Hassan II Mosque

Address	Boulevard Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah, Casablanca

One of the largest and most magnificent sights in the Muslim world is the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. Rising high on a point high above the Atlantic ocean, it is the biggest religious monument after Mecca. It is recently constructed, having been finished only in August 1993 - just it time for Hassan II’s 60th birthday celebration. For five years, 6,000 Moroccan craftsmen worked on the site day and night. Its prayer hall can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers (it is said that it is vast enough to fit Paris’ Notre Dame or the Vatican’s St. Peter’s comfortably), and its piazza can fill up to 80,000 more.

One of the sight’s many appeals is that it is one of the very few mosques that are open to non-Muslims. However, when visiting, make sure you’re respectfully dressed and if you’re a woman, make certain that your shoulders and knees are covered. Also, note that shoes must be removed before entering. Guided tours are available in Spanish, English and French, with French being the most common. Tours are daily, except Friday, at 9am, 10am, 11am and 2pm. Cost: Dr100.