Abu Dhabi Week explores the sights and sounds of Casablanca
Many travellers tend to rush through Casablanca, but this sprawling metropolis deserves a bit more time for exploration and discovery.
Casablanca represents a country in renovation and is a perfect place to indulge in a true taste of Morocco.
It is the economic and cultural capital of the country; where money is being made, commerce and industry prospers and art galleries and designers show off their best work.
Etihad Airways flies daily from Abu Dhabi to Casablanca via Mohammed V International Airport. From here, the city centre is about 40km away.
The easiest way to get here is by car, train to Casa Voyageurs station or bus (number 30). Trains and buses to the centre run regularly.
Founded in the 10th Century BC by Berber fishermen, Casablanca (then known as ‘Anfa’) was used as a strategic port. It was destroyed then rebuilt by the Portuguese as ‘Casa Branca’.
After the Portuguese abandoned it in 1755, the city was again rebuilt and given it’s current name by Spanish traders.
Later the French occupied the city in 1907 and established it as a protectorate. But on 2nd March 1956, Casablanca gained independence along with the rest of the country.
Today Casablanca showcases state-of-the-art boulevards, well-kept parks, fountains and some eye-catching architecture.
It is home to the King Hassan II Mosque, Morocco’s largest mosque and one of the biggest in the world, which can accommodate 25,000 worshippers inside and about 80,000 in the courtyard.
King Hassan II Mosque, which opened in 1993, also has the world’s tallest minaret at 210 metres high topped by a laser light directed towards Mecca. It features a beautiful interior containing water fountains, a prayer hall with a sliding roof and a huge basement hammam (Turkish bath).
The mosque, located on the Atlantic coastline, is open to non-Muslim visitors with tours throughout the day.
Other religious monuments worth a look are Sacred Heart Cathedral, situated by the city’s largest park (Arab League Park), and the Notre Dame de Lourdes.
A visit to a local souk or street market for craft-work, upholstery and clothing is a must. These can be found at various locations and buyers are expected to haggle for bargains.
There are several shopping centres, but Morocco Mall is the biggest and also the largest in Africa. It contains a massive 1,000,000 litre aquarium where visitors can go scuba diving.
Another place for water-sports is along the Corniche. In summer, this area is a thriving resort with beaches, hotels, cafés, western food chains and nightclubs.
Beyond the Corniche is the Shrine of Sidi Abderrahman, located on a rock off-shore and is only accessible at low tide. Archaeological findings suggest it has been inhabited since prehistoric times.
In the Old Medina (north of the city) is a small walled town consisting of traditional Moroccan goods such as pottery, leather and hookahs.
The Old Town includes an 18th Century fortress, a jewellery market and the tomb of the city’s patron saint, Sidi Allal el-Kairouani. While the New Medina has pleasant flower and traditional Arabic style arcaded streets.
For going out, a wander down Mohammed V Place to L’Etoile Centrale (Moroccan cuisine) and La Bodega (Spanish tapas bar) is recommended.
A trip to greyhound races on Monday and Thursday evenings is also a worthwhile venture.
One experience not to be missed is a visit to a hamman. Most districts in the city contain public hammams, but there are private ones at Hammam Zaki and Solidarite Feminine.
Although often overlooked by tourists, Casablanca acts as a shop window for the rest of the world to peep in and see this country in progress.
