ENCHANTED CASABLANCA
by Fabrizio Nonis, celebrity butcher
Beyond its frenetic and chaotic facade, Casablanca, famed all over the world for the legendary film starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, still knows how to make you dream. The name originally came from the Spanish expression for Dar el Beide, which means “white house” in Arabic, from the days when the town was nothing more than a Berber village. Today “Casa”, as it is known by the locals, gives the impression of a giant urban sprawl which is continually growing in the frenzy of its five million inhabitants. Yet despite this, the Maghreb city’s modern and ancient treasures still allow your imagination to run wild.
Hassan II Mosque: one of
the largest Islamic temples
in the world
Image: CorbisThe most captivating sight is, without a doubt, the Hassan II Mosque, a religious monument built on the coast with a sliding roof, at least 50 Murano glass chandeliers, and painted white and turquoise by North African artists.
Completed in 1993, its construction required 25,000 tons of travertine marble and the assistance of 35,000 people. The mosque can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers, and a further 80,000 people in the courtyard.
Another picture-postcard scene can be found on the city’s seafront, where numerous interesting buildings line the Boulevard de la Corniche. For those interested in a historical trip, make sure you visit the two main squares, the Mohammed V Square and the United Nations Square, and don’t forget to stop by the ancient medina to buy some souvenirs.
For fans of the movie Casablanca, a visit to Rick’s Cafe, the saloon featured in the 1942 film, is a must. It has been converted into a bar, restaurant and night club.
www.visitcasablanca.ma
www.sconfinando.com
www.visitmorocco.org