Casablanca & Fes

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A large mosque courtyard with ornate archways, intricate tilework, and a grand decorated entrance door. People are sitting along the edges.

Casablanca Mosque | Cities Destinations​

Both Casablanca and Rabat, are exciting and dynamic places to visit. Casablanca is the country’s financial and commercial center, and its famed Hassan II Mosque and contemporary skyline have made it a tourist hotspot. 

In contrast, Rabat, the nation’s capital, is home to several cultural and historical attractions – including the Kasbah of the Udayas and the Hassan Tower – as well as beautiful parks and a laid-back vibe. 

Both towns are frequented by tourists because of the wonderful variety of cultural, architectural, and gastronomic experiences they provide. Let’s see in detail what those two wonderful cities have to offer to travelers!

Casablanca Morocco​

Casablanca, Morocco’s greatest city, is a pulsating metropolis where centuries of history and the excitement of the present coexist in stunning harmony. Casablanca’s distinct and captivating experience may be found in the city’s historic landmarks, vibrant marketplaces, and beautiful architecture. The city’s highlights, restaurants, activities, and transportation alternatives are all described in depth here.

Casablanca’s Main Attractions​

Casablanca is home to some must-see landmarks that honor the city’s rich history and diverse architectural styles.

One of the largest mosques in the world, the Hassan II Mosque is also a stunning example of Islamic architecture. The mosque’s location on the Atlantic Ocean makes for a stunning background, and its grandeur and detailed embellishments are sure to impress. The magnificent prayer hall, gorgeous mosaics, and ornate woodwork are only some of the highlights of the mosque’s interior, which may be viewed by visitors on guided tours.

The Corniche, a lovely waterfront promenade along the Atlantic coast, is another must-see while in Casablanca. It has beautiful scenery, sandy beaches, and a lively vibe. The Corniche is dotted with chic eateries and shops where you can shop for the latest fashions while taking in the lively atmosphere of the city.

The Old Medina is a museum of Moroccan history and culture. Souks, or traditional markets, line its small, winding lanes, providing an opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant culture while shopping for authentic souvenirs, spices, and regional specialties. The Casablanca Cathedral, a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture is the current cultural hub, and may also be seen in the Old Medina.

Workers stand among large, colorful vats filled with dyes and hides at a traditional outdoor tannery. The vats are arranged in an irregular pattern.

Fes Medina | Morocco​

Paranormal, mystical, or magical Morocco’s Medina of Fes is the largest and oldest in all of North Africa, and the city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The city is still considered by many to be the cultural heart of Morocco, even though it is no longer the country’s capital. Step inside the city’s historic walls and into the fascinating chaos of the medina, where you’ll find tanneries, hammams, and towers stacked with spices and traditional handicrafts. 

Spend a day or two exploring the city’s historic sites and cultural delights.

Fes Morocco’s Main Attractions​

*Medersa Bounania: 
Between 1350 and 1357, Merenid Sultan Bou Inan constructed the Medersa Bou Inania. Since it is one of the few mosques in Fes that welcomes non-Muslims, the Medersa (a “madrassa” is an Islamic school of learning) is a popular tourist destination and a must-see on any tour of the Medina. 

This building served as a theological academy until the 1960s, and the subsequent restoration work meticulously recreated its magnificent original appearance. The stucco and carved woodwork are stunning, and the work of skilled Moroccan craftspeople.

*Qaraouiyine Mosque’s Exterior
: The Qaraouiyine Mosque, founded in 857 CE by refugees from the holy city of Kairouan, flourished as a university of theology and philosophy during the Middle Ages. 

Its rival, the Al Azhar Mosque in Cairo, Egypt, also claims to be the world’s oldest university. With a prayer hall that can accommodate 20,000 people, it is now one of the largest mosques in Morocco. More than 30,000 books may be found in the mosque’s library, which is one of the oldest still in existence. 

A Qur’an from the 9th century is included in the assortment. Non-Muslims are not permitted inside the Qaraouiyine Mosque compound. However, from the elaborate main gateway on Derb Boutouil, non-Muslims can catch a peek at the mosque’s inner courtyard. 

From the rooftops of surrounding restaurants and the Medersa el-Attarine, visitors can take in breathtaking panoramas of the mosque.

*Royal Palace’s Gate in Fes el Jedid
In the 13th century, the Merenids constructed this “New City” after deciding that Fes el Bali was too small to house their palaces. The magnificent Royal Palace is the main attraction. 

The 80 hectares of land it occupies are off-limits to the general public, although visitors are welcome to pause inside to see the building’s elaborate architecture. 

This little district of the city is a welcome respite between the frantic activity of nearby Fes el Bali and the European-style grandeur of nearby Ville Nouvelle. In the southern part of this neighborhood is the Mellah (Jewish quarter).

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