A crossroad of cultures
Casablanca is a modern city with a rich heritage where the various arts, cultures and old traditions can live harmoniously together.
The old medina
The Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah reinforced the medina's ramparts in 1770. The Sqala symbolizes his reign. You will have a fine view of the medina and the port from this stronghold, now converted into a restaurant. The port was built at the turn of the 20th century and is protected by a 3180m long artificial pier. The El Hank lighthouse, built in 1920 to facilitate access to the port, symbolizes the city's economic success. A very busy market is held in Place de la Comédie, to the west of the medina, where you will also find a pleasant public garden where the koubba (shrine) of Sidi Bou Smara is situated. Before you leave the medina by the impressive Bab El Mersa, the navy gate, visit the Sidi Kairouani sanctuary which is near Tnaker Street.
The new medina
This new medina was built according to the traditional model and is in the south of the city in the Habous neighbourhood. You will have a pleasant time admiring its little squares, arcades and numerous craft shops. The mahkama (courthouse) of the Pasha is to be seen here too. This Hispano-Moorish style building, built entirely of marble and wood, has 60 rooms and was used as a courtroom and as a reception room by the ancient Pasha of Casablanca.
Art Deco architecture
The Art Deco area is situated to the east of the medina where you can visit several locations which give the city its unique architectural character: Mohammed V Place, Arab League Park, the wide palm tree lined boulevards…We must mention, for example, the Villa des Arts, an Art Deco style house built in the thirties which is surrounded by a 2500m² garden and the Wilaya, the administrative headquarters built between 1927 and 1936 by Marius Boyer. The panelling in rare woods, the multi-coloured zelliges (ceramic mosaic) and the leather adornments have particularly benefited from the recent restoration.
To remember
Casablanca is a multifaceted city where it is easy and interesting to retrace its history while you visit its main districts.
