Exploring Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque 2026: The Ultimate Guide – History, Facts & Visitor Tips
The Hassan II Mosque is not just the largest mosque in Morocco – it’s the 7th largest in the world and the only one in the country that officially welcomes non-Muslims inside. Perched dramatically over the Atlantic Ocean on a man-made promontory, its 210-meter minaret (the world’s second tallest) has become Casablanca’s defining landmark.
This 2026 guide gives you everything: the real history, mind-blowing facts, and exactly how to visit without wasting time or money.
Key Facts & Numbers (2026)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 105,000 worshippers (25,000 inside + 80,000 on the esplanade) |
| Minaret height | 210 m – tallest religious structure in the world until 2019 |
| Laser beam | Points toward Mecca every night (visible 30 km out to sea) |
| Construction cost | ~$800 million USD (mostly funded by public donation) |
| Construction period | 1986–1993 (7 years, 24/7 work by 35,000 artisans) |
| Materials | Moroccan everywhere except Italian Carrara marble columns & Venetian glass chandeliers |
| Roof | Retractable in 3 minutes (world’s largest moving roof) |
| Floor | Heated marble + glass sections so worshippers can see the ocean below |
The Real History (Not the Wikipedia Version)
King Hassan II wanted a monument that would make Casablanca instantly recognizable and prove Morocco could blend tradition with cutting-edge engineering. He famously said:
“My grandfather is buried in Marrakech, my father in Rabat – I want my trace to be here in Casablanca.”
Built on reclaimed land (the Quranic verse “God’s throne was on water” is inscribed on the façade), it was designed by French architect Michel Pinseau but executed almost entirely by Moroccan master craftsmen – 6,000 of them working non-stop for seven years.
What You’ll Actually See Inside (2026 Highlights)
- Prayer hall – 20,000 men pray under 78 pink granite columns and 56 Bohemian crystal chandeliers weighing 1,200 kg each
- Ablutions hall – Underground marble hammam with 41 fountains and heated floors
- Ocean-view glass floor – Worshippers literally pray over the Atlantic
- Retractable cedar-wood roof – Opens on special occasions (you might get lucky!)
- Minaret tour – New in 2026: limited guided climbs to the top (book months ahead, 400 MAD)
How to Visit in 2026 – Practical Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours (non-Muslims) | Sat–Thu: 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00 (Friday only 9:00 & 14:00) |
| Duration | 60-minute guided tour (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, German, Italian) |
| Price 2026 | 150 MAD adults / 70 MAD students & children / free under 6 |
| Dress code | Shoulders & knees covered, headscarf provided for women (shoes removed) |
| Booking | Online on official site (hassan2mosquee.ma) or buy on arrival (arrive 30 min early) |
| Best time | 9:00 am tour – coolest & least crowded |
| Photography | Allowed everywhere except inside prayer hall during prayer times |
Pro Tips Most Tourists Miss
- Take the first tour at 9:00 – light on the ocean façade is magical
- Walk the esplanade at sunset afterward – the minaret laser switches on
- Combine with Corniche walk & Morocco Mall (15 min taxi)
- Avoid Fridays if possible – shorter tours and bigger crowds
2026 New Experiences
- Minaret climb (limited 12 people per slot, 3 times daily) – book via official website 60 days ahead
- Night illumination tour (summer only) – see the laser and lit fountains
- Virtual reality experience in the new visitor center
Ready to Experience Morocco’s Most Impressive Monument?
Let We Road Morocco include the Hassan II Mosque perfectly in your Casablanca day – timed tickets, licensed guide, private transfer, and the best photo spots.
Contact us instantly:
📱 WhatsApp: +212 667-499757 (send “Hassan II” for exact 2026 availability)
✉️ Email: weroadmorocco@gmail.com | contact@weroadmorocco.com
Standing inside a prayer hall built over the ocean is something you’ll remember forever.
Come see why the Hassan II Mosque is Morocco’s modern masterpiece.
B’seha w raha! 🕌🌊✨