Casablanca

Casablanca, in Morocco (Casablanca or Anfa its origin nomcbre meaning the Summit in Berber and addar al-baïda in classical Arabic, Casablanca or Casa, in Moroccan Arabic dialect, literally “White House”) is the global, industrial and economic heart of Morocco. and […]

Casablanca, in Morocco (Casablanca or Anfa its origin nomcbre meaning the Summit in Berber and addar al-baïda in classical Arabic, Casablanca or Casa, in Moroccan Arabic dialect, literally “White House”) is the global, industrial and economic heart of Morocco. and its largest city. Casablanca’s name in major art and world history tournaments.

From art, because in the list of the best films usually occupy the first place film that bears the name of this Moroccan city. In it, Humphrey Bogart reaches the peak of his career and performance. Of all the cities in the world, Hollywood chose Casablanca to immortalize as the classic enclave of exotic and colonial flavor.

Those who hope to find Humphrey Bogart implicit in every corner of Casablanca will be very disappointed. This city cannot be defined as quiet: it is the largest city in Morocco and its industrial centre. It is a huge and reckless city where Moroccan chiles (traditional clothing) seem out of place in the presence of fashionable suits for the West and sunglasses.

In the history of mankind, this city has considerable weight because the important meeting between Roosevelt and Churchill was held here in 1943, when it was decided that D-Day would invade Europe. He misled Hitler’s secret devices and thought this would happen in the White House in Washington and not in Casablanca, Morocco.

Casablanca Financial District

The modern city of Casablanca was founded by Amazigh fishermen in the 20th century and was later used by the Phoenicians, Romans and Mernides as a strategic port called Anfa. The Portuguese destroyed it and rebuilt it under the name of Casa Branca, abandoning it after the Great Earthquake of 1755.

The Sultan of Morocco rebuilt the city as Daro El Badia and its current name was given Casablanca by Spanish merchants who established trading bases here. The French occupied the city in 1907, establishing the reserve in 1912 when the construction of the ville nouvelle began. However, it also achieved independence from the rest of the nation in 1956.

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco with a population of about 4 million, one of the most global cities along with Rabat and neighboring Tangier in the far north of the country.

It also has the largest artificial port in the world, although it has no ferry service of any kind. Casablanca is also the most liberal and progressive metropolis of Morocco.. Young people flirt without fear with girls dressed lightly, design brands are the norm in the rich neighborhoods of the city and many young Moroccans speak exclusively French.

But not everyone lives Casablanca’s dream in Morocco. Tens of thousands of Moroccans fled remote areas devastated by drought in search of work in the city. But today they suffer from high unemployment and homelessness. Poverty, which prevails in the slums on the outskirts of the city, has led to high rates of crime, drug abuse, prostitution and the growth of Islam.

Casablanca Modern City

This coastal city suffered a serious deterioration until, when they converted Morocco into their reserve in 1912, the French decided to restore it, build large roads, public parks and impose civil buildings of Moroccan style. The Hassan II mosque is one of the largest in the world, and it is worth visiting the ancient area of Medina de Casablanca.In Mohammed V Square are the most impressive examples of the architecture of the Maghreb.

Casablanca shares Mohammed V airport with Rabat, where regular flights are planned to and from Europe and the Middle East.

Casablanca is a great city and can be something of concern for a tourist. However, once they are in the city center, they are relatively easy to guide.

The city centre is located in Mohammed V Square, and most restaurants, bars and hotels are within walking distance. The old city is a few streets to the north, while the new city (also called Habbous) is in the south. To the west, along the promenade, lies the beach suburb of Ain Diab.

How to walk around Casablanca

To get around the city you can take a small taxi anywhere. The average flight should not cost more than 6 DH. For Ain Diab, the fare is about 18 days. Taxi drivers charge an additional 50% overnight.

City buses will be useful for your trip to Casablanca, but they can also be a bit uncomfortable, especially during peak hours. Useful ways to consider are: N ° 15 of Wade Square stored at Hassan II Mosque and Noon 9, at the same station as Ain Diab.

