A Glimpse of the Divine: Casablanca's Majestic Hassan II Mosque

A Traveller’s Guide to Morocco's Architectural Gem and the World’s Second Tallest Minaret.

Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque, Morocco

Casablanca. A city whose name evokes black-and-white romance and high drama, yet whose modern reality is a vibrant, bustling North African metropolis. My own encounter with Casa was a fleeting one—a precious few hours snatched from a long journey—but it was time enough to fall for its coastal energy and, most importantly, to stand in awe before the architectural masterpiece that defines its skyline: the Hassan II Mosque.

Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque, Morocco

Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque, Morocco

Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque, Morocco

The city, though full of charming chaos, felt like a prelude to the main event. My path led me along the coast, and as I approached, the scale of the mosque was almost staggering. It doesn’t just dominate the landscape; it commands the entire Atlantic horizon. Built on a promontory, it appears to rise majestically from the sea itself, a monumental achievement that fulfils the vision of King Hassan II, who stated: “I want to build this mosque on the water, because God’s throne is on the water.”