Our morning began with a tour of Casablanca led by our awesome host Chahine, where we visited the breathtaking Hassan II Mosque. Casablanca, originally established as a small Amazigh settlement in the 7th century and named Anfa (meaning hill), evolved into a major trade center by the 18th century due to its fertile agricultural lands and bustling harbor.
The Hassan II Mosque, the second largest functioning mosque in Africa and the 14th largest in the world, left us in awe. Built on a man-made platform jutting over the Atlantic Ocean, this Moorish architectural marvel is both grand in size and intricate in detail. Constructed over six years in the 1990s, the mosque features modern innovations like an opening sliding roof and lasers that shine towards Mecca. The craftsmanship of 35,000 artisans is evident in the exquisite mosaic tilework, decorative marble and granite columns, carved stucco, huge chandeliers, and especially the cedar-paneled timber work in the high dome. We also visited the beautiful Temple Beth-El, built in 1900, and the center piece of a once vibrant Jewish community in Morocco.
In the afternoon, we drove to Rabat and visited two historical sites: the Oudaya Kasbah and the Mausoleum of Mohamed V. Established in 1195, Rabat’s complex historical struggles led to it becoming the political and administrative capital of Morocco in 1912.
Our first stop in Rabat was the Bab Oudaia Kasbah, with its monumental city gates and 12th-century walls. This fortress, formerly the palace of the original Alaouite Sultan, towers over the cliffs lining the Bou Regreg River. Next, we visited the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, regarded as the father of Moroccan independence. Commissioned by his son, Hassan II, this sacred building is guarded by horsemen at the entrances to the complex, and soldiers on foot just outside the Mausoleum.
The day ended on a high note in Fès, where we stayed in a stunning Riad. A Riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard, offering an authentic and serene experience. Check out my Instagram for more pics—it was truly amazing!
& tile work
were impressive
in the Kasbah
changing every 2hrs
Mausoleum of Mohammed V
taking the form of a huge,
white coiled cobra