What to see and visit in Casablanca

Hassan II Grand Mosque: Although non-Muslims are not allowed access to mosques in the rest of Morocco, visits to the Hassan II Grand Mosque are made through guided tours. Admission costs are €10, but it is worth admiring the world’s second largest religious building after Mecca.

No Cornish: This march is another attraction that can be seen in Casablanca. We recommend access to the Hank Lighthouse. There are many restaurants in the area that serve excellent food and at night is one of the most aerial points you can go out for a drink.

Casablanca’s Old Town: Although it is known as dangerous, it should not be exaggerated. A tour will take us to Sidi Bosmara Square. Any traveler will be delighted to see the ancient Casablanca surrounded by its walls.

The Sidi Abdul Rahman reserve was built on a rock on the coast, off the promenade, and is accessible only at low tide. The temple itself is not open to non-Muslims, but visitors can explore the small town as a neighborhood that grew around it.

Mahkama du Pacha: Hispano-Arab building composed of more than 60 rooms decorated with wooden ceilings, plaster and tiles. Although admission is free, it is not easy to enter. You need to find a local guide to accompany you. Ask, especially if you speak any French: it’s worth it. Hours: Monday to Saturday, 08:00-12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00. To get there, take bus 81 on Rue Paris.

Casablanca Central Post Office: Come and send your messages in a unique way. The facade of this building was built in 1918, and consists of round and rectangular shapes. It has a beautiful mosaic.

Ríve de Mon oeil: This art exhibition features an exotic collection of modern sculptures by artists from Casablanca and Morocco.

Octagon Square: is one of the best places in modern Morocco. Businesspeople come collectively at lunchtime to have lunch under the sun in the modern town square. A good place to take pictures.
The only Jewish museum not only in Casablanca, Morocco, but also throughout the Muslim world, is the Jewish Museum of Casablanca..

It is an important resource that illustrates the importance of Jewish heritage throughout the country’s history. The museum is housed in a modern and bright building in the Oasis area, five kilometres south of the city. In addition to the elements of secrets, ancient Moroccan Jewish books and wrappings and traditional costumes are exhibited.

You will also find images of ancient Jewish tombs and synagogues, such as the son of Dunan in Fez and in Efran, in the fight against Atlas. The Jewish Museum of Casablanca is located at 81 Jules Chasur Gross street, just outside the city. Open Monday to Friday from 11:00 to 17:00, admission costs 30 Dhs.

The most beautiful beaches of Casablanca are to the south of the city, if that’s what you want to visit while you’re there. It should be noted that they are beaches with strong waves and typical currents in the Atlantic Ocean.

Safety on your trip to Casablanca

Most of the places to visit are in Casablanca to the north of the city, so it should not surprise you if you do not appear on tourist maps to the south of this vast city. This city is not particularly dangerous, but it has higher crime rates than other cities in the country. Your common sense will avoid 99% of the problems in Casablanca, do not appear large amounts of cash in public, be conservative and do not walk at night.

Although the problem of false guides is less here than in other Moroccan cities, look closely at the Old Town to avoid discomfort.

Nightlife in Casablanca

Casablanca’s nightlife has critics of all kinds. Women may feel a little uncomfortable with the male crowd in some bars and clubs in the city. But if you look a little, you will find some good places to drink, dance, meet people and have fun.

Some nightclubs are filled with prostitutes at night. Be careful that Moroccan laws punish prostitution.

If you want a drink in your hotel room, supermarkets like ATAQAU and CARREFOURE have a variety of spirits and wines, although beer is scarce. The best places to drink alcohol in Casablanca are European-style restaurants, which usually have a good variety, or safer and quieter hotel bars.

There are several Western-style nightclubs in the Maraf and Jerund areas. They cost around 100 AED per person, half of which will be if you visit at happy times, which is usually from 19:00 to 23:00. Some of the bars to visit are Tiger House and La Notte.

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