Hassan II Mosque

Casablanca, Morocco · A mosque on the waves of the Atlantic

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, it is known for its towering minaret and blends Andalusian Islamic art with authentic Moroccan craftsmanship.

Did you know?

A large part of it was built directly over the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Its minaret rises about 210 meters, one of the tallest in the world.
Its roof opens automatically so that worshippers can look straight up at the sky.
It holds about 25,000 worshippers inside and tens of thousands more in its outer courtyards.

History and architecture

In the 1980s Morocco set out to build a monument gathering the finest Moroccan craftsmanship, and chose a rock overlooking the ocean in Casablanca. Thousands of Moroccan artisans worked on it for years, carving plaster, sculpting cedar wood and inlaying the walls with colorful zellij tiles. It was designed by the French architect Michel Pinseau and opened in 1993. It combines modern technology, such as the sliding roof and underfloor heating, with the spirit of authentic Andalusian-Moroccan architecture. At night a laser beam shines from the top of its minaret toward Makkah, reminding the onlooker that all hearts turn toward a single qibla. The complex includes traditional baths, a library and a museum, and it is one of the few mosques in Morocco that non-Muslims may visit with a guide.

Founded: 1407–1414 AH / 1986–1993 CE

Religious significance

One of the largest mosques in the Muslim world, where the five daily prayers, the Friday prayer and the Eid prayers are held.

It is said that the idea of building it over the water was inspired by the verse: “and His Throne was upon the water” (Hud 11:7).

It houses a Qur'anic school and a library, so the mosque remains a house of worship and of learning together.

Visiting tips

Best time: At sunset, for the view of the minaret above the ocean. Guided tours inside the mosque run at set times.
Photography: From the seaside promenade to capture the mosque and minaret with the waves, or from the wide esplanade when it is lit at night.
Nearby: The old medina of Casablanca, Ain Diab Corniche, Mohammed V Square

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Frequently asked questions

Where is Hassan II Mosque?

Hassan II Mosque is in Casablanca, Morocco.

When was Hassan II Mosque founded?

1407–1414 AH / 1986–1993 CE