The Hassan II Mosque stands on a platform jutting into the Atlantic along Boulevard Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah in Casablanca, Morocco. Completed in 1993 to designs by the French architect Michel Pinseau, it is one of the largest mosques in the world, and its 210-metre minaret is among the tallest religious towers anywhere. Part of the prayer hall sits over the ocean, and sections of the floor are glass so that the sea is visible beneath worshippers. Visitors who join a guided interior tour see the main prayer hall, which can hold about 25,000 worshippers, with a retractable roof that opens in good weather, carved cedar ceilings, hand-cut zellige tilework, sculpted plaster and marble columns. Craftspeople from across Morocco worked on the decoration, and the scale of the hall is the main surprise for first-time visitors. The tour also covers the ablution rooms and the hammam-style basement with marble fountains and domed chambers, which offer some of the most photogenic spaces in the complex. Guided visits usually run in the morning and early afternoon and last about 45 to 60 minutes, and the whole outing including the esplanade typically takes around 90 minutes. Non-Muslims can enter only with a guide, and the building closes during prayer times and on Friday mornings, so the ticket office should be checked on the day. Dress should cover shoulders and knees, and shoes are removed inside. The best vantage points are on the ocean-facing esplanade, where the minaret frames well against the sky, and along the shoreline walkway toward the corniche for wide shots of the mosque rising from the water. Crowds peak late morning when tour groups arrive, and the first slot of the day or the later afternoon session is calmer. At sunset the esplanade fills with local families, giving a lively contrast to the quieter interior. Photography is allowed in most interior areas but tripods and flash may be restricted.
| Admission | Adult About 130-150 MAD ($14-16) guided interior visit; confirm current fee at the ticket office · Child About 60-70 MAD ($6.50-7.50) for children |
|---|---|
| Hours | Guided interior visits run in the morning and early afternoon, closed to visitors during prayer times and on Friday mornings; times change by season, confirm at fmh2.ma |
| Typical visit | 1.5 hours |
| Best time | Morning guided slot, then sunset on the esplanade |
| Getting there | Petit taxi or Casa Port tram station (T1 line) plus 15 minutes on foot; taxi from downtown about 20-30 MAD ($2-3) |
| Address | Boulevard Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah, Casablanca 20000 |
Location
Boulevard Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah, Casablanca 20000
33.6084, -7.6325 View on map
Highlights
- Guided tour of the prayer hall with its retractable roof and glass floor panels
- 210-metre minaret, among the tallest in the world
- Hand-carved cedar, zellige tilework and sculpted plaster by Moroccan craftspeople
- Marble-lined ablution rooms and basement hammam chambers
- Atlantic-facing esplanade at sunset
Tips for visiting
- Join the first morning guided slot to avoid the largest tour groups
- Cover shoulders and knees; shoes are removed before entering the prayer hall
- Interior visits are guided only and pause for prayer times and Friday mornings
- Buy tickets at the on-site office and check the current fee before queuing
- Stay for sunset on the esplanade, when local families gather
- Bring a light jacket, as the sea wind on the platform can be strong
When to visit
Take the first guided slot of the day for fewer crowds, then return at sunset for the esplanade. Mid-morning is busiest with tour groups.
Accessibility
The esplanade and main entrances are largely level, and the prayer hall is generally reachable without stairs. Visitors with mobility needs should confirm arrangements at the ticket office, as some basement areas involve steps.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Hassan II Mosque take?
The guided interior tour lasts about 45 to 60 minutes. Allow around 90 minutes in total to include the esplanade and photographs.
Can non-Muslims enter the Hassan II Mosque?
Yes. Non-Muslims may enter on a guided tour, which is the only way to see the interior. Modest dress is required and the mosque is closed to visitors during prayer times.
Is photography allowed inside?
Photography is generally permitted in the prayer hall and basement for personal use, though flash and tripods may be restricted by the guides.
Is it worth visiting with children?
Many families find it worthwhile because of the scale of the hall and the sea views, and children pay a reduced fee. The tour is mostly walking and standing, so very young children may tire.