Notre-Dame de Lourdes is a Catholic church in the Maarif district of Casablanca, on Boulevard Moulay Youssef in Morocco's Casablanca-Settat region. It was designed by the architect Achille Dangleterre and built in the mid-1950s, in the final years of the French Protectorate, to serve the growing European community of the new residential districts. The church is a landmark of modernist religious architecture in Morocco. It is built of reinforced concrete with a tall, slender bell tower and a simple rectangular nave, and its character comes from the stained-glass windows by the French master Gabriel Loire, installed in the 1950s. The glass covers large areas of the walls, and the colours of the windows, in blues, reds and yellows, create a luminous interior that changes through the day. The windows depict biblical scenes and the theme of Our Lady of Lourdes. Unlike many colonial-era churches in Morocco, Notre-Dame de Lourdes remains an active place of worship, serving Catholic residents and visitors to Casablanca, including a French-speaking congregation and expatriate communities. Mass is held at regular times, and the church is open to visitors outside services, with times best confirmed locally. Admission is free and visitors are expected to behave quietly and dress modestly. The building is generally well maintained by the parish, and the windows are the principal reason architecture enthusiasts visit. The church also reflects the multi-faith history of Casablanca, where mosques, synagogues and churches coexist in the same districts. Maarif has cafes, boutiques and the Twin Center nearby, so the church can be combined with a wider walk in the area.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open to visitors outside services; confirm times locally |
| Address | Boulevard Moulay Youssef, Casablanca 20000 |
Why it matters
Built in the mid-1950s, the church is a notable example of Protectorate-era modernist religious architecture, known for its Gabriel Loire stained glass. It remains a working church in a city with a long record of religious coexistence.
Location
Boulevard Moulay Youssef, Casablanca 20000
33.5868, -7.6329 View on map
Highlights
- Gabriel Loire stained-glass windows
- Modernist concrete architecture of the 1950s
- Slender bell tower
- Active place of worship in Maarif
Tips for visiting
- Visit outside Mass times and confirm opening hours locally.
- Go on a sunny morning or afternoon, when the stained glass is brightest.
- Dress modestly and keep conversations quiet.
- Photography is generally tolerated outside services; ask first.
- Pair with a walk through Maarif.
When to visit
Sunny mornings and afternoons outside services give the best light through the windows.
Frequently asked questions
Is the church still active?
Yes, it holds regular Catholic services and welcomes visitors outside those times.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, admission is free.
How long does a visit take?
Around 15 to 30 minutes.