Casablanca

Casablanca is the largest city in North Africa and the economic and financial capital of Morocco.

Dar al-Bayda (in Arabic)

The largest city of Morocco, and also known as Casablanca.  It is located on the Atlantic coast, in the central-western part of Morocco. Casablanca was founded in and settled by Berbers in the 7th century BC. Today the city is considered the economic, industrial, and business center of Morocco and has a population of about 3.7 Million people in the urban area and 4.27 million in the greater area. It is Morocco’s chief port and is home to the primary naval base for the Royal Moroccan Navy. 

Climate

Mediterranean with warm, dry Summers and cool, wet winters.

Population

The city has a population of about 3.7 Million people in the urban are and 4.27 million in the greater area.   

Casablanca is considered the economic, industrial, and business center of Morocco.   

It is Morocco’s chief port and one of the largest artificial ports in the world. It hosts the primary naval base for the Royal Moroccan Navy.

History

Before the 15th century the settlement was called Anfa and called that till the mid 1800’s.   The area was founded and settled by the Berbers by at least the 7th century BC. It was used as a port by the Phoenicians and later, the Romans. Several countries have governed including Berber, Roman, Arab, Portuguese, Spanish, French, British, and Moroccan regimes. 

Casablanca was the site of a large American air base, which was the staging area for all American aircraft for the European Theater of Operations during World War II.

Things to see and do: 

 

Architecture that includes neo-Moorish (Mauresque), Art Deco, Art Nouveau.

Beaches: The Corniche: along the Atlantic shore from Hassan II Mosque to the beach-front district of Ain Diab, home to luxury hotels and restaurants.

Cathedrals of du Sacre Coeur (blend of European and Moroccan styles) and Notre Dame de Lourdes with its beautiful stained glass.

Hassan II Mosque is the 2nd largest mosque in Africa with capacity for 105,000 worshipers (25,000 inside). It was built on a platform above the Atlantic. Guided tours (in several languages) are the only way for non-Muslims to see inside; they are offered several times daily for approximately $35 per person.

 

Medina: dates from the early 19th century.

Museums: Museum of Moroccan Judaism in the tranquil neighborhood of Oasis, dedicated to the history of Moroccan Jewish history.

Villa des Arts de Casablanca

Shopping:

Central Market, in its city center. This is where locals buy and sell everything from fresh produce to household supplies. There are inexpensive restaurants that serve heaping portions of traditional Moroccan dishes.

Old Medina: Step back in time while finding treasures of all kinds along the narrow alleyways that have remained the same for centuries. There are many outdoor cafes and coffee shops to relax and enjoy taking in the sights and smells of historic Morocco.

Quartier Habous: This tiny village is a great place for affordable shopping and places to eat combining French and Moroccan styles.

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