Hassan II Mosque
Hassan II Mosque · Atlantic coast, Casablanca, Morocco
A 210-m minaret, the tallest in Africa, and prayer halls built right over the sea — one of the few Moroccan mosques open to non-Muslims.
Know before you go
- Non-Muslims may not enter on their own and must join an official tour
- don't make noise or disturb worshippers in the prayer hall.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Built on the orders of King Hassan II and completed in 1993, it is Morocco's largest mosque. When completed, its 210-m minaret was the tallest in the world (it became second after the Great Mosque of Algiers opened in 2019, and is now the tallest in Africa), with a laser beam on top pointing towards Mecca. Hassan II said 'the throne of God is on the water', so part of the prayer hall was built over the sea, and through the glass floor you can see the waves. All the interior decoration was done by Moroccan craftsmen, a showcase of the summit of Moroccan traditional craftsmanship.
Local customs
- Casablanca is Morocco's economic centre, faster-paced than the inland cities
- mosque tours run in English and French and explain things clearly.
Religion & beliefs
- A working mosque and one of the few in Morocco open to non-Muslims — but only on official guided tours. Women are advised to cover their hair and dress conservatively
- remove shoes to enter the prayer hall
- tours pause during prayer times.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Morocco: don't proselytise
- Respect the local Islamic faith
- Trying to convert Muslims to another religion or handing out missionary material
- Publicly criticising Islam (including online)
Proselytising can mean a fine or up to 3 years in prison; publicly criticising Islam can mean up to 2 years.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Morocco travel advice
Morocco: avoid public displays of affection
- Show restraint near religious sites and in tourist areas
- Kissing or hugging in public
It causes offence; same-sex intimacy can be prosecuted in Morocco.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Morocco travel advice
Morocco: during Ramadan, don't eat or drink in public by day
- Check opening hours during Ramadan
- Dress according to local custom
- Eating, drinking, smoking, chewing gum or swearing in public during the day
It offends people who are fasting.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Morocco travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Non-Muslims may not enter on their own and must join an official tour
- don't make noise or disturb worshippers in the prayer hall.
Locals appreciate DO
Casablancans are very proud of this mosque and see it as the city's true landmark (rather than Rick's Café from the film Casablanca).
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- Non-Muslims can enter only on official guided tours
- there are several a day but places are limited, so book in advance on the official website (check for current details). At high tide or in rough seas, the waves crashing against the seawall are most spectacular. The seafront promenade in front of the mosque is good for a stroll, and it can be combined with the old medina on the same day.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Seafood tagine / grilled fish
- Moroccan seafood soup
- Tagine
Seafood tagine / grilled fish (Atlantic seafood), Moroccan seafood soup, tagine, couscous, mint tea with almond pastries
| Where to eat | Seafood restaurants on the seafront boulevard near the mosque, small places in the old-town souk, around Rick's Café (pricey photo-op) |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | Mosque visits are by scheduled guided tour only, with shoulders and knees covered; time restrictions for non-Muslims as posted on site |
| Typical price per person | MAD 80–150 ≈ CNY 57–107 |
| Tips | Seafood is ordered by weight, so ask the price first; on Friday prayer days, restaurants around often close at midday. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
Timothy A. Gonsalves · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photos
Photos
FuriousYogi · CC BY-SA 4.0
Walaadari · CC BY-SA 4.0
Ayman.mesa25 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources & verification notes
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