02 · GALLERY
Five frames.
The mosque is built on a platform that hangs above the Atlantic, and during high tide the waves break directly under the prayer hall. The esplanade can hold 80,000 worshippers; in late afternoon the muezzin's voice goes out over the water and comes back off the city, doubled. Inside, when permitted on the guided tour, the ceiling slides open mechanically to the sky, the floor is heated, and the mihrab is cut from the same Atlas marble as Volubilis.
Time a visit for the post-Asr golden hour, esplanade-side. Non-Muslim guided tours run several times a day except Friday.
The single most cinematic religious-architecture venue on the continent.
Sunset, any clear evening. The mosque is built half over the Atlantic and the seaward plaza catches the western light. Cultural performances are programmed irregularly, check the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Casablanca site. Guided tours run hourly during the day (closed Friday mornings).
Open to non-Muslim visitors via guided tour, daily Saturday to Thursday 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 14:00, 15:00. Friday tours afternoon only. Mosque is open to Muslim worshippers for the five daily prayers.
Tram T1 from Casa-Voyageurs to Place Mohammed V, then 15-minute walk west to the coast. Taxis from anywhere in Casablanca, 30 dirham. From Mohammed V airport, train to Casa-Voyageurs (45 minutes) then tram. The mosque is on the Atlantic coast at the north end of central Casablanca.