Sacré-Cœur Cathedral

The Sacré-Cœur Cathedral is a landmark of 20th-century architecture on Rue d'Alger in the Racine and Bourgogne area of Casablanca, Morocco, next to the Parc de la Ligue Arabe. Designed by the French architect Paul Tournon and built between 1930 and 1952, it was a Catholic church that has been deconsecrated and is now used for exhibitions and cultural events. Its concrete structure combines Art Deco and Moorish influences, with two slender white towers, a long nave, geometric lines and stained glass by the artist Gabriel Loire, while the exterior is a stark white that stands out in the surrounding district. The building is visible from the park and the street, so a visit to the exterior takes only 30 to 45 minutes. Access to the interior is limited to times when the building hosts exhibitions or events, so visitors should check what is on locally before relying on getting in. The best viewing points are across Parc de la Ligue Arabe, where the towers rise behind the palms, and from the street facing the main facade, where the symmetry of the entrance is clear. Late afternoon light warms the concrete and gives the best photography. The area is quiet on weekdays, and weekends bring families to the park. It combines naturally with a stroll through the park and a taxi downtown, costing around MAD 12-18. Visitors should dress modestly if entering during an event, and should respect any restrictions on photography inside.