hassan II Mosque is one of only two mosques in the country open to non-Muslims. With space to accommodate 25,000 worshippers inside, the surrounding outdoor courtyards provide space for an additional 80,000 people.
King Hassan II stated in a speech on July 9th, 1980, that he wanted ‘to build this mosque on the water, because God’s throne was on water. Therefore the faithful who go there to pray, to praise the creator on firm soil, can contemplate God’s sky and ocean’. Hence its location on the Atlantic Ocean, which can be seen through the glass floor inside.

Starting work in 1986, some 6,000 of the Kingdom’s most prestigious craftsmen, using the finest materials from across Morocco – cedar wood from the Middle Atlas Mountains, marble from Agadir on the southern Atlantic coast – worked around the clock to ensure the building was completed for August 30th, 1993, the eve of prophet Muhammad’s birthday.

Wandering around the exterior provides an up-close look at some of the finest zellige (tilework) in pale blues, ivories and yellows. Don’t miss the extravagant prayer hall where the retractable ceiling opens up, providing worshippers with gentle ocean breezes.

Non-Muslims must join a group tour (several tours are offered throughout the day, but times change depending on the prayer schedule) and dress respectfully in order to gain access to the prayer hall, ablutions room and hammam.

📅 by guided tours: Saturday to Thursday: 9am, 10am, 11am and 2pm

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.