Sacre-Coeur Cathedral

The Sacre-Coeur Cathedral is a former Catholic cathedral on Rue d'Alger beside the Parc de la Ligue Arabe in Casablanca, in Morocco's Casablanca-Settat region. It was designed by the French architect Paul Tournon and built between 1930 and 1952, during the French Protectorate, to serve the city's European Catholic population. The building is a hybrid of Art Deco, neo-Gothic and Moorish influences, executed in reinforced concrete. Its white facade is topped by two slender towers, about 50 metres high, with pointed openings, and the plan is a long nave with a lofty, narrow interior. The stained-glass windows, designed by Gabriel Loire, fill the interior with coloured light. After Morocco's independence in 1956 the building's religious use declined, and the cathedral was deconsecrated. Since then it has been used as a cultural venue for exhibitions and events, and the site belongs to the Moroccan state. The building has been restored over the years, though some areas show wear, and the surrounding park is a popular green space. The exterior can be viewed at any time, while interior access varies according to events and exhibitions, so visitors should check locally. The cathedral is one of the most distinctive examples of colonial-era religious architecture in Morocco and a landmark of Casablanca's Art Deco heritage. Its location close to the Parc de la Ligue Arabe, a pleasant city park, makes it a convenient stop on a walk through the central districts. Photographers appreciate the symmetry of the towers and the contrast of the white concrete with the surrounding palms. The nearby Maarif and downtown areas provide cafes and other points of interest within walking distance.