Mahkama du Pacha

The Mahkama du Pacha is a historic court building in the Habous Quarter of Casablanca, Morocco. Completed in the 1940s, it served as the seat of the pasha's justice and remains a showpiece of the neo-Moroccan style used in the quarter. Its interior is the main draw: a sequence of courtyards and halls decorated with intricate carved plaster, painted and carved cedar ceilings, zellige tilework and ornamental ironwork, built by craftspeople trained in traditional techniques. A fountain courtyard and elaborate doors give the building the feel of a palace, even though it was designed for administrative and judicial use. The structure still houses court functions, so visits depend on the court calendar and may be restricted, with access typically on weekdays between 08:30 and 12:00 and 14:30 to 18:00. Visitors usually ask at the entrance and may be guided briefly by staff, and a small donation is customary. A visit lasts about 45 minutes, enough to see the principal courtyards and decorated rooms. Morning is generally the best time, because the light enters the courtyards at a flattering angle and the building is quieter before afternoon sessions. Good photo angles are the carved ceilings, the arched doorways framing the courtyard and the tiled walls, though photography may be restricted in working areas and should be cleared with staff. Crowds are rarely an issue, as the site receives few visitors compared with the nearby shops. It is best combined with a walk through the Habous Quarter and its pastry shops. Visitors should dress modestly, speak quietly in the working corridors and respect any areas marked closed.