Place Mohammed V and Art Deco Downtown

Place Mohammed V is the main civic square of downtown Casablanca, Morocco, and the centre of a district of Art Deco and Mauresque buildings from the 1920s and 1930s, planned under French colonial urbanism and the architect Henri Prost. The square is framed by the Prefecture, the Court of Justice, the Bank al-Maghrib, the post office and the Wilaya, many with arcades, clock towers, carved stone and tile details, and a central fountain with pigeons is a favourite meeting point for local residents. Beyond the square, Boulevard Mohammed V and nearby streets hold Art Deco apartment blocks, cinemas such as the restored Rialto, hotels, balconies and shop fronts with geometric ironwork. The district is best seen on a walking circuit of about 90 minutes to two hours, starting at the square and moving to the Marché Central and the surrounding streets. Visitors look up as much as along, because details such as sculpted friezes, curved corners, stained glass and ironwork are above street level. The best vantage points are the corners of the square for the full arcaded view, and the intersections along Boulevard Mohammed V for perspective down the street. Mornings and late afternoon give softer light and fewer people than midday, and weekdays are busy with commuters and office workers. The exteriors can be viewed at any time, while most public buildings are not open to tourists. Tram stops and taxis serve the area, and the pavements are busy, so visitors should keep valuables secure. Guided architecture walks are run by local organisations and give extra context on the buildings.